Which of the princes defeated Polovtsy. Kievan Rus and Polovtsy

Polovtsy remained in the history of Russia by the worst enemies of Vladimir Monomakh and cruel mercenaries of the time of internecine wars. The tribes that enjoyed the sky, almost two centuries terrorized the ancient Russian state.

"Kumani"

In 1055, Pereyaslavl Prince Vsevolod Yaroslavich returning from the hike at Torkov, he met a detachment of new, unknown before Russia, nomads led by Khan Bolush. The meeting was peacefully, the new "acquaintances" received the Russian name "Polovtsy" and future neighbors were separated.

From 1064 in Byzantine and from 1068 in Hungarian sources, Kumani and Kuns are mentioned, also before that are unknown in Europe.

They had to play a considerable role in the history of Eastern Europe, turning into Grozny enemies and the insidious allies of the Old Russian princes, becoming mercenaries in a fratricide intersubire. The presence of Polovtsy, Kumanov, Kunov, who appeared and disappeared at the same time, was not left unnoticed, and the questions they were and from where they came from, to this day, worry historians.

According to the traditional version, all four of the above mentioned people were a single Turkic-speaking people, which was different in different parts of the world.

Their ancestors - Sarah - dwell on the territory of Altai and East Tien Shan, but the state formed by them in 630 was broken by the Chinese.

The surviving headed in the steppes of Eastern Kazakhstan, where they received the new name "Kipchak", which, according to legend, means "ill-fated" and as evidenced by medieval Arab-Persian sources. However, both in Russians and in the Byzantine sources of the Kipchak are not found at all, and the people are called "Kuman", "Kumani" or "Polovtsy" similar to the description. Moreover, the etymology of the latter and remains unclear. Perhaps the word comes from the ancient Russian "Polov", which means "yellow". According to scientists, it may say that this people had a light color of the hair and treated the western branch of Kipchakov - "Sary-Kipchak" (Kuns and Kumanas belonged to the eastern and possessed a mongoloid appearance). According to another version, the term "Polovtsy" could occur from the word "field" usually, and denote all the inhabitants of the fields, regardless of their tribal affiliation.

The official version has a lot of weaknesses.

If all the people initially represented the united people - Kipchak, then how to explain that neither Byzantium, nor Russia, did this toponym have been unknown? In the countries of Islam, where they did not know about the boils, on the contrary, they absolutely did not hear about Polovtsy or Kuman.

The archeology comes to the aid of the unofficial version, according to which the main archaeological finds of Polovtsy culture are stone women, erected in the mounds in honor of the soldiers who fallen in the battle were characterized only for Polovtsy and Kipchak. Kumani, despite her worship of the sky and the cult of the goddess of the mother, did not leave such monuments.

All these arguments "Against" allow many modern researchers to move away from the canon to study Polovtsy, Kumanov and Kunov as the same tribe. According to the candidate of science, Yuri Evstigneeva, Polovtsi-Sarah are Turgoshi, for some reason that fled from their territories in Semirchye.

Weapons of civil workers

Polovtsy were by no means intend to remain a "good neighbor" of Kievan Rus. As befits nomads, they soon mastered the tactics of sudden raids: arranged ambushes, attacked by surprise, swept away in their way of an unprepared enemy. Armed with onions and arrows, sabers and short spears, Polovtsy warriors rushed into battle, throwing the enemy a bunch of arrows. They walked "the region" in the cities, robbery and killing people who hijaculate them in captivity.

In addition to the shock cavalry, their strength was also in the developed strategy, as well as in the new technologies for that time, such as, for example, heavy self-timing and "liquid fire", which they borrowed, obviously, China still since the times of life in Altai.

However, until the central government held in Russia, due to the order of the throne, established under Yaroslav Mudrome, their raids remained only by a seasonal disaster, and certain diplomatic relations were even struggled between Russia and nomads. A lively trade was conducted, the population was widely communicated in the border areas. Among the Russian princes, dynastic marriages were popular with daughters of Polovtsy Khan. Two cultures coexisted in a fragile neutrality, which could not last long.

In 1073, the triumvirate of the three sons of Yaroslav Wise: Izyaslav, Svyatoslav, Vsevolod, whom he bequeathed Kievan Rus, collapsed. Svyatoslav and Vsevolod accused her elder brother in a conspiracy against them and the desire to become a "self-assembly", like a father. It was the birth of a big and long turmoil in Russia, whom Polovtsy took advantage. Without taking to the end of a draw side, they willingly performed on the side of the person who enloled them the big "baryrs." So, the first prince who resorted to their help, Oleg Svyatoslavich (who was dedicated to the inheritance), allowed the Polovtsy to rob and burn Russian cities, for which Oleg Gorislavich was nusted.

Subsequently, the call of Polovtsy as the allies in the internecine struggle became common practice. In the Union with the nomads of the grandson of Yaroslav, Oleg Gorislavich, drove Vladimir Monomakh from Chernigov, he also got Murom, having driven the son of Vladimir Izyaslav from there. As a result, the real danger of the loss of their own territories got up before the warring princes.

In 1097, on the initiative of Vladimir Monomakh, then the Prince Pereslavl was convened, a Lubash Congress was convened, which was supposed to end the internecine war. The princes agreed that from now on, everyone had to own his "secondary". Even the Kiev Prince, which formally remained the head of state, could not break the borders. So, in good intentions in Russia, fragmentation was officially fixed. The only thing that even the Russian lands were united, there was a single fear of half of the invasions.

War of Monomakh

Vladimir Monomakh was the most tary enemy among Russian princes, with the great reaction of which the practice of using the Polovykaya troops for the purposes of fratricide was temporarily ceased. The chronicles, who, however, actively corresponded, are talking about Vladimir Monomakh, as the most influential Prince in Russia, who heard a patriot, who did not regret neither the forces, no life for the defense of Russian lands. By suffering from defeats from Polovtsy, in the Union with whom his brother stood and his worst enemy - Oleg Svyatoslavich, he developed a completely new strategy in the fight against nomads - to fight on their territory.

Unlike the Polovytsky detachments, which were strong in sudden raids, Russian squads received an advantage in the open battle. Polovtsaya "Lava" was divided into long spears and shields of Russian walking warriors, and the Russian cavalry, surrounding Stepnyakov, did not give them to wonder on their famous lightly bumps. Even time of the campaign was thought out: to early spring, when Russian horses, which were fed with hay and grain, were stronger than the Fivotsky horses on the foothold.

Givered the advantage and favorite Tactics of Monomakh: He provided the opportunity to the enemy to attack the first, preferring protection at the expense of foot, because, attacking, the enemy washed himself much more than the defense Russian warrior. During one of these attacks, when the infantry accepted the bulk, the Russian cavalry bypassed from the flanks and hit the rear. It solved the outcome of the battle.

Vladimir Monomahu was enough just a few campaigns to the Polovetsky lands in order to deliver Russia for a long time from a half-way threat. AT last years The life of Monomakh sent his son Yaropolk with the army for the Don, hike against nomads, but he did not find them there. The Polovtsi was run away from the borders of Russia, in the Caucasian foothills.

On guard of dead and alive

Polovtsy, like many other peoples, have sunk in the summer of history, leaving after themselves "Polovtsy Stone Babs", which still eave the souls of their ancestors. Once they were put in the steppe "watching" the dead and protect the living, as well as placed as guidelines and pointers for brodes.

