Yaroslav The Wise

Yaroslav the Wise the Strategist

Yaroslav the Wise of Russia was born around the year 978, and he died February 20, 1054.  Why was he wise?  He wasn’t.  Yaroslav the wise was just a name attributed to him because that’s what people did back then to glorify leaders.  Actually for such a strategic-minded individual, Yaroslav ended up doing something downright absent-minded. 

Yaroslav was the son of Vladimir the Great.  He is said to have been the son of Rogneda of Polotsk, making him Vladimir’s second son.  However, Yaroslav’s skeletal remains indicate he was most likely born out of wedlock because his bones are younger than those of some of his siblings.  Speaking of siblings, Yaroslav wasn’t close to his.  After his father’s passing Yaroslav learned Vladimir has passed the throne to his younger son, [Boris] of Kiev.  For the next few years Yaroslav waged war with his half brother, Svyatopolk.  He defeated Svyatopolk.  Three other brothers were also murdered:  Boris, [Gleb], and Svyatoslav.  The slaying of Boris was pinned on Svyatopolk, but it is highly likely Yaroslav was to blame.  Yaroslav fought many neighboring nations including Poland and the Byzantine Empire.

            So, Yaroslav “the Wise” takes Kiev.  Then comes Russkaya Pravda, Russia’s first [Code Of Laws] called Russkaya Pravda.  One interesting law is the one about blood feuds.  Yaroslav didn’t outlaw killing each other in blood feuds.  He just fined people when they killed someone if the person they killed couldn’t be avenged properly. 

            In order to gain more power and influence Yaroslav married his children off to other influential royal families.  Yaroslav himself married Ingigerd, daughter of the King of Sweden. 

Elizabeth -- Harald III of Norway

Anastasia -- the future Andrew I of Hungary

Anne of Kiev -- Henry I of France

Another notable alliance by marriage happened as a result of his son, Vladimir II’s (later Vladimir of Novgorod), attempt to overthrow Constantinople.  That didn’t happen, but Vsevolod, another son of Yaroslav, was promised to the emperor’s daughter.  Yaroslav had many children with which to strategically marry, obviously.

            Indeed, forming alliances and strategies for conquering territory were Yaroslav’s strong suits.  In this way he was wise if wise means business-oriented.  However, his final business decision led to civil war.  He split his empire among his sons in his passing.  His son Vladimir Of Novgorod died before Yaroslav, but he is famous for building [Saint Sophia Catedral].  Yaroslav was the one who killed his own brothers to gain power.  Did he sincerely think his own sons would not fight for territory?

            Now Yaroslav has an award named after him and medals with his face engraved in them.