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Novgorod Veche

Type Object Region Russia Time c. 1136–1478

The veche (ве́че) was the supreme public decision-making body of the Novgorod Republic, electing officials, declaring war and peace, and still influe…

Timeline

  1. c. 1136–1300Novgorod · Novgorod OblastThe veche met regularly in Yaroslav's Court, with boyars and free citizens participating, electing officials such as the posadnik (mayor) and forming alliances abroad. Together with the elected prince it constituted the Republic's dual governance structure.
  2. 1380–1390Novgorod · Novgorod OblastAfter the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380, Moscow's influence rose, but Novgorod still maintained relatively independent foreign and trade policies through the veche. In the 1380s the assembly continued to adjudicate alliances and disputes with the Hanseatic League, Lithuania, and Moscow.
  3. 1456–1478Novgorod · Novgorod OblastAfter 1456 Moscow's suzerainty over Novgorod strengthened and the veche's room for decision-making shrank. Following Ivan III's military occupation in 1478 the republican system was abolished, and the veche exited history as the supreme public institution.

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