This year marks the 900th anniversary of the death of Vladimir Monomakh, a truly extraordinary and unique figure of his time.

The chosen leader arose

Vladimir Monomakh (1053–1125) was a Grand Prince of Kiev who played a crucial role in defending his lands from nomadic invasions, particularly against the Cumans, while also strengthening internal unity through wise governance.

His authority was so great that during his reign in Kiev, he essentially ruled the formally fragmented Rus single-handedly. And at the very beginning, in 1113, no one was even bothered by his accession to the throne in violation of the unshakable ladder of succession. Vladimir Monomakh bypassed an entire branch of senior princes, but the residents of Kiev paid no mind: for the first time since Rurik, the people called upon their chosen prince to rule them to take the throne and restore order. His reign brought internal stability by addressing social grievances and limiting the exploitation of peasants by moneylenders.

Monomakh can be considered the author of the prototype for the future Russian Empire. Being himself a descendant of a Roman Emperor, he sought to establish the kinship of his children with the families of the Vasilevs in order to formalize the succession of Rus from the Empire of Constantinople. Monomakh not even stopped by war and would ultimately marry his granddaughter to the son of Emperor John Komnenos.

Instructions for the future

Within Rus, the prince sought unification. He tried in every way to maintain peace between the principalities. In his famous set of “Instructions” to his sons, Monomakh taught his children to live in love and harmony. He even appealed to Prince Oleg Svyatoslavich to end their feud, even though he had lost his son in wars with him. The Instructions combined personal memoirs, ethical advice, and practical governance principles, emphasizing justice, piety, and the responsibilities of a ruler. It remains a valuable historical document, offering insights into the political logic of medieval Rus.

The figure of Vladimir Monomakh embodies Russia’s eternal desire to build an Orthodox Empire on its land. In those days, the time had not yet come: after the prince’s death, his descendants were unable to prevent the disintegration of Rus. But the Empire always revived itself. And it always became even stronger than before. This is what happened in the 15th century, and this is what is surely happening now. Because at all these times there were people who carried out Monomakh’s command:

“Strive to do all kinds of good deeds, glorifying God with His saints. Do not fear death, children, nor war, nor beasts, but do your manly duty as God sends it to you.”