Sviatopolk II of Kiev facts for kids

Sviatopolk II Iziaslavich was an important ruler of Kievan Rus' (an old kingdom) for 20 years. He ruled from 1093 to 1113. He wasn't very popular, and he often had disagreements with his cousin, Vladimir Monomakh. His Christian name was Michael.

Early Life of Sviatopolk II

Sviatopolk II was born on November 8, 1050. His father was Iziaslav Iaroslavich. For a while, people didn't think he would become the ruler of Kiev.

He first ruled the city of Polotsk in 1069. Later, he ruled Novgorod for ten years, from 1078 to 1088. After his brother died, Sviatopolk became the ruler of Turov. His family continued to rule Turov for a very long time.

Sviatopolk II's Time as Ruler

When Vsevolod Iaroslavich died in 1093, Sviatopolk was chosen to become the Grand Prince of Kiev. This meant he was the most important ruler.

He took part in meetings with other princes, like those organized by Vladimir Monomakh. However, some people say he encouraged fights among the different princely families. For example, he helped his cousin and son-in-law capture and blind one of the princes from Galicia.

Sviatopolk also joined Vladimir Monomakh in battles against the Kipchaks, a nomadic group. He was defeated in the Battle of the Stugna River in 1093. Later that year, the Kipchaks defeated him again. They even destroyed a settlement called Torchesk.

In 1096, Sviatopolk left his lands unprotected. His father-in-law, Tugorkhan, raided the city of Pereiaslavl. Another leader, Boniak, raided as far as Kiev. He destroyed Berestovo and attacked three monasteries: Klov, Vydubichi, and the Caves. Tugorkhan was killed during his raid and was buried in Kiev.

This mosaic of St. Demetrius was placed by Sviatopolk in the St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery in Kiev. It honored his father's patron saint.

Because Sviatopolk's Christian name was Michael, he supported the St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery in Kiev. This monastery is famous for its golden roofs. A very important history book, called the Primary Chronicle, was written by the monk Nestor during Sviatopolk's rule.

Sviatopolk II's Family Life

Sviatopolk II was married three times and had several children.

First Marriage

Sviatopolk first married a princess from Bohemia. They had three children:

• Zbyslava: She married King Boleslaw III of Poland in 1102.
• Predslava: She married Prince Álmos of Hungary in 1104.
• Iaroslav (died 1123): He was a prince of Volynia and Turov. He married three times. Because Iaroslav died early, his children did not become rulers of Kiev. They ruled Turov and Pinsk instead.

Second Marriage

In 1094, Sviatopolk married Olena, a daughter of Tugorkhan of the Kypchaks. They had four children:

• Anna (died 1136): She married Sviatoslav Davydych from Chernihiv.
• Maria: She married Piotr Włostowic, a Polish leader.
• Bryachislav (1104–1127): He might have become Prince of Turov in 1118.
• Iziaslav (died 1127): He might have been Prince of Turov in 1123.

Third Marriage

In 1104, Sviatopolk married for a third time to Barbara Komnena.

Other Children

Some historical records say Sviatopolk had another son, Mstislav, who was born outside of marriage. Mstislav ruled Novgorod-Sieversky from 1095 to 1097. He later ruled Volyn from 1097 to 1099. Mstislav was later killed in Volodymyr-Volynski.

See also

• List of Russian rulers
• List of Ukrainian rulers