Obviously, this custom, they brought with them from the original homeland - Altai, spreading it on the Danube.
"Polovtsy women" is not the only example of such monuments. Long before the appearance of Polovtsy, in the IV-II millennium BC, such Istukanov in the territory of the current Russia and Ukraine, put the descendants of Indo-Iranians, and a couple of thousand years after them - Scythians.

"Polovtsy women", like other stone women - not necessarily the image of a woman, among them there are many men and men. Even the etymology of the word "Baba" itself comes from the Turkic "Balbal", which means "Prasrat", "Grandfather", and is associated with the cult of reverending ancestors, and not at all with the creatures of the female.

Although, according to another version, stone women are traces of the matriarchate who went into the past, as well as the cult of reverence of the Goddess Mother of the Polovtsy (Umay), personified the earthly principle. The only mandatory attribute is the hands-made hands holding a bowl for sacrifice, and the chest, which is also found in men, and is obviously connected with the feeding of the genus.

According to the beliefs of the Polovtsy, who professed Shamanism and Tengrianism (the worship of the sky), the dead ended with a special force, allowing to help their descendants. Therefore, passing past Polovtsy was to bring a statue to the victim (judging by the findings, it was usually rams) to enlist her support. This is how this rite describes the Azerbaijani poet of the XII century by Nizami, whose wife was a half:

"And before the idol grows the spin boils. The rider is medleet before Him, and, having holds his horse, he arrow, leaning, stuck between herbs, knows every shepherd, running her herd, which is necessary to leave the shepherd in front of the idol. "

Both Khan were experienced commander, bold and bold warriors, there were many raids behind their shoulders for their shoulders, dozens of Russian cities and villages, thousands of aggravated people. And the other Russian princes for the world paid huge redemption money. By that time, despite the confusion among the princes, Monomakh managed to achieve the main thing: the Lubash Congress laid the beginning of the unification of the Russian military forces against Polovtsy. In 1100, in the city of Vitichev, not far from Kiev, the princes came to a new congress in order to finally stop cross-consuming and agree on a joint campaign against the Polovtsy.

Here, monomas called the princes to free himself from this serious tax, put the preventive blow to Polovtsy, go to the steppe.

Back in 1103, the Russian princes made a joint campaign against the Polovtsy. Russian squads were safely rummaged into battle, the Polovtsy could not stand the onslaught and reversed. Their army was scattered, most of the Khans ranged under Russian swords. Russian squads went on Polovtsy "Fažam", freeing the prisoners, capturing a rich prey, driveing \u200b\u200bher herds to her herds, herd.

It was the first big Russian victory in the depths of the steppe. But before the main becoming of Polovtsy they did not reach. For three years, the steppe subsided and the Polovtsy raids stopped. Only in 1105, the Polovtsy disturbed Russian lands. The following year, the Polovtsy grew up again. And after a year, the united army of Bonyaka and Stewukana again appeared in Russia, sinking Kiev and Pereyaslav lands. The jointed army of Russian princes an unexpected counterfeit strikes overthrew them on the river Khorol. Bonyak's brother died, almost captured Stewukan, captured a huge Polovetsky traffic. And again calmed the half. But now the Russian princes did not wait for new raids.

In 1111, Russia organized a grand hiking against Polovtsy, which reached the heart of Polovetsky lands. Peace relations were fixed with the near friendly Polovtsy. During these years, Monomakh and Oleg married their sons Yuri Vladimirovich (future Yuri Dolgoruky) and Svyatoslav Olgovich on the daughters of the Allied Polovtsy Khan.

This campaign began unusual. When the army was prepared for the exit from Pereyaslavl, the bishop was performed ahead, the priests, who with singing carried a big cross. He was watered near the gate of the city, and all the warriors, including the princes, driving and passing by the cross, received the blessing of the bishop. And then at a distance of 11, representatives of the clergy moved ahead of the Russian man. And in the future, they walked in the army of troops, where all the church utensils were and inspired Russian warriors on tactful feats.

Monomakh, a former inspirer of this war, gave her the nature of the cross campaign on the sample of the crusades of Western knights.

Svyatopolk, Monomakh, Davyd Svyatoslavich with sons came to the hike. They walked squads and ordinary soldiers from all Russian lands. Together with Monomakh, his four sons were driving - Vyacheslav, Yaropolk, Yuri and nine-year-old Andrei.

Polovtsy retreated deep into their possessions. Soon russian army Shot to the city of Sharuna came to the city - it was hundreds of globitate houses, kibilities girded by a low earth shaft. Neither Khan Sharukana nor his troops in the city was. The attack did not take place: the deputation of the townspeople carried Russian princes on huge silver dishes fish and bowls with wine. This meant the delivery of the city for the mercy of the winners and the desire to give redemption. Residents of another city, Sugrov, where the Russian army came up the next day, refused to surrender, and then the city was taken. Captured in this battle did not take: monomah wanted to quickly knock out the Hana Sogrova from the general-head military forces.

The next day, the Russian rail went out to Don and finally met with a large Polovtsy army. Before the battle of the princes embraced, they said goodbye to each other and said: "Here, death we will become firmly."

In the cruel battle, Polovtsy, not ready to fight well organized and numerous army, could not stand the onslaught and retreated.

The Natisk of the enemy was repulsed, but it was still far from victory. All new and new Polovtsy forces came from all sides. The decisive battle was brewing, but the Russian princes were searched for them. The idea of \u200b\u200bthe hike was to deliberately enter the foe in the heart of Polovtsy nomads in the heart of Polovtsy nomads, to roughly ruin him defended by one steppe expanses of the capital, to collect "all the Polovetskaya Earth", to force the fierce and uncompromisingly fighting the ever-slip steppes and in a gigantic battle on The destruction of grinding their human resources, thereby convincing the enemy in their absolute superiority!

Hurry to perform was simply unreasonable, it was necessary to wait for the enemies as much as possible. Therefore, by rewarding God to praise for the victory overwhelmed, the Russians were celebrated on the basis of the Battle of the Annunciation, which coincided with the resurrection of Lazarus (Lazareva Saturday). After serving Saturday, in the morning in Palm Sunday, a Christ-loving man moved further. When Monday of the passionate week came, their squads were drowned throughout the steppe horizon like the forest washed off from all sides.

It is not known, in what order the Russian army committed a march in such conditions - "In the foresee of a counter battle," as we say now. There is a temptation to present it as a deep, two - three-butchelonal construction. However, the description of the battling began suggests that the deployment of three parallel columns was preceded by the deployment of three parallel columns, when the "wings" went to the right and left from the hat to which the "man" was moving. The masses of the Polovtsy before the start of the battle were to inevitably move away the side hiking outposts to extreme columns, where they turned into barrels from rifle chains that were in a column one by one, but sources, naturally, are not reported on such details.

The main forces of the parties came together in three days, on March 27, on the river Solnice, the influx of Don. According to the chronicler, the Polovtsy "performed exactly the Great Forest", so there were many of them, and they survived the Russian army on all sides. But the monomah did not, as usual, stand still, and led the army towards the enemy. Those began to bypass the Russian shelves, but the princes did not allow them to complete the environment and attacked in the same order, and the right flank under the command of Monomach entered the battle first. At this time, the thunderstorm cloud rose from the West and the monomah turned the system to the enemy so that the starting shower was "with the rear shelves", and Polovtsy in the face. Sharpling warriors, Vladimir led them to battle.

