Grand Duke Vladimir Monomakh II Vsevolod.
XI century - again on the expanse of the Black Sea steppe was a wave of nomads. At this time, we replaced the Pechenegs Polovtsy. The thing is, that the XI century was characterized by feudal fragmentation of the Russian lands, therefore, Russia was subject to raids by nomads longer, than ever. Each year, they committed destructive raids on the Russian village, economy which suffered heavy losses. In order to protect Russian lands were erected chain-city outposts, connected by an earthen rampart. Besides, strengthening data was protected by guards, that never sleeps neither day, or night. What tricks did not go Russian princes, to save their possessions: they concluded a treaty of friendship with the Polovtsy, They married their sons to the khan's daughter. However, these agreements do not play any role, Therefore, the test cost nothing to plunder the possessions of his son-in.
In the troubled times he became Prince Vladimir Monomakh protector of the people, which was later named storm nasty (inovercev). AT 1096 , the battle took place in the Dnieper River near the ford Zarubinsky, where Russian combatants defeated Polovtsian Khan Tugorkanom, who has repeatedly made devastating raids on Russian land. Khan was so fierce and cruel, that his way was the basis for a prototype of a giant epic Tugarina Zmeevicha.
Combating Polovtsy unfolded always one and the same scenario - it was reduced to the duration of action at the border and the pursuit of the enemy with the aim to recapture the prisoners and property. Prince, in turn, tried to take the war to enemy territory, Charging into its depths. With the resumption of new raids became necessary to develop a Russian martial art.
Vladimir Monomakh added army detachments of light cavalry, who had the opportunity to act quickly and skillfully, as polovtsy. But the prince was not easy - to confront the enemy prevented the fragmented Russian lands, who belonged to different princes. Monomakh princes called for unity, as a result has become possible to reconcile work forces against a common enemy.
A. D. Kivshenko. "Dolobsky congress of princes - Prince Vladimir Monomakh date with Prince Svyatopolk"
spring 1103 It was planned campaign of Prince Vladimir in the Polovtsian steppe. Prince decided to invite the prince Svyatopolk accompany him, but Duke squad objected to the proposal, explaining his reluctance to order, that the separation warriors from plowing and sowing to be untimely. It was decided to continue the conversation on the banks of the Dnieper River near Kyiv. Both squads princes gathered and sat in silence for a long time. "Brother! - appealed to Vladimir Svyatopolk. - "You are the senior, begin to speak, as we would a Russian fishing ground?" - "It would be better if you did it, my boy, says the first ", - said Sviatopolk. "How can I say?"- angry Vladimir. - "Against my will and your, and my wife. tell: He wants to kill villagers and arable land. But I watch one, you regret the villagers and their horses, but you do not think, that will villager spring plow horse, and come Polovtsian; arrow hit him, take a horse and, and wife, and children, and the barn will ignite, - about it you do not think!"It was impossible not to agree with the above,. For Prince Vladimir and Svyatopolk hiking off five others. Command of the troops was entrusted to the experienced Vladimir. Shelves moved down the Dnieper River, the infantry followed in boats, and cavalry moved along the shore. Then the army began to delve into the steppe, movement continued for four days.
The enemies of the Russian land, polovtsы, gathered powerful forces against Russia. Another interesting fact, that one of the Khans expressed a desire to solve the conflict peacefully: "It got to ask for peace in Russia; they will beat us soundly, because we have done a lot of evil their land ". But prevailed young Khans: "If you are afraid of Russia, we are not afraid. Izbivshi these, go to their own land, take them to the city, and then who will protect them from us?»
Polovtsi decided, that the guard detachment under the command of fearless Altunopy go forward. The result of this decision was the extermination of every one of the vanguard of the Russian Polovtsy. After the collision of two powerful and important forces. Vladimir cleverly and skillfully introduced standing in two lines in the battle of Russian shelf.
Russian won, victory was unconditional. The part number of Polovtsian khans exceeded only dead 20. The main leader of the enemy himself Beldyuz Khan was captured. While in captivity, he hoped to pay off in silver, gold, also offering cattle, but the fate of the prisoner was in the hands of the prince: "How many times have you sworn not to fight, and then all fought Russian land?"- said Vladimir Beldyuzu. - "Why did you not teach their sons and kinsmen to comply oath, and shed the blood of Christian? So whether it's your blood on your head!"Vladimir has not spared the treacherous Khan and sentenced him to death. After Russian troops returned home with the prisoners and mined cattle, among whom were many cows, camels and horses.
Polovtsian rider
However, this was not the end, a few years later Polovtsian raids recurred. Prince Vladimir decided to re-convene the princes, and to start a campaign against the enemy. This time Monomakh was made with a 30-strong army into the steppe in February, so the weapons and equipment carried on a sled. Already in the Polovtsian steppe sledges were left, and then followed by the promotion of Russian troops, which was quick and unexpected. Troops freely reached the Northern Donets and headed for the city Polovtsian Sharukan. Residents of the city welcomed the Russian troops with gifts, city was taken, and another a few days later was captured and the city NPGs.
By this time the Polovtsy managed to gather strength, outnumbered army Monomakh. 24 Martha 1111 year advanced Polovtsian troops were broken advanced Russian. Key same forces entered the fray after three days on the river Sale. Polovtsi immediately surrounded the Russian shelf. Warriors fought off cavalry attacks, at the crucial moment the prince brought his squad into battle. Soon environment was broken; lost soldiers and wasted power, Cumans began to gradually give way and retreat. Soon it turned to flight. The battle ended with a brilliant victory of Russian troops over the Polovtsy and guarantee a long and peaceful existence of the Russian lands without raids.
Chronicler described the success of Prince Vladimir follows: "Kipchaks fled, and they fell before the regiment Vladimirov, invisible stricken angel: many people have seen, as the heads of their flying, ssekaemыe invisible hand ". And then: "How is it you were such a force, - asked the winners of prisoners, - and you can not fight with us, and immediately ran?». Polovtsi answered: "How do we fight with you? Others go over you in the armor of light and terrible and help you ". Chronicler expressed delight, and it can be understood, as devastating, devastating raids Polovtsy did not know the account for a long time, it seemed, that there is no salvation, but Russian troops led by Prince crushed treacherous polovtsev.
Also, Vladimir Monomakh went down in history as the author of instructive works for their sons that, how to live and keep state and military affairs. Here is one of his advice: "Going to war, not lenitesy, do not rely on the governor; nor drink, no food did not betray, nor Spano; and held themselves to dress up, and, night dress them from all sides, then go about warriors, and get up early, and weapons do not remove yourself immediately, for, not looking around, out-of Leno, suddenly people die ".Gabriel Tsobehiya
