Iziaslav of Polotsk

Iziaslav
Prince ofPolotsk
Monument to Iziaslav inZaslawye
Reign	989–1001
Predecessor	Rogneda
Successor	Briachislav
Born	978 Kiev
Died	1001
Issue	Vseslav Briachislav
Names Iziaslav Vladimirovich
House	Rurik
Father	Vladimir I of Kiev
Mother	Rogneda of Polotsk
Insignia

Iziaslav of Polock seal

Iziaslav Vladimirovich(978–1001) was the son ofVladimir I of KievandRogneda of Polotsk.He was the progenitor of the Polotsk branch ofRurikidprinces known as theIziaslavichi.

Biography

When his father converted to Christianity in 988, he had to divorce all his previous wives, including Rogneda. She and her son Iziaslav were exiled back to the lands of Polotsk – first toIziaslav,and later to Polotsk.

FollowingNorsetradition, Iziaslav was sent with his mother to rule her homeland. There is also a legend that Rogneda tried to get Iziaslav to slay his father.

Despite possibly going against the will of his father, Iziaslav was able to continue his rule inPolotsk.He was first to make Polotsk autonomous from thegrand prince of Kiev,passing his title to his descendants after his death. His principality carried a wide degree of autonomy that later was passed on to his descendants. His glory was commemorated after an established city that was named after him.

Iziaslav died at the young age of about 23, in 1001, surviving his mother but predeceasing his father Vladimir of Kiev, thus excluding his descendants from ever succeeding the Kievan throne, according to the so-called "rota system".

Family

The name of Iziaslav's spouse is unknown. He had two sons:Bryachislav of Polotskand Vseslav. Both were certainly minor at the time of his father's death. Vseslav died, still in childhood, in 1003, while Bryachislav survived to continue the Polotsk dynasty and to challenge the authority of his uncleYaroslav the Wise.His direct progeny ruledPrincipality of Polotskuntil 1222.

External links

• Litopys (Chronicles)(in Ukrainian)