The warriors agreed in a hand-to-hand battle, "and collided the regiment with the regiment, and, exactly, the thunder, there was a cracking of the collided series."

Polovtsian cavalry lost his maneuver in this time, and the Russians in hand-to-hand began to overcome. In the midst of the battle, the thunderstorm began, the wind was intensified, he rained heavy rain. Russians so rebuilt their rows that the wind and rain beat the face of Polovtsy.

Polovtsy fought courageously and pissing the man (center) of the Russian troops, where Kievans fought.

It was not possible to overturn the enemy for a very long time, because reinforcements approached Polovtsy all the time, and "Russians began to weaken." There were signs of decline of the spirit - "there was fear great." Trying to inspire the fighters, the princes constantly drove around the ranks. Having encouraging his people with a word and case, they were in the custom of that time, at the head of their bodyguards, wedged into the enemy rows and "Poinov's Square", but the fatigue was very large. In order to reverse the situation, a truly titanic super passion was required and the Pereyaslav Prince reappeared this role.

Sources write: "Vladimir, seeing the Svyatopolkov troops already minting, the fear of fear, in the passage, taking the sons of his and neatomiko from his troops, drove into the middle of the Polovtsy before the shelves with Svyatopolchi, which is:" Who is God's God, Yako is our God?! Hanging before his shelves Yuropolku, he himself severely began to beat their opposite that seeing the protesting of Svyatopolkov and his regiment everyone rushed after him ... "

The appearance of the monomach tie in the center of the battle prevented panic. The simultaneous onslaught of all Russian forces, Polovtsy could not stand and ran. Of these descriptions, the following picture is charged. When the Russian army unfolded for the battle reached the place where the Polovtsi were going to give him a fight, they were attacked with an extraordinary determination for them, without a preliminary shootout. Heavy speakers were immediately introduced. Both sides were determined, and as a result of the front clash of huge dense avalanches (which, according to old cavalrymen, the case is rare in all centuries), shaped in the armor of riders, Crash hundreds of simultaneously breaking copies was similar to the strike of a thunder.

Finally, the Polovtsy could not stand the fierce contractions and rushed to the Don Broth. They were pursued and chopped, prisoners did not take here.

Extremely fierce singer has walked for a long time without a tangible handle of a particular side. Rows of fighting converged and diverged for new and new "suims", but in vain. A severe Polovtsian cavalry hardly significantly inferior to Russian as weapons, and his horse make-up, which had not yet restored the power after wintering on open pastures, nomads were compensated by their gigantic numerical superiority. The scales were hesitated, and then Vladimir Vsevolodovich, having imagined the moment when the Polovtsy, for some time they fled from the Russian system, led his shelves into a decisive attack, supported by the rest of the shelves.

This determined the success of the battle. Polovtsy, according to their usual, being overturned, sought to scatter along the steppe, and the Russians, going to the pursuit, took many diverse trophies, as well as livestock and horses. Captive, who told about the miracle seeing them, which influenced the resistance of the enemy. They, according to them, fled from the fact that on top of the attackers of Russians saw the terrible riders helping them in the glittering armor.

On the real defeat of such an enemy, what were the half, we can say if they are captured by the leaders, which, having the best replaceable horses, always had the maximum chances of getting away from any persecution to gather their divergent warriors again. Polovtsy, like other steppe peoples, always retreated, unless they won in the first collision in order to captivate the opponent with the persecution, and upset his ranks hit again or weaken the shootout on the race. Here the frontal collision, as provided for by the plan of Russian commander, was particularly long and, probably, repeated due to the vast number of steppes, but we do not meet the names of the killed or captive Polovtsy "Princes". All of them safely retraced from the battlefield, and therefore, the defeat of the Polovtsy did not happen. Although they first failed to defeat all their strength and, apparently, suffered unprecedented losses. This allowed Russian troops with prey to go well, demonstrating its invincibility to the numerous enemy.

About 10 thousand polovtsy passed on the battlefield. Only a small part led by Shatukan went to the steppe.

The defeat of the Polovetsky Halching, undoubtedly had an unprecedented psychological aspect. In many years of war, the steppe came a fracture that was still required to fix.

The task of exorbitant, fantastic gravity and complexity was solved successfully, but only partly. Polovtsy suffered large losses, but, of course, retained their huge human resources. To achieve greater Russians were not in a state of purely physically. It would be possible to turn the defeat in the defeat of a long pursuit, but to spray their forces on the steppe, covered with crowds of enemies would be the top of the recklessness. Most likely, the captured herds, which the chronicle reports, simply found themselves in the rear of the Russian Polovtsky Center overturned.

The battle of the Salney is notable as the largest collision of Russians with nomads, probably even superior in their scale the battle with Pechenegs near Kiev in 1036

Material is based on open sources

In 1103, the Board of the Grand Duke Svyatopolka Iaslavich, on the Suteni River (modern South-East of Ukraine), a battle between the troops of the ancient Russian state and the Polovtsy - the nomadic people of Turkic origin took place. The initiator of the battle was the Pereyaslav Prince Vladimir Monomakh, who at the congress of great princes from the Dolobsky lake stated near Kiev: it is necessary to warn Polovtsy raids and death of death during them.

The result of the battle was the victory of the Russian troops - they "took the cattle, and sheep, and horses, and camels, and the feuds with prey and with the male, and captured Pechenegs and Torks with the fagots." During the battle, many Polovtsy were killed, including about 20 Polovetsky khans. Historians are known that one of the leaders of Polovtsy, Belduz, hitting, tried to pay off with gold and silver.

"How many times have you drank not fight, and then all the Russian land fought? Why did you not taught the sons of their own and rhodas to abide by the oath, and all shed blood christian? So be the blood of yours on your head, "received a captive in response to his proposal. And soon BelDyuz dispelled on the part.

"Shelvish predator" and a new battle

Two years after the victory of the Russian troops, Polovtsy Khan Bonayak, nicknamed by the Russian chronicles "Sheet Predator" for their frequent and bloody raids on Russia, attacked the country of Cuba, in which the Kyiv Prince and Pechenegs settled.

"The bonac came to the burden, who was on the western side of the Dnieper, against the Trucks of the Truck, defeated Torkov and Berendev, - wrote Russian historian Sergey Soloviev. - In the next, 1106, Svyatopolk was to send three of his own voivod against the Polovtsy, devastating the surroundings of Zarechsk; Governors took fullhearts. In 1107, the bonac was captured by horse herds at Pereyaslavl; Then came with many other khans and became about Luben, on the river Sulu.

Svyatopolk, Vladimir, Oleg with four other princes hit them suddenly with a cry; Polovtsy were frightened, they could not even put a steak from fear - and ran: who managed to grab the horse - on the horse, and who is on foot; Our drove them to the River of the Horrel and took the mill enemy; Svyatopolk came to the Pechersk monastery to the rattles on the peace and happily greet the brother after the victory. "

"This campaign began unusual"

On February 26, 1111, the Russian army, headed by Svyatopolk Izyaslavovich, Davyd, Svyatoslavich and Vladimir Monomakh, went to the Polovtsy City of Stewukan (on behalf of Polovtsy Khan Sterukana).

