Day 25 ~ Last week of classes begins

27. July ~ Last week of School!

Nothing to eventful happened today. School came and went and in history class we talked about the Mongols. I don’t find the Mongols very interesting at all, I had a hard time focusing today.

Anyways, the Mongols attacked in 1223 and 1239 the Mongols led their strongest attack in Russia and destroyed many of the Russian principalities. It was a year long strike.

Every potential Russian prince had to visit the Elder Kahn and show respect and give offerings and prove that they are worthy enough to be a Prince. The prince has to travel to the steppe and then the Elder Kahn would choose which person is fit enough to be king.

Novgorod itself was never taken by Mongols. In 12th century Novgorod gained independence. It was private land and the prince had no right to buy land in the territory. The prince could not do anything that could gain the support of Novgorod in any way, this included not marrying a Novgorodian, all of the Princes men and relations could not buy land. The only role of the Prince is to come and rule then leave. Novgorod was the only republic in Russia that could choose it’s own prince.
You might wonder, why have a prince if he can’t do all of these things. Well the advantages of having a prince include good relations with other Principalities. Furthermore, the Prince was a military man and because he was neutral in the affairs of the people he was a good judge between the aristocrats. Novgorod Princes were paid double other princes and a Prince who ruled Novgorod was well respected, and prepared for moving on and going elsewhere. Lastly, the Prince got a share of all military spoils.

The Archbishop was the leader of the “House of St. Sophia” for the State of Novgorod. The archbishop is not appointed but elected and has his own domain. He is also the chief judge in family business, Church, and with moral questions. Civil authority and the seal of Novgorod are all in his hands. The archbishops are representatives of the Novgorod boyars (aristocrats) family. One member of each boyar family is chosen to go into the monastery. The family support those who become monks and eventually the archbishop is chosen from the monastery.

As for the political system at this period of time, there were a limited number of aristocrats at this period of time that would run all business. The Prime minister of the state or Posadnik is elected from the boyars family.

The local militia, Tys’atsky (The leader of the militia) is the mighties man who is also elected from the boyars family. He is the mayor of Novgorod.

The starosta or “older man” is elected from any group of free men (trade or craftsmen). He represents interests of all other social groups of the whole city. There was a starosta for every city, and every street.

Other members in the political system include Konets, Ulitsa, and Sotnia, although I do not remember any information about them, I hadn’t written anything.
Novgorod lost independence at the end of the 15th century when they then became related with the Moscow state.

Some other information we learned in that in the 13th century the level of Russian civilization was decreasing. Russia was starting it’s own development separate from Europe .

That was the basic topics of history class and after class I had work. Work was the same as usual, Francesca and I spent the day outside playing on the playground and coloring. Kids are tiring, I usually come home and want to sleep right away!
When I got home Olga had made me a chicken leg and vegetables! It was great, the vegetables were cooked in a spicy sauce, I can taste it still as I write this! Olga is so attentive of what my likes and dislikes are. Lucky for her my dislikes are few.

In school tomorrow we have a quiz on a list of about 12 verbs and we have to know their perfective and imperfective forms and their conjugations. Michelle and Steve wanted to come over to study. So they came over and most of the time we spent talking and laughing basically. We get together and we act so goofy. It’s a lot of fun. