| Ruler of Rus' Date of Birth: 01.01.0978 Country: Russia |
Jaroslav the Wise, born c. 978 AD, was a member of the Rurik dynasty. His father was Vladimir the Great, Grand Prince of Kiev, and his mother was Rogneda, Princess of Polotsk. In Baptism, he was given the name George.
1036:Became sole ruler of the Kievan Rus after a period of succession struggles.
Jaroslav pursued a policy of strengthening dynastic ties with European royal families:
Arranged marriages between his children and princesses from Poland, Germany, and Hungary
Continued his father's efforts to establish and strengthen Christianity
Despite his physical disability, a chronic limp, Jaroslav was described as intelligent, compassionate, and devout. He lived a modest and disciplined life, in contrast to his father's lavish reign.
1051:Appointed Ilarion as the first Kievan metropolitan bishop without the approval of the Patriarch of Constantinople.
Jaroslav's long and prosperous reign is remembered as one of cultural and intellectual advancement. He is considered one of the most significant rulers in Kievan Rus history, known for his wisdom and his contributions to the development of the Russian state and culture.