The exact location of the city is not established, but, by the assumption of historians, the most likely localization in the Kharkiv side of the Seversky Donets is most likely.

"This campaign began unusual," Alexander Buchanov's historians write and Mikhail Gorinov. - When at the end of February, the army prepared for the exit from Pereyaslavl, then a bishop, priests, who have suffered a big cross ahead of him. He was watered near the gate of the city, and all the warriors, including the princes, driving and passing by the cross, received the blessing of the bishop. And then at a distance of 11, representatives of the clergy moved ahead of the Russian man. In the future, they walked in the army of troops, where all church utensils were and inspiring Russian warriors on tactful feats.

Monomakh, a former inspirer of this war, gave her the nature of the cross campaign on the sample of the crusades of the Western lords against the Muslims of the East. "

Rain, thunderstorm and tripod

On March 27, 1111, the enemies met on the Salnice River, the influx of Don. According to the chroniclers, the Polovtsy "Speaking Yako Borov (Forest) Velicin and TMAMY Darkness."

They have surrendered to the Russian army from all sides, and the Russian princes embraced and told each other: "Women Death to us, I will become tough."

The enemies agreed in hand-to-hand combat, in which soon began to defeat the Russian army - despite the numerical advantage of Polovtsy. Soon the thunderstorm began, watered heavy rain and blew the wind - then the princes rebuilt their ranks so that the wind and rain begiled in the face of Polovtsam. And after some time, the Polovtsy could not stand the fierce contractions and rushed to the Don Brode, throwing weapons and begging about mercy.

In the battle, Polovtsy lost about 10 thousand people killed and wounded.

According to the chronicles, the winners asked the prisoners: "How could this power been for you and you could not fight with us, and immediately ran?" Those answered: "How do we beat with you? Others ride you in bright and terrible armors and help you. " "These are angels, from God sent to help Christians; Angel invested in the heart of Vladimir Monomuha to initiate his brothers on the interemphennikov, - Interpreters the words of the chronicles Sergey Soloviev. "So, with God's help, the Russian princes came home, to their people with glory Great, and the fame of them was separated for all countries far, reached Hungarians, Chekhov, Lyakhov, Greeks, even reached Rome."

The history of Rus is full of different events. Each of them leaves his mark in the memory of the entire people. Some key and turning events reach our days and remain revered and worthy in our society. To take care of your cultural heritage, remember the great victories and commander - this is a very important duty of every person. Princes of Russia were not always on top in terms of their management ruus, but they tried to be one family, which jointly takes all the decisions. In the most critical and difficult moments, a person has always appeared, which "took a bull for the horns" and turned the course of history in reverse side. One of these great people is Vladimir Monomakh, which is still considered an important figure in the history of Russia. He achieved many of the most difficult military and political goals, while he rarely resorted to cruel methods. His methods were in tactics, patience and wisdom, which allowed him to be micringe of adults, which hated each other for years. In addition, it is impossible to pay attention and the talent of the prince to fight, because Monoma's tactics often saved the Russian army from death. The defeat of the Polovtsy Prince Vladimir thought out to the smallest details and therefore "trampled" this threat to Russia.

Polovtsy: acquaintance

Polovtsy, or in half, as historians are also called them, are the people of Turkic origin, which led a nomadic lifestyle. In various sources, they give different names: in Byzantine documents - Kumani, in Arab-Persian - Kypchaki. The beginning of the XI century was produced for the people very productive: he pushed out Torkov and Pechenegs from the Volga himself and donkey himself in these edges. However, this conquerors decided not to stop and switched to the Dnieper River, after which they successfully descended to the shores of the Danube. Thus, they became the owners of the Great Steppe, which extended from the Danube to Irtysh. Russian sources have this place as a Polovkoy field.

During the creation of the Golden Horde, Polovtsam managed to assimilate many mongols and successfully impose their own language. It is worth noting that later this language (Kypchaksky) was based on many languages \u200b\u200b(Tatar, Nogai, Kumyk and Bashkir).

The origin of the term

The word "Polovtsy" from Old Russian means "yellow". Many people of the people had blonde hair, however, most were representatives with an admixture of the Mongoloid. However, some scientists suggest that the origin of the name of the people comes from the place of their stop - fields. Versions There are many, but no one is reliable.

Generic system

The defeat of the Polovtsy was partially due to their military democratic system. All the people were divided into several birth. Every family had his name - the name of the leader. Several births were combined into the tribes who created their serenities and wintering cities. Each tribal union had its own land on which food was cultivated. Also, smaller organizations were also smoking a combination of several families. It is entertaining that not only Polovtsy could live in Kurendi, but also other peoples with whom the natural mixing occurred.

Political system

The Kureni united in the Horde, at the head of which was Han. Khana possessed the highest power in the field. In addition to them, there were also such categories such as jelly and wells. It should also be noted such a division of women, which predetermined them in the maid. They were called chagami. Wells are prisoners of war, which, essentially, were homemade slaves. They performed hard work, had no rights and were the lowest link on the social staircase. Also were sent - heads of large families. The family consisted of wives. Every cat is a separate family and her servants.

Wealth mined in battles shared between the leaders of military campaigns and to know. An ordinary warrior received only crumbs from the table of the Lord. In the event of an unsuccessful hike, it was possible to break and get into full dependence on some noble half.

Warfare

The Military Affairs of the Polovtsy was at the height, and this recognize even modern scientists. However, the story has kept not too much certificates of Polovtsy warriors to this day. Interestingly, any man or a young man who was able to simply wear a weapon was to dedicate his life. At the same time, his health, the physique, and the more personal desire, did not take into account his condition. But since such a device always existed, no one complained about him. It is worth noting that the Military Affairs of the Polovtsy was not well organized from the very beginning. Rather, it will be that she developed in stages. The historians of Byzantium wrote that this people fought with Luke, a saber curve and darts.

Each warrior wore special clothes, which displaced his belonging to the army. It was made of and was tight and comfortable enough. It is entertaining that every Polovtsian warrior had about 10 horses at its disposal.

The main power of the midst of the Polovtsev was in the light of cavalry. In addition to the guns listed above, the warriors also fought with a saber and arcanes. Already a little later, they had heavy artillery. Such warriors wore special helmets, shells and chain rails. At the same time, they often made a very frightening species to further intimidate the enemy.

It should also be mentioned about the use of heavy samostroles and they are most likely to have learned in those times when they lived near Altai. It was these opportunities that the people did almost invincible, for a few warlords of that time could boast of knowledge. Using greek fire Many times helped Polovtsy to win even very fortified and protected cities.

It is worth paying tribute to the fact that the army had sufficient maneuverability. But all the successes in this business went on no due to the low speed of movement of troops. Like all nomads, Polovtsy won a lot of victories thanks to a sharp and unexpected attacks on the enemy, long ambusions and fraudulent maneuvers. They often elected the object of attacking small villages that could not have the necessary resistance, and even more so defeating Polovtsy. However, the army often suffered defeat due to the fact that there were not enough professional fighters. Learning younger paid not too much attention. It was possible to learn any skills only during the clouds when the main occupation was the development of primitive battle technique.

Russian-Polovetsky Wars

Russian-Polovetny wars call a long series of serious conflicts, which was played by approximately a century. One of the reasons was collided by the territorial interests of both parties, because Polovtsy was a nomadic people who wanted to conquer new lands. The second reason was that Russia was worried about the serious times of fragmentation, so some rulers were recognized by Polovtsy allies, causing anger and indignation of other Russian princes.

