Thepoliudie(Russian:полюдье) was the practice of gatheringtributeby the rulers ofKievan Rus'fromvassalEast SlavicandFinnictribes. It was similar to the "right of hospitality" as practised in theVikinglands (where it was known asveizla) and early medieval Poland (where it was known asstan).[1]
Thepoliudie(Greek:πολύδια) was described inDe Administrando Imperioby theByzantineemperorConstantine Porphyrogenitus.[2]In winter, the ruler ofKievwent out on rounds, visitingDregovichs,Krivichs,Drevlians,Severians,and other subordinated tribes. Some paid tribute in money, some in furs or other commodities, and some in slaves.[3]In April, the prince returned to Kiev.[4]
ThePrimary ChroniclesuggestsOlga of Kievchanged the method of gathering tribute. The chronicle reports that Olga's husband,Igor,was killed by the Drevlians angered at his attempt to collect more tribute than it had been agreed. After his death, Olga appointed her own officials to gather and deliver tribute, at least in some of the areas of her domain, preferring not to rely on local chiefs and the system ofpoliudie.[5]Valentin Yaninsuggests that Olga's reform was the first germ of the law of the Rus', later codified as theRusskaya Pravda.
Notes
editReferences
edit- Jones, Gwyn (2001).A History of the Vikings.Oxford University Press.ISBN0-19-280134-1
- Martin, Janet (1995).Medieval Russia, 980-1584.Cambridge University Press.ISBN0-521-36832-4