Yaroslav the Wise’s active political life began with the struggle for power and the right to occupy the Kiev throne, which led to the decline of the lands where the civil war took place and the loss of part of the state’s territory. However, after establishing himself in Kiev and forming an alliance with his brother Mstislav, the prince was successful in his further foreign and domestic policy activities.
To answer the question of what Yaroslav the Wise did for Rus’ in brief, let us list his main achievements during his reign in various cities:
- The price of Yaroslav’s claim to the Kiev throne was the loss of the Chervona Rus’ lands during the civil war of 1015-1019, which were returned after a ceasefire agreement with Prince Mstislav and jointcampaigns in Poland in 1030-1031.
- The development of education became another cornerstone in the foundation of future Slavic culture.
- The construction of new cities on acquired territories and the fortresses of the Poros Line provided additional protection for the state against future invasions by nomads.
- «Yaroslav’s Truth» and «Church Statut» — were new milestones in the development of civil and church law.
- The influence of Kievan Rus’ was strengthened in the north and northeast directions.
- Relations with Poland were established, prisoners and Cherven cities captured by Bolesław I were returned.
- Dynastic marriages were concluded with the kings of France, Poland, Hungary, and Norway, as well as with the family of the Byzantine emperor – increasing the authority of Kievan Rus’ in Europe.
- The Pecheneg raid on Kiev was repulsed — this tribe no longer troubled the southeastern borders of the state.
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