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Novgorod Veche Assembly

Type Object Region Eastern Europe Time c. 1015–1478

The Novgorod veche was an open-air public assembly of townspeople, free peasants, and merchants that decided on war, elected princes, legislated, and…

Timeline

  1. c. 900–1054Novgorod · Rus'The veche originated in Slavic tribal popular assemblies and evolved in Rus' cities into open meetings where townspeople participated in decision-making, checking the power of princes and boyars.
  2. 1111–1120Yaroslav's Court, Novgorod · NovgorodWhile Monomakh-line princes held office in Novgorod, the veche repeatedly intervened in princely appointments and foreign policy; the townspeople convened assemblies by ringing bells and voted by shouting, expanding their political influence.
  3. 1136–1300Novgorod Kremlin · Novgorod RepublicIn 1136 the veche decided to expel Prince Vsevolod; thereafter princes were elected by the townspeople with limited terms, and the veche together with the Council of Elders (sovet stareyshin) formed the supreme power structure of the republic.
  4. 1400–1478Novgorod · Rus'With the rise of the Grand Duchy of Moscow and aristocratic dominance, the veche convened less often and its decision-making power was hollowed out; after Ivan III conquered Novgorod in 1478, the assembly system came to an end.

Sources