Yuri II of Vladimir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yuri II of Vladimir |
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| Grand Prince of Vladimir | |
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| Reign | 1212–1216, 1218–1238 |
| Predecessor | Vsevolod the Big Nest |
| Born | 26 November 1188 |
| Died | 4 March 1238 Battle of the Sit River |
| Spouse | Agatha |
| Issue | Vsevolod Vladimir |
| House | Yurievichi |
| Father | Vsevolod the Big Nest |
| Mother | Maria Shvarnovna |
Yuri II (also known as George II of Vladimir or Georgy II Vsevolodovich) was an important ruler in ancient Russia. He was the fourth Grand Prince of Vladimir. He ruled during a very challenging time, especially when the Mongols invaded Russia.
Yuri II was born on November 26, 1188, and passed away on March 4, 1238.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Yuri II was the seventh child in his family. His father was Vsevolod III, a powerful ruler. His mother was Maria Shvarnovna. Yuri was known to be his father's favorite son.
He first showed his bravery in battles around the year 1208. These fights were against the people of Ryazan.
Becoming Grand Prince
Yuri's father, Vsevolod, wanted Yuri to rule the city of Rostov. He wanted Yuri's older brother, Konstantin, to rule Vladimir. But Konstantin wanted to rule both cities or none at all.
Because of this, Vsevolod decided that Konstantin would not inherit the main throne. Instead, he gave the throne of Vladimir to Yuri. Yuri received the largest part of his father's lands.
When his father died in 1212, a war started among the brothers. This was called the Vladimir-Suzdal war of succession. Konstantin teamed up with Mstislav the Bold. They defeated Yuri and his other brothers in a battle near the Lipitsa River.
After this defeat, Konstantin became the ruler of Vladimir. Yuri was sent to rule Rostov and Yaroslavl. But Konstantin died just two years later. This allowed Yuri to return and rule Vladimir once more.
Yuri's Reign and Challenges
As Grand Prince of Vladimir, Yuri II fought several wars. He often battled against the Volga Bulgars. To protect his lands from their attacks, he built a strong fort. This fort was called Nizhny Novgorod and was located on the Volga River.
He also placed his younger brother, Yaroslav, in charge of the city of Novgorod.
Facing the Mongol Invasion
The Mongols were a powerful army from the East. They first came close to Russia in 1223. Yuri sent a small group of soldiers to help fight them. However, his soldiers arrived too late. They missed the terrible Battle of the Kalka River in May 1223.
The Mongols returned with a huge army in 1237. Yuri did not treat their messengers with respect. He also did not send help to the city of Ryazan when Batu Khan and his Mongol army attacked it in December 1237.
Unfortunately, Yuri's own capital city, Vladimir, was next. Yuri's sons fought bravely near Kolomna but were defeated. Yuri himself barely managed to escape to Yaroslavl.
His wife, Agatha, and all his family were in Vladimir. They sought safety in the Assumption Cathedral. Sadly, the cathedral collapsed during a fire in February 1238. Many members of his family died there.
Yuri II himself was killed shortly after. This happened on March 4, 1238, during the Battle of the Sit River. The huge Mongol army completely defeated the army of Vladimir-Suzdal.
Today, the remains of Prince Yuri II are kept in the Dormition Cathedral, Vladimir.
See also
- Kitezh
