Knyaz Vsevolod Yaroslavich of Kiev: personality, reign, family relations

Abstract

The paper attempts to consider the figure of Knyaz Vsevolod Yaroslavich of Kiev in the context of personality, family and features of rule. Based on the sources and their critical analysis, the author tried to collect all the available material in order to present this son of Yaroslav the Wise as a person, as well as the head of Rus in a difficult period of its development. Special attention is paid to the connection of his reign with the state of health. Vsevolod Yaroslavich lived a long life for his time, outliving all his brothers and very likely sisters. The Knyaz of Kiev was not a strong and active figure, not successful in battles and preferring to negotiate with enemies. Nevertheless, he managed to expand his domain, as well as raise his familys marital ties with European monarchs to a new level. Vsevolod was a scribe and a polyglot who avoided earthly temptations. His reign cannot be considered successful, since a series of various disasters occurred at the end of his power. Only the energy and valor of Vladimir Monomakhs son, Knyaz of Chernigov, supported his father in Kiev. The sick old knyaz had little control over the management system, where the power was in the hands of his young advisers, who left a bad name about themselves. One of Vsevolods confidants was Dmitr, who left an inscription on the wall of the Kiev St. Sophia Cathedral. Vsevolods family was distinguished by education, as can be seen from the examples of the knyaz himself and his children. The princely family maintained good relations between the sons from different marriages of Vsevolod and between the son Vladimir Monomakh and the stepmother. After Vsevolods death, his son did not dare to occupy Kiev, as he had no support, but ceded power to his elder cousin Svyatopolk Izyaslavich, as previously planned. The figures of the sons of Yaroslav the Wise, as well as Rurikids as a whole, need further comprehensive research.