Information on the thesis

The dissertation is devoted to the complex analysis of the activity of the boyar layer in the
territory of South-western Rus during the XI–XIV centuries. The main theories and directions
of the formation of the nobility, its socio-economic and political role, the characteristic
territorial features of the layer on the territory of the Kiev, Pereyaslav, Chernigov and
Galician-Volyn principalities are distinguished. Formation of polyethnical boyar’s armed
force was the main factor in the emergence of nobility.
The role and localization of boyar farmsteads on the territory of the studied principalities is
also explained. The emphasis is placed on the richness and outstanding features of the boyar
manor as political, military and economic centres of the district. The boyar seat is a
concentration of local artisan production, which serves the population of the land itself and
begins to orientate on the market. With the development of economic relations, the influence
of the nobility on political processes increases, which manifested itself in the discrimination
of the broad strata of the population in the protection of rights and property, in comparison
with the nobility. The “Russkaya Pravda” (Justice of Rus) imposes considerably higher
monetary penalties for violating property rights and personal non-property rights of the boyar.
In addition, the boyars take an active part in trade operations, assembly and advisory duties under the
prince, forming his duma.
The boyar of the Kiev principality was an evolution in the development of sources of
obtaining land plots from the plots as a feeding and exploitation of land estates. The basis of
their economy is based on households, focused on agriculture and handicraft production. In
political terms, the Kyiv nobility, given the desire of the separate branches of the Rurik’s
descendants to consolidate the upper table in the state, has little ability to choose one or the
other side. The transition to the territory of the Kiev principality, along with the princes of the
coming members of the aristocracy met with desperate resistance of all strata of the
population, primarily nobility.
In analyzing the nobility of Chernigiv-Siversky and Pereyaslavl principalities, the author
maked the conclusion about the attachment of the local boyar layer of his princely power. The
reasons were the danger of attacks from the nomadic world, which forced them to seek
protection from the prince’s wife, and hence cooperation with the authorities (the Pereyaslav
principality), attempts to obtain material benefits, moving along with the princes in their
aspirations to extend their influence on neighbouring lands (Chernihiv-Siversky principality).
Galician-Volyn principality had its own peculiarities in the origin and role of the boyars.
The Galician boyars was characterized by ties with the tribal nobility in the pre-modern era.
This is precisely the reason for the nobility’s desire to influence the activities of its prince,
aspiration to the sole management of local resources. The control of trade and export routes,
the good geographical location of the boyar farms gave the opportunity to retain their own
military wives, to spread influence on the whole city and community centres.
Key words: boyars, Kievan Rus, Southwest Rus, landed property, boyar seat, charters,
Varangians, armed forces of principality, city elders, boyars of zemstvo.
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