Boyar facts for kids
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A boyar was a powerful noble in medieval Russia. They were also found in other Slavic countries like Bulgaria. Boyars held very important jobs, especially in the army. They were part of a group called the duma, where they advised the ruling prince or, later, the tsar.
In the 13th and 14th centuries, boyars were wealthy landowners. They could advise their prince. But they were also free to leave and work for a different prince if they wished. This showed their independence and power.
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Boyars in Moscow
From the 15th to the 17th centuries, boyars in Moscow became a very close-knit group of aristocracy. There were about 200 boyar families. Their ancestors were often former princes, old Moscow boyar families, or important foreign nobles.
Life and Customs of Boyars
Boyars were different from nobles in Western Europe. Their way of life was quite unique. Many of them did not travel much. They were also often wary of new ideas or customs from other countries. This made their culture very distinct.
The Decline of Boyar Power
In the 17th century, the boyars started to lose their influence. Their power slowly decreased as the tsars became stronger.
End of the Boyar Title
In the early 18th century, a powerful ruler named Tsar Peter the Great made a big change. He officially ended the title of boyar. This was part of his plan to modernize Russia and bring it closer to Western European ways. He wanted to create a new system of government and nobility.
Images for kids
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Portrait of Russian boyar Pyotr Potemkin by Godfrey Kneller
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Russian boyars in the 16th–17th centuries
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Mounted Russian boyar from 17th century
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A Boyar Wedding Feast, by Konstantin Makovsky (1883)
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Wallachian vornic Șerban Grădișteanu wearing a kalpak, an indication of his boyar rank
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Boyars with gorlatnaya hats in a painting by Andrei Ryabushkin. The higher hats indicated higher social status.
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See also
In Spanish: Boyardo para niños