The situation was rather sad until Vladimir Monomakh intervened, which put his initial goal to uniting all the land of Russia.

Fight history on Salney

In 1103, the Russian princes conducted the first trip on the nomadic people in the steppe. By the way, the defeat of the Polovtsy took place after the Dolobsky congress. In 1107, the Russian troops were successfully defeated Bonyaki and Stewukany. Success instilled in the spirit of rebellion and victory in the soul of Russian warriors, so already in 1109, the Kiev Voivode Dmitr Ivorovich disassembled into the shreds of large villages of Polovtsy near the Donets.

Tactic Monomakh

It is worth noting that the defeat of the Polovtsy (the date - March 27, 1111) was one of the first in modern list Memorial Dat. military history RF. The victory of Vladimir Monomakh and other princes was a well-thought-out political victory that had farewell consequences. The Russians won in the fact that the advantage in quantitative terms was almost one and a half.

Today, many are interesting, the stunning defeat of the Polovtsy, with what Prince became achieving? The huge and invaluable merit of the deposit of Vladimir Monomakh, who skillfully applied his commander dar. He took some important steps. First, he implemented an old good principle, which states that it is necessary to destroy the enemy in its territory and low blood. Secondly, he successfully applied the transport capabilities of the time that allowed to deliver warriors and infantry to the place of battle timely, while maintaining their strength and spirit. The third reason for the well-thought-out tactics of Monomakh was that she even resorted to weather conditions to win the desired victory - he forced nomads to fight in such weather, which did not allow them to fully use all the advantages of their cavalry.

However, this is not the only merit of the prince. Vladimir Monomakh defeat Polovtsov thought out to the smallest details, but to realize the plan, it was necessary to achieve almost impossible! For a start, we will be broken in the mood of that time: Russia was fragmented, the princes kept their teeth, everyone struggled to do in his own way, and everyone believed that only he was right. However, Monomakh managed to collect, reconcile and combine the wayward, recalcitable or even stupid princes. To present how much wisdom, patience and courage needed a prince, it is very difficult ... He resorted to tricks, tricks and direct persuasion that could at least somehow influence the princes. The result was gradually achieved, and the interstitis stopped. It was on the Dolobsky congress that the main agreements and agreements between different princes were achieved.

The defeat of Polovtsy Monomakh also occurred due to the fact that he convinced other princes to use even scenery, in order to strengthen the army. Previously, no one thought about it even, because there was only warriors to fight.

Defeat on Salnice

The campaign began on the second Sunday of the Great Post. On February 26, 111, the Russian army under the command of the whole coalition of Prince (Svyatopolk, David and Vladimir) headed towards Steruukani. It is entertaining that the campaign of Russian troops was accompanied by singing songs, accompanied by priests and crosses. Of this, many Russian history researchers conclude that the campaign was cross. It is believed that this was a well-thought-out move of Monomakh to raise the combat spirit, but most importantly - in order to inspire the army that it can kill and should defeat, because God himself tells them. In fact, Vladimir Monomakh turned this great battle of Russians against the Polovtsy in the righteous battle for the Orthodox faith.

The army of the army came only after 23 days. The hike was difficult, but thanks to the combat spirit, the songs and a sufficient number of provisions of the army were pretty, and therefore in full combat readiness. On the 23 day of the warriors went to the shores

It is worth noting that Stewukan surrendered without a fight and pretty quickly - already on 5 days of cruel siege. Residents of the city offered the invaders of wine and fish - it seems to be a minor fact, but it indicates that people were also buried here the Russians burned. Two settlements, which were defeated, wore the names of Khan. These are precisely two cities with which the army struggled in 1107, but then Khan Stewun run away from the place of battle, and Sugrov became a prisoner of war.

Already on March 24, the first initial battle took place, in which Polovtsy was invested all their strength. It happened near the Donets. The defeat of Polovtsy Vladimir Monomakh occurred later, when a fight was taken on the river Salitsa. Interestingly, the moon was complete. It was the second and most basic battle of two sides, in which the Russians won up.

The largest defeat of the Russians of the Polovtsy, the date of which was already known to shove the entire Polovtsian people, because the latter had a large numerical advantage in battle. They were sure that she won, however, could not resist the well-thought-out and direct strike of Russian troops. For the people and warriors, the defeat of Polovtsy Vladimir Monomakh was a very joyful and fun event, because good mining was received, many future slaves were captured, and most importantly - the victory was obsessed!

Effects

The consequences of this great event were bright. The defeat of the Polovtsy (year 1111) became a turning point in the history of Russian-Polovetsky wars. After the battle, the Polovtsy decided only once to approach the borders of the Russian principality. Interestingly, they did this after the Svetopolk died into the world (two years after the battle). However, the Polovtsy set up contact with the new prince Vladimir. In 1116, the Russian army made another campaign against the Polovtsy and captured three cities. The final defeat of the Polovtsy broke their morale, and soon they moved to the service for the Georgian king David the builder. Kipchaki did not respond to the last campaign of Russians than confirmed their final decline.

In a few years, Monomakh sent Yaropolk in search of Polovtsy for Don, but there was no one there.

Sources

Many Russian chronicles tell about this event, which became key and significant for the whole people. The defeat of Polovtsy Vladimir strengthened his power, as well as the faith of the people in his power and his prince. Despite the fact that partially the battle at Salnice is described in many sources, the most detailed "portrait" of the battle can only be found in

Extremely an important event Became the defeat of Polovtsy. Rus such a turn of events fell quite by the way. And all this became possible thanks to the efforts of Vladimir Monomakh. How much strength and mind he invested to save Russia from this naughty! How carefully he thought over the entire operation! He knew that the Russians always performed in the role of the victim, because Polovtsy attacked the first, and Russia could only be defended by the population. Monomakh understood that they should attack first, because it will create an effect of surprise, and will also translate warriors from the state of defenders to the state of attackers, which is more aggressive and strongly in the total mass. Understanding the fact that nomads begin their hiking in the spring, as practically do not have hiking warriors, he appointed the defeat of the Polovtsy at the end of winter to deprive them of the main force. In addition, such a move also had other advantages. They concluded that the weather was deprived of Polovtsy their maneuverability, which was simply impossible in the conditions of winter notes. It is believed that the battle of the Salney and the defeat of Polovtsy in 1111 is the first large and well-thought-out victory of ancient Russia, which has become possible thanks to the commander talent of Vladimir Monomakh.

The "Great War" on the steppe border continued. In 1096, Khan Bonak raised the neighborhood of Kiev and burned in Berestov the Princely Courtyard, and Khan Khuka and Torbanks approached Pereyaslavly. Bonyaka managed to move off, and then the united army of Svyatopolk Kiev and Vladimir Monomakh collapsed on Toggan.

The "Great War" on the steppe border continued. In 1096, Khan Bonak raised the neighborhood of Kiev and burned in Berestov the Princely Courtyard, and Khan Khuka and Torbanks approached Pereyaslavly. Bonyaka managed to move off, and then the united army of Svyatopolk Kiev and Vladimir Monomakh collapsed on Toggan. Polovtsy stood at Pereyaslavl on the banks of the pipe did not expect attacks and were defeated. The Togan himself and his son died in Sich.

But kept their strength dangerous enemies - Khana Bonak and Stewan. War has not yet been completed. It will take quite a bit of time, and the Bonyaka Horde will appear again near Kiev ...

In this alarming atmosphere and gathered the princely congress in Lishech. Vladimir Monomakh's voice sounded loudly and authoritatively - the second most of the values \u200b\u200bof the prince is not Russia (Pereyaslavl in the hierarchy of Russian cities followed so many Kiev), glorified as a skillful and lucky commander, never suffered defeat. It was him that he belonged to the role of the actual defense organizer of the steppe border (the first blows of Polovtsy were invariably collapsed to the Border Pereyaslav Principality). Vladimir Monomakh convinced the princes "Makes the Russian land, making it for himself (discord, spread), and the Polovtsi Earth carry our rose and rejoice when they rose between us. We will be one with heart and keep Russian land! "

Not immediately and not easily agreed by the princess on the proclaimed principle "Everyone keeps the post" his own, because this principle noted the old claims on other people's possessions, ambitious hopes for the seizures of new lands and princely tables, because everyone who dares to raise the sword on their relatives , I will meet the overall rebound of the princes: "If now who will eat for whom, everything and the cross will be honest!" Polovtsaya Raint was too dangerous, she threatened everyone, and the princes brought the oath of loyalty: "Create the world and the goodness of the earth Russian and break to have with the dies."

The oaths were given, but the gravestics subsided not immediately. Two years later, there, then fires of fratricide wars broke out here, while finally, in 1100, the Princely Congress in Vitichev did not put an end to them. Appeared real opportunity For communional struggle with Polovtsy.

The first news about the unification of Russian princes was made by a sobering impression on Polovtsy Khan. In 1101, according to the chronicler, "sent the Polovtsy ambassadors and asked the world," and Russian princes "created the world with Polovtsy." Polovtsy swore, that there will be a century to keep the world, not to break the Russian frontiers, stop extorting the gifts. But in the fall of 1102, Han Bonak, violating the oath, attacked Pereyaslav lands and left the prey before the Russian squad arrived. No, on the oaths of Polovtsy Khans, it was impossible to hope, it is possible to ensure the safety of the southern border can be only military tools.

At the initiative of Prince Vladimir Monomakh, Russian Princes gathered on the Lake Dolobsky. It was about a big campaign to the Polovetsky steppes. Vladimir Monomakh offered to start a hike in the spring of 1103, when the Polovtsy did not wait for the attacks when their horses were exhausted after hungry wintering. He also had opponents who said: "Not good, prince, in the spring to go hiking, destroy the funerals, and horses, and the lot of them." In the chronicles, an angry Representation of Prince Vladimir Monomakh was preserved: "I am awake, my squad that horses are regretting, which are plowing. And why not miserable about what the deaths start to plow and, having arrived, the polovchanin will shoot him out of Luka? And the horse will take it, but in the village of His arrival, will take his wife him and all his imbey? So the horses are sorry for you, and isn't it sorry for yourself? "

Vladimir Monomakh managed to convince the princes. It was decided that in March, Rati will be gather in Pereyaslavl for a joint campaign to the Polovtsky steppe. For the first time, the communional army was collected at the turn (only Prince Oleg Svyatoslavich Novgorod-Seversky, long-standing from Yaroslavich, refused to send a squad), for the first time Vladimir Monomakh could wage war in his plan, as he was the actual leader of the troops (his older brother Svyatopolk Kievsky did not differ military abilities And only formally headed the army). The prince had to realize his long-standing plans of the war with the elusive Polovtsian Connection, the war like that did not have any other Russian princes. Is the Prince-Vityaz Svyatoslav, but for him a raid to the Pechenezh steppes was no more than an episode among grand hiking ...

Vladimir Monomakh has long understood that in the war with the energies of Russia - nomads can not be adhered to defensive tactics, it is impossible to sit behind the shafts and interference, behind the walls of fortresses, a community for passivity and giving the opportunity to determine the direction of strikes, to create where it is profitable , huge advantage of forces. And the Druzhinny Connence, the best in the world of the army, was also forced to follow the paths laid for her by Polovtsy: the horse squads went out only in the pursuit of a Polovtsian Horde, seeking after the raid to repel the prey and prisoners. It was necessary not to pursue the enemy retreating, satisfied with blood and the extraction of the enemy, but to warn him, louds away from the Russian lands, the possibility of an attack, to organize hiking by considerable forces far into the depths, powerful blows on the centers of nomads, in the Polovtsy towns who are forced to defend because in the towns of their family and drunk mining. And it is not necessary to search for the volatile troops of the Polovtsy in the steppe impetus, they themselves will gather together to block the road to their fagots. Then it is possible to solve the outcome of the whole war in large battles, in the "direct battle", whom Stepniki do not like, but to which the military art of the enemy will force them. To impose on Polovtsian Khanam his will, make them fight there and so, as it is beneficial to Russian soldiers, - this is what I saw Vladimir Monomah a key to success. But while it was only thoughts about the war, they had to be turned into cases, and it was going to make a prince in the upcoming campaign.

And another surprise prepared Vladimir Monomakh to his enemies. Previously, in the field battles with Polovtsy, the mainly horse squads participated, the Polovtsy were accustomed to fights with them, they knew how to upset the ranks, killing the arrows of horses, attacking the wedge of heavy riders. Polovtsy attacks Prince; I decided to oppose the deep system of hiking soldiers, covered with big shields armed with long spears. Squired by the spears, the rage attacks of Polovtsy riders will stop the fierce attacks, and the cavalry tricks the defeat. This was exactly what Prince Svyatoslav did once, preparing for the fighter attacks of steel Byzantine katafraktov, and achieved the desired. Military experience of ancestors - the wealth of descendants!

The army made a campaign when Dnipro cleared of ice from ice. By the full-flowed spring river swam south in the roys of Peshsi, and on the shores, she was on the shores. Far ahead fled guarding drives to warn in time about danger. Nevertheless, Vladimir Monomakh ordered all the warriors to put on armor and not to release swords and copies from the hands of the hands: Polovtsi are insidious, sudden attacks from ambush their favorite military trick.

Somewhere near the island of Hortiets, near the thresholds, Peshsi came out of ships ashore, connected with horseraded squads. A hike across the steppes to the dairy river, which fell into the Sea of \u200b\u200bAzov. There were the centers of Polovtsy nomads, he left the midwives with the onset of autumn to get into warm edges, and in the late spring, when the steppe would cover the grass, return to the Russian turns.

The first meal was won by the Russian watchman, who was moving carefully, on ravines and logs, behind the hills and mounds. The advanced detachment of Khan Altanga was surrounded by Russian pawns and almost entirely interrupts, and a few silent those who burst through the Ring of Peshts were overtaken by the Fresh Russian Connection and choke. Altune himself died. There was no one to prevent any dangerous promotion of Russian troops.

Success inspired Russian princes, and they willingly agreed with the proposal of Vladimir Monomakh to speed up the movement, try to impose the general battle of the main Polovtsy forces, and if the Polovtsy will not accept the battle - to break their guys to the day until the Khans come to meet their wealth and congor .

