Yaropolk II of Kiev facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yaropolk II of Kiev |
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Portrait in the Tsarsky titulyarnik (1672)
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| Prince of Smolensk | |
| Reign | 1100–1113 |
| Prince of Pereyaslavl | |
| Reign | 1114–1132 |
| Predecessor | Sviatoslav I Vladimirovich |
| Successor | Vsevolod Mstislavich |
| Grand Prince of Kiev | |
| Reign | 1132–1139 |
| Predecessor | Mstislav I of Kiev |
| Successor | Viacheslav I of Kiev |
| Born | 1082 Chernigov |
| Died | 18 February 1139 (aged 56–57) Kiev |
| Spouse | Helena |
| Dynasty | Rurik |
| Father | Vladimir II Monomakh |
| Mother | Gytha of Wessex |
Yaropolk II Vladimirovich (born 1082 – died 18 February 1139) was an important ruler in Kievan Rus'. He was the Prince of Pereyaslavl from 1114 to 1132. Later, he became the Grand Prince of Kiev from 1132 to 1139.
Yaropolk was the son of Vladimir II Monomakh, a famous Grand Prince. His mother was Gytha of Wessex. He was known for fighting against the Cumans, a nomadic group. He led successful military campaigns against them in 1103 and 1116.
Contents
Becoming Grand Prince of Kiev
After his older brother, Mstislav I the Great, passed away in 1132, Yaropolk became the Grand Prince of Kiev. This was a very important position. It meant he was the main ruler of the lands.
Family Challenges and Power Struggles
Being Grand Prince was not easy. Yaropolk had to deal with many family members. They all wanted power and influence. His half-brother, Yuri Dolgoruki, was especially powerful. Yuri wanted more land and control for himself.
Yaropolk first chose Vsevolod Mstislavich to rule Pereyaslavl. But Yuri Dolgoruki, with help from the people of Novgorod, soon forced Vsevolod out. Yaropolk then appointed another nephew, Iziaslav Mstislavich, to Pereyaslavl. Iziaslav also gained control of Turov. However, Yaropolk soon replaced Iziaslav with his own brother, Viacheslav Vladimirovich.
Shifting Control of Lands
The peace did not last long. In 1134, the power struggles began again. Iziaslav had to give Turov to his uncle Viacheslav. This allowed Viacheslav to rule that area again. Pereyaslavl was then given to Yuri Dolgoruki. In return, Iziaslav got to rule Rostov. But Yuri still kept a lot of influence in that region. Iziaslav also gained control of Volyn. Another half-brother of Yaropolk, Andrey Vladimirovich, was then given Pereyaslavl to rule.
Wars and Conflicts
Vsevolod Olgovich, who was the prince of Chernigov, was a major opponent. He teamed up with the Cumans and other allies. Iziaslav had asked them for help against Viacheslav. They continued their war against Yaropolk. They even crossed the Dnieper River and raided the Kiev region.
Battle of Supoy River
After a big battle at the Supoy River in 1135, Yaropolk had to give up the town of Kursk. He had only gained Kursk 17 years earlier. This loss changed the balance of power.
Changes in Novgorod
Because of these changes, the people of Novgorod expelled Vsevolod Mstislavich. They replaced him with Sviatoslav Olgovich, who was the brother of the Chernigov prince. Vsevolod moved to Pskov. He died in 1138 during a siege of Novgorod. The people of Novgorod were then convinced to replace Sviatoslav. They chose Rostislav Yuryevich, the oldest son of Yuri Dolgoruki.
Final Conflict and Peace
Sviatoslav continued the war against Yaropolk. Again, Yaropolk's old enemies, the Cumans, were on Sviatoslav's side. But Yaropolk gathered a large army. It included troops from Kiev, Pereyaslavl, Rostov, Polotsk, Smolensk, parts of Halych. He also had 30,000 Hungarian soldiers sent by King Béla II. This strong force appeared before the gates of Chernigov. Sviatoslav was forced to make peace in 1139.
Just before he died, Yaropolk helped King Béla II. The Hungarian king was facing problems with enemies inside his own country.
Death and Successor
Yaropolk II died in 1139. He was buried in the church of St. Andrey. His brother, Viacheslav I, became the next Grand Prince. However, Viacheslav was soon driven out by Vsevolod II.
Family Life
Yaropolk married Helena in 1116. She was a princess from Ossetia.
- Vasilko Yaropolkovich
See also
In Spanish: Yaropolk II para niños
- Cuman people
- Cumania
- Kipchak people
- Cuman language
- Kipchak languages
