Historical-Genetic Interconnections of the Pskov-Novgorod Settlement System

Abstract

The article analyzes the historicalandgeneticinterconnections of the oldest cities of Novgorod and Pskov, the most important in the basic network of state resettlement their geopolitical and administrative role in the consolidation of the Russian state; provides ancient factual data confirming the unity of the Pskov-Novgorod regional settlement system; highlights the features in the distribution of administrative functions between them-the degree of influence on the development of the planning structure, the socio-economic links between the main centers and surrounding settlements. The close relationship between Pskov and Novgorod was notlimited to the commonality of state and geopolitical interests. The historical facts that testify to the political and administrative dominance of Novgorod can be traced its steadyleadership in the trade and economic influence on the entire northwestern region of the Russian state, that created a complementarity of functions between neighboring cities: the predominance of administrative or economic in one center, for example, Novgorod and the predominance of defense in the other - Pskov; the analysis of the historical settlement system confirms the priority role of Novgorod which consolidated its interests in trade with the Pskov suburbs such as Toropets, Velikiye Luki, Kholm- which were in the zone of influence of both Pskov and Novgorod. The phenomenon of the transfer of central functions (administrative, commercial and economic) from one historical center to another is observed as happened at the end of theXVIIth - beginning of theXVIIIth centuries, when the stay of foreign merchant ships was stopped in Kholmogory, the trade in timber and bread and the role of the capital of the Russian North passed to Arkhangelsk. Recommendations are given on the account of ancient historical and geneticlinks in the supporting framework of the resettlement of Russia, which strengthens and strengthens the historicaland cultural integrity atthestatelevel.