Andrei Bogolyubsky

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Bust of Andrei Bogolyubsky in a museum (Vladimir, Russia)

Andrei Bogolyubsky (Russian: Андрей Боголюбский) (ca. 1111 – June 28, 1174) was a prince of Vladimir-Suzdal (after 1157). He was the son of Yuri Dolgoruki, who proclaimed Andrei a prince in Vyshhorod (near Kiev). His mother was a Kipchak princess, khan Aepa's daughter.

He left Vyshhorod in 1155 and moved to Vladimir. Promoting development of feudal relations, he relied on a team and on Vladimir’s townspeople; he connected to trading-craft business of Rostov and Suzdal. After his father’s death (1157) he became prince of Vladimir, Rostov and Suzdal.

Andrei Bogolyubsky tried to unite Rus' lands under his authority. From 1159 he persistently struggled for submission of Novgorod to his authority and conducted a complex military and diplomatic game in South Rus. In 1169 his troops took Kiev. After plundering the city [1] including stealing much religious artwork, he returned to the northeast afterwards. This act underlined the declining importance of that city. Andrei achieved the right to receive a tribute from Dvinskaya’s population. Becoming "ruler of all Suzdal land", Andrei Bogolyubsky transferred his capital to Vladimir, strengthened it and constructed the magnificent Assumption Cathedral and other churches and monasteries. Under his leadership Vladimir was much enlarged, and fortifications were built around the city.

At the same time the castle Bogolyubovo was built next to Vladimir, and was a favorite residence of his. In fact he received his nickname "Bogolyubsky" in honor of this place. During Andrei Bogolyubsky’s reign Vladimir-Suzdal principality attained significant power and was the strongest among the Rus' principalities.

Amplification of princely authority and conflict with outstanding boyars was the cause of a plot against Andrei Bogolyubsky, as a result of which he was killed on the night of June 28 to June 29, 1174. Twenty of his disgruntled retainers burst into his chambers and slew Andrei in his bed. His silver-inlaid war axe can now be viewed at the National Historical Museum in Moscow.

His son, Yuri Bogolyubsky, was the first husband of Queen Tamar of Georgia.