Political and Legal Ideal of Vladimir Monomakh

Abstract

This article considers the content of the only work of the XII century – “Teachings” of Vladimir Monomakh, owned by a great statesman and an outstanding military leader, the Grand Duke of Kiev. It sets out advice to his children, the future Grand Dukes of Kiev on the exercise of supreme power and the observance of justice in the state. Vladimir Monomakh convinces his successors of the need to govern the state together with the council, helping all subjects, especially the needy, constantly showing poverty; do not save property, but always distribute it to those in need. He called the administration of justice the principal duty of the prince to the people entrusted to him by God; the prince is obliged to judge all subjects by an equal court on the basis of laws, rewarding everyone through his fault. Vladimir Monomakh forbids the death penalty as inconsistent with Christian teaching. He also insisted on a peaceful policy, both within the state, opposing strife between princes and in relations with foreign countries, believing that any misunderstanding or quarrel can be resolved at the table through peace talks. Monomakh also considered a number of other issues concerning the moral image of the ruler of the Orthodox faith of Christian doctrine, his relations with the church, with vassal princes, etc., which is described in this article. It seems that it may be of interest not only to lawyers-historians of state and law and doctrines of state and law, but also to all readers interested in the history of medieval Russia.