Mikhail of Vladimir facts for kids
Mikhalko Yuryevich (also known as Mikhail) was an important prince in the history of Kievan Rus'. He was a son of Yuri Dolgoruky, a powerful ruler. Mikhalko served as the Grand Prince of Vladimir twice: first in 1174, and then from 1175 to 1176.
Early Life and Challenges
Mikhalko Yuryevich was the oldest son from his father Yuri Dolgoruky's second marriage. His half-brother, Andrei Bogolyubsky, did not like Mikhalko's mother. Because of this, Andrei made Mikhalko leave the lands of Suzdal.
From 1162 to 1169, Mikhalko lived in a small town called Ostyor, near Chernigov. Later, he moved to the town of Torchesk.
A Prince's Journey
In 1171, Andrei Bogolyubsky offered Mikhalko the chance to rule Kiev. This happened after the death of Gleb Yuriyevich. However, Mikhalko chose not to take the throne himself. Instead, he sent his younger brother, Vsevolod, to rule Kiev.
Mikhalko faced a challenge in Torchesk. Another prince, Yaropolk Rostislavich, wanted to rule Kiev and surrounded Torchesk. Mikhalko made peace with Yaropolk. He was then allowed to move his main city to Pereiaslav. But his people there soon ran out of food. After holding the city for a week, Mikhalko had to give up.
The next year, Andrei invaded southern Rus'. Mikhalko then decided to support his brother Andrei. He broke his ties with Rurik and promised his loyalty to Andrei.
Becoming Grand Prince
After Andrei Bogolyubsky died, Mikhalko became the ruler in Vladimir. But he faced problems with the powerful noble families, called boyars, from Suzdal and Rostov. They felt ignored because Vladimir was becoming more important. Because of these issues, Mikhalko had to leave Vladimir and go to Chernigov.
Soon, the people of Vladimir asked Mikhalko to come back. They needed his help to fight against Yaropolk, who was Andrei Bogolyubsky's nephew. Mikhalko defeated Yaropolk and took back the throne of Vladimir in 1175.
Mikhalko Yuryevich died the following year, on June 20, 1176. His brother, Vsevolod, became the next Grand Prince of Vladimir.
