The Grand Duke of the Russian land Vsevolod the Big Nest (born in 1154) was the son of Yuri Dolgoruky, began to rule the Vladimir-Suzdal principality in 1176 after a prolonged civil strife. The time of the reign of Vsevolod is considered the era of prosperity of the Vladimir land. It is no coincidence that he received the nickname: the prince left behind numerous offspring.
Instructions
Step 1
Vsevolod III should be considered a real ruler with a flexible practical mind. In childhood and adolescence, by the will of fate, he happened to be in Byzantium, the southern Russian lands. Impressions, life circumstances contributed a lot to the formation and development of the abilities of the future Grand Duke of the Vladimir-Suzdal principality that expanded during his reign.
Step 2
From the very beginning of his reign, the inhabitants of the territories under his control fell in love with the victories over the neighbors. The Grand Duke was often kind and gentle. It happened more than once that boyars and vigilantes were dissatisfied with his condescending attitude towards the enemy.
Step 3
Vsevolod the Big Nest was an intelligent, firm ruler, acted carefully and understood that it was better not to engage in open struggle with the North Russian boyars. He tried to observe the old Russian customs, in solving zemstvo issues he used the advice of his boyars.
Step 4
Vsevolod sought to weaken the southern Russian princes, therefore he forced them to be at enmity with each other, choosing not always worthy methods of action. He even sometimes showed cunning, trying to keep power in his hands. The warlord's prudence and caution manifested itself in battles.
Step 5
Vsevolod even managed to subdue Novgorod to some extent for a short time. Before that, not a single ruler had succeeded in depriving the city-state of independence and independence. Veche administration was maintained throughout the years of the existence of Novgorod, veche had the right to invite and expel princes. The Novgorodians began to ask Vsevolod for princes for themselves. The wise ruler of the Vladimir principality, building relations with the boyars of Novgorod, took into account his desires. The main thing for the prince is the preservation of calm in the Russian land, and not the desire to subjugate the Novgorodians.
Step 6
Vsevolod the Big Nest had to reasonably build relations with Byzantium, Volga Bulgaria, Polovtsy. Equal, calm ties were maintained in relations with Byzantium. The eastern policy of the prince, the conquest of the territories of the Volga Bulgaria were determined only by the tasks of trade. For the sake of common interests, Vsevolod knew how to unite Russian princes against common enemies. Subjugating the Ryazan and Smolensk principalities, he assumed the duty of the defender of the conquered lands.
Step 7
The Polovtsi were considered dangerous neighbors of Russia, who had bothered the southern borders for several centuries. Vsevolod sometimes turned to them, undertaking military campaigns against the Volga Bulgaria. But the constant devastation of the southern borders by the nomads became the reason for the campaigns against the Polovtsians. The protection of the native land and the peace of the inhabitants were very important for the Russian ruler.
Step 8
The Vladimir prince strove to unite all the territories of Russia under his rule. But he preferred to do this not so much by military action as by peaceful means.
Step 9
Vsevolod the Big Nest is a ruler who diligently dealt with household affairs, unhypocritically administering the court. In his free time from military campaigns, he traveled around the subject lands, collecting tribute, sorting out litigations justly. The prince closely followed the strengthening of the border territories: under him, new detachments were erected, the old fortress walls were repaired. Cities that fell victim to fires and other destruction were revived. Under him, not only old churches were renewed, but new ones were built. For example, in Vladimir were erected churches of the Nativity of the Virgin, the Assumption and the famous Dmitrievsky temple in honor of St. Dmitry Thessaloniki (Dmitry is the name of the Grand Duke at baptism).
Step 10
Vsevolod the Big Nest is an exemplary North Russian prince and family man. God was gifted with numerous descendants: he had eight sons and four daughters. His wife Maria, an Alanian princess, was devout and engaged in charity work. Vsevolod and the princess were distinguished by their hospitality, the orphaned and persecuted relatives of Mary could always find shelter and affection with them. After the death of his wife, the prince, who had many grandchildren, entered into a second marriage. According to custom, the Grand Duke divided the hereditary lands between his sons. In this he showed state shortsightedness.
Step 11
Vsevolod the Big Nest died in 1212 and was buried in the Assumption Cathedral in the city of Vladimir.