Polovtsy decided to take a fight. At dawn on April 4, two rati became close. The chronicler described the beginning of the battle: "And the Polovtsian shelves moved, as the forest, they were not visible; And Russia went to meet them. " Russian regiments managed to take a combat order, carefully thought out by Vladimir Monomakh. In the center I got a strong walking rail: in a single closed, Kievans and Chernihiv, Smolyn and Rostovtsy, Pereyaslavtsev and Polochana stood. On wings - equestrian princely squads.

Polovtsaya attack was divided as if several consecutive blows, each of which could break the spirit of the troops and crush it. Could, but failed ...

For the Russian building, the waves of Polovytsky horse archers rolled out, as the oblique raining rain was poured countless arrows. But pawns, covered with big shields, hinge, survived. Archers changed heavy warriors in shells, with saber-sabers. They wanted to break the Russian building with their mass. But the pawns took them on a spear, they painted horses and riders, overthrowing the foreheads of the bravers, the first to rushed into the Russian system. And when Polovtsy in several places broke through the first line of the spearders, they took them in the axes and daggers the rear rows.

Falovtsky riders fell into the steppe grass, and the Russian building did not fumbled, continued to stand, and Polovtsy spare detachments were buried before the crowd of fighting, not knowing what to do - the singer could absorb them, dissolve them in themselves, each new squad would only increase. Khans wondered: where to send the following blows?

And then at the monomakh signal in the battle embarked on horserades, hitting with flanks. Polovtsy trembled and ran, they were pursued by Russian warriors on fresh, not tired battle horses. Remedily managed not to many. In Sech and during the persecution, twenty Polovtsy Khanov were killed: Urussoba, Kchia, Arslanopa, Kitanop, Kuman, Asup, Kurth, Chengepa, Surban and others, less well-known. It was a victory!

After a short leisure, the Russian army moved on, on defenseless Polovtsy camp. Huge mining was captured: tents and property, herds, herds horses. But the main thing was the liberation of the many Russian prisoners, whom Polovtsy have not had time to send the Crimea markets, in Sudak and Chersonese.

Solemnally met the winners Pereyaslavl, the first prince Vladimir Monomakh. Great was the joy of princes, but Vladimir Monomakh warned from premature soothing. Still saved their equestrian thousands of the most dangerous enemies of Russia - Khana Stewan and Bonayak, it is not known even where they go. It is still difficult to go to the borders of Russia become truly safe. Polovtsy got a cruel lesson - no more.

The lesson was really cruel. Donetsk Polovtsy, defeated by Vladimir Monomakh, swept. There was no intrusion from their side next year, no one after a year. But Han Bonac continued raids, although without former scope, carefully. In late autumn of 1105, he suddenly appeared at the Zarubinsky Brody, not far from Pereyaslavl, the Dnieper village and villages and villages quickly retreated. Princes did not even have time to gather pursuit. In the next 1106, the Polovtsy attacked Russia three times, but raids were small and did not bring prey to steppes. At first they approached the town of Zarechki, but were bent off by Kiev squads. According to the chronicler, the Russian warriors were driven by Polovtsy "to the Danube" and "Polon took away." Then the bonac "Were turned" near Pereyaslavl and hastily moved away. Finally, according to the chronicler, "Bonak and Stewan came old and other princes many and got up near Lubna." The Russian army moved towards them, but the Polovtsy, without taking the battle, "ran, grabby horses."

These raids did not constitute a serious danger to Russia, easily reflected by princely databases, but it was impossible to underestimate the half activity. Polovtsy began to change from the recent defeat, and it was necessary to prepare a new big campaign in the steppe. Or, if the bonac and a ball will be ahead, adequately meet them at the turns of the Russian Earth.

In August 1107, a large Polovetskoy army was siegedly Luben, Stewukan led the surviving Don Polovtsy, Khan Bonak - Pridneprovski, who joined the Khans of other Polovytsky Hordes. But in the Pereyaslav fortress, many Russian princes stood with the summer, who gathered on the call of Vladimir Monomakh. They rushed to the rescue of the besieged city, forced the Sulu River and suddenly hit the Polovtsy. Those, not even putting the battle twigs, rushed to the dye: Some did not have time to take horses and fled to the steppe to hone, throwing full and looted prey. Monomakh ordered the Connection to persecute them relentlessly so that there was no one to attack Russia again. Bonak and Stewan flew with difficulty. The persecution lasted to the river Khorol, through which, sacrificing his escape by the warriors, the Steerukan managed to crush. The prey of the winners was a lot of horses, which will nicely serve as Russian warriors in future campaigns in the steppe.

The political importance of this victory was great. In January 1108, Khana numerous Horde Aepes, nominated near the rules of Kievan Rus, offered to conclude a contract about peace and love. The contract was adopted by Russian princes. As a result, the unity of the Khanov broke up, the conditions were created for the final defeat of Shatuka and its allies. But the preparation of a new communional campaign in the steppe demanded considerable time, and Stewukan could not have been given to respite. And in the winter of 1109, Vladimir Monomakh sent to the Donets of his Voyage Dmitra Ivorovich with Pereyaslav equestrian squad and peeshes on Sanya. He was ordered to find out exactly where Polovtsian mills are standing in winter, whether they are ready for summer campaigns on Russia, a lot of stews have a lot of warriors and horses. Russian rails was to devastate the Polovetsky guys, so that the Stewank knew: And in the winter there will be no rest to him, while he enresses with Rus.

Voivode Dmitr fulfilled the instructions of the prince. Peysters in Sanya and the Bruknikov Verkov quickly passed through the steppes and in early January were already on the bottom. There they met the Polovtsy army. Voivoda put up against the Polovtsian cavalry of the tested concurrent system of the pawns, which the attack of archers crashed, and the flank attacks of equestrian warriors again tried. Polovtsy fled, throwing their tents, property. Thousands of kibilities and many prisoners and livestock became the extraction of Russian warriors. No less valuable was the information brought by the governor from Polovtsy Steve. It turned out that the Stewucan stands on the Don and collects strength for a new campaign on Russia, exchanges the messengers with Khan Bonak, who is also preparing for war on the Dnieper.

In the spring of 1110, the united squads of the princes of Svyatopolka, Vladimir Monomakh and David nominated to the steppe line, stood up at the city of Winer. The Polovtsy steppe came there, but, unexpectedly, having met the Russian army ready for the battle for himself, turned back and lost in the steppes. Polovtsy invasion did not take place.

A new campaign in the steppe was preparing for a long time and thoroughly. Again, Russian princes met the Lake Lake to discuss the hike plan. The view of the governor was divided: some offered to wait for the following spring to move to the Donets in the rooks and on the horses, others - repeat the winter saunas of the Governor Dmitra, so that the Polovtsi could not comprise from south and quit the spring pastures of their horses who weakened during the winter nonsense. The latter supported Vladimir Monomakh and his word turned out to be decisive. The beginning of the campaign was outlined at the very end of winter, when frosts will fall, but still a lightweight path will continue.

At the end of February, Rati from Kiev, Smolensk, Chernigov, Novgorod-Seversky and other cities came together in Pereyaslavl. Great Kiev Prince Svyatopolk with Son Yaroslav, Sons of Vladimir Monomakh - Vyacheslav, Yaropolk, Yuri and Andrei, David Svyatoslavich Chernigov with sons Svyatoslav, Vsevolod, Rostislav, Sons of Prince Oleg - Vsevolod, Igor, Svyatoslav. For a long time, there were so many Russian princes for a joint war. Again, numerous Rati Peshtsi joined the horsemen, so well manifested themselves in past campaigns to the Polovtsy.

