What was day to day life like in the 13th century Russian city-state of Novgorod? This monograph is a compilation of the material culture, architecture, foods, stories, and beliefs of the time. It is based, as much as possible, on primary evidence such as archaeological finds and manuscripts. Any inferences are are identified.
The 13th century was a turning point in Russian history. At the start of
the period, trade expeditions flowed out of North Russia each spring,
traveling from Novgorod over the river system of Russia, through Kiev, and
on to the glittering capital of the Byzantine Empire, Constantinople. The
state of Kievan Rus was sprawling, aggressive, and divided, yet prosperous.
The Rus battled steppe nomads, the Kuman and fought among themselves. By
the end of the century Kiev was in ruins, the majority of her inhabitants
dead. Trade with Byzantium had ceased. The Mongol's Golden Horde ruled the
Rus, sacking and murdering at will. Population declined precipitously and
surrounding states encroached on Russian land. Yet the root culture of the
Rus survived the period, the vitality of Kiev persevering in Novgorod,
Vladimir, and the nascent Moscow.
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