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Novgorod Veche Assembly

Type Object Region Rus' Time c. 1015–1478

The veche was a citizens' assembly in Novgorod and other cities where free men gathered to elect officials, declare war and peace, and decide major a…

Timeline

  1. c. 1015–1136Veliky Novgorod · NovgorodThe tradition of free men's assemblies in Novgorod gradually took shape; the 1136 expulsion of the Kiev-appointed grand prince marked the establishment of urban self-governing power.
  2. 1136–1478Veliky Novgorod · Novgorod RepublicThe veche co-governed with the elected posadnik and the boyar council, deciding foreign affairs, taxation, and justice; in the 1230s, facing the Mongol threat, it still convened assemblies to decide on defense and alliances.
  3. 1231–1240Veliky Novgorod · Novgorod RepublicAs Mongol armies approached Northern Rus' in the 1230s, veche assemblies discussed defense strategies; Novgorod avoided direct conquest through measures such as paying tribute, and its self-governing assembly system continued.

Sources