THE RURIK DYNASTY. (2019) Episode 3. In Russian with English subtitles.

Conquest and the struggle of power, victory and defeat, love and betrayal, the rise of culture and the ashes of conflagration - these are just some of the elements of the Rurik dynasty. Founded by Viking/Varangian prince, the Rurik dynasty ruled the territory of Kievan Rus from 882, and later, several neighbouring principalities including the Grand Duchy of Moscow. Their rule continued until 1610 and the Time of Troubles, after which they were succeeded by the Romanovs. Throughout their rule, the Rurikids fortified, defended and expanded their territory - sometimes with fierce and terrifying battles, sometimes with reconciliation and peace treaties. Most importantly, however, it was under their rule that Russian culture developed, and the Russian nation emerged to become the vast transcontinental and multi-ethnic state that exists today.
Vladimir Vsevolodovich (Monomakh) is the subject of episode 3. He was called to the great reign of Kiev by the Kievans themselves, tired of the endless turmoil and change of princes. For some time he managed to "extinguish" the fire of princely strife. A talented commander, he defeated the Polovtsy and created a border defense system. The only one of all the Russian princes, he left autobiographical notes, known as "Instructions of Vladimir Monomakh." It was with his name that Moscow scribes of the 15th century connected the legend of the appearance in Rus' of royal regalia, allegedly received from the Byzantine emperor, including the so-called “Monomakh's cap”. Canonized in the guise of a faithful. Of the entire Rurik dynasty, it was Vladimir Monomakh who remained in historical and popular memory as an ideal ruler. He showed the Russian princes the way to preserve Rus' as a single whole, held together not only by political, but also spiritual bonds. In order to embark on this path, it was not so much political will that was required, but the ability to sacrifice profit for the sake of a lofty goal, and the ability to keep “the fear of God” in the soul.