February 26, 1111, the army made a campaign. On the Alte River, the princes stopped, waiting for ragged squads. On March 3, the army came to the River the Court, passing in five days about a hundred forty miles. Considering that, along with horseraded friends, pawns were moving and large wines with weapons and supplies, such rates should be recognized very significant - thirty versts for the day transition!

It was hard to go. Started thaw, the snow quickly melted, the horses with difficulty dragged loaded sleighs. Nevertheless, the speed of the campaign almost did not decrease. Only a well-trained and hardy army was capable of transitions.

On the river Khorol, Vladimir Monomakh ordered to leave a launcher, overload weapons and sprinkles. Further went light. The wild field began - the Polovtsaya Steppe, where there were no Russian settlements. A thirty-moving transition from Horoda to the River Psel Army overcame for one day transition. Ahead was waiting for the Vorskla River, at which Russian governors knew comfortable brodes - it was very important, since the full-flowing spring rivers represented a serious barrier. Far ahead of the main forces rushed hard-haired to warn the unexpected attack of Polovtsy. On March 7, the Russian army came ashore Vorskla. On March 14, Rati reached the Donets, repeating the winter campaign of Dmitra Voi. Next lay "Land Dame" - so far, Russian squads have not yet come. The horse's horse crossings were melted ahead - Hana Khan Sharukan was somewhere close. Russian warriors wear armor, accepted a combat order: "Man", shelves of the right and left hand, guard regiment. So went further, in combat order, ready to meet a Polovtsy attack at any moment. Behind the Donets remained, Sharukan appeared - a steppe city consisting of hundreds of kibilities, tents, low global houses. The Polovtsaya Capital first saw enemy banners under their walls. To the defense of Sharukan clearly did not prepare. The tree around the city was low, easily-solid - apparently, the Polovtsy considered themselves in complete safety, hoping that they were reliably protected by the expanses of the wild field ... Residents sent ambassadors with gifts and requests not to break the city, but to take a spill, which Russian princes would appoint.

Vladimir Monomakh ordered Polovtsy to pass all the weapons, let go of the prisoners, return the property of the property to the past raids. Russian squads entered Shatukan. This happened March 19, 1111.

Only one night stood the Russian army in Stewukan, and in the morning went on, to Don, to the next Polovkom town - Sugrov. His inhabitants decided to defend themselves, coming out with a weapon on the earthen shaft. The Russian shelves have surrounded Sugrov from all sides and poured it asleep with arrells with a burning cleavess paneling. Fires began in the city. The distraught polovtsy rushed along the flaming streets, trying to cope with fire. Then the attack began. Heavy loaves-tarana Russian warriors struck the city gate and entered the city. Sugrov fell. The robbery nest, from which in the past years pulled out the dashing Vatagi Polovtsy riders for the next raid, ceased to exist.

Total half of the day transition remained to the Don River ... Meanwhile, the guard trainings found a large cluster of polovtsy at River Solnitsa (River Tor), don's influx. A decisive battle was approaching, the result of which only a victory or death could be: the Russian army so far went into a wild field that it was impossible to escape from the fast half-blood cavity in the case of retreat.

It came on March 24, 1111. The thick crowds of the Polovtsy appeared on the horizon, throwing forward the tentacle of light-couplings. Russian army took a combat order: in the "Chela" - the Grand Duke of Svyatopolk with his Kievans; On the right wing - Vladimir Monomakh and his sons with Pereyaslavtsov, Rostovtsov, Suzdaltsy, Belozers, Smolyanis; On the left wing - Chernihiv princes. Tested Russian combat system with an uncomplicable phalange of infantry in the center and fast horse squads on the flanks ...

So Vladimir Monomakh fought in 1076 with the Knight's Connection in the Czech Republic - Peshsi-Copiones in the center and cavalry on the flanks - and won. So he built the army in the last big campaign against the Polovtsy and also won the top. So many years later, Yaroslavova Roda, Alexander Nevsky, will put his shelves - Alexander Nevsky, when he will lead his warriors to the ice of the Lake, to discard German dogs ...

Only by the end of the day the Polovtsy gathered for attack and huge crowds rushed into Russian. An experienced ball refused the usual half-tactic tactics - a blow to the horse-wedge in the "man" - and stepped over the front so that the horse squads of the princes could help with the flank strikes. The brutal singer began immediately in the "Chela", and on the wings. Russian warriors barely restrained Polovtsy Natisk.

Probably, Khan was wrong, that is how to build a battle. His warriors, many of whom did not have armor, were not familiar to the "direct battle", to a close hand-to-hand fight and carried huge losses. Russians survived and began to slowly move forward. Quickly felt. Polovtsy, realizing that crushing the Russian troops of a furious Natius could not, turned her horses and rowed into the steppe. It was the success of Russian princes, but it was not still a victory: a lot of Polovetsky riders were saved and could continue the war. So Vladimir Monomakh, sending a guard regiment after the Polovtsy, regarded the situation. The ball will collect his steppe army somewhere, you need to know - where ...

Only one day stood Russian shelves on the battlefield. Watchtower reported that the Polovtsy gather again in the crowd near the mouth of the Solnitsa. Russian shelves made a campaign and walked all night. Ahead has already blinking the fires of a huge Polovtsy Mill.

Morning came on March 27, 1111. Both troops again stood against each other. This time, the ball did not look for luck in a terrible "direct battle", in which the Russians were invincible, and tried to surround the shelves of the princes from all sides to shoot the wrecks from the onions, using the speed of Polovtsy horses and a huge numerical superiority. But Vladimir Monomakh did not allow him to take his army into the ring and resolutely moved forward. It was a surprise for Polovtsovsky military leaders: usually the Russians were waiting for them when they were attacked, and only reflecting the blow, crossed to counterattacks. Polovtsy were forced to take a "direct battle" again. The leader of Russian troops imposed his will his will. Once again, Polovtsaya Cornia fell into the center of the Russian system, and again, Peshsi-Kopientsians survived, giving the opportunity to horseradish to hit the flanks. Pereyaslav's squad under the edge of Vladimir Monomakh fought on decisive parts of the battle, taking fear of enemies. Equestrian squads of other princes rushed into the Polovtsy rows, ruptured on the part of the Polovetsky system. Hangs and thousands of rumbled in vain, trying to establish control of the battle. Polovtsy were shot down into non-stroke crowds, randomly moved around the field, beaten by invulnerable in their armor to Russian warriors. And the spirit of Polovtsy troops was abandoned, it rolled it to reverse, to the Don Brode. Frightened by this spectacle, the fresh Polovtsy thousands on the other day of Don were stopped. Equestrian squads were relentlessly pursued by the retreating pollov, ruthlessly cutting them with long swords. Ten thousand Warriors Khan Shatukan found perfection in the Don coast, the set was captured. The defeat was complete. Not to raids on Rus now Khanu ...

To lead about the victory of Russian princes on Don Thunder swept over Polovtsy steppes. Khan Bonayak frightened, led his Dnieper Polovtsy away from the Russian frontiers, and there was not even aware of where he and what he did. The remains of the Don Polovtsy were discovered to the Caspian Sea, and some even further - for the "Iron Gate" (Derbent). Great silence came on the steppe border of Russia, and it was the main result of the campaign. Rus received a long-awaited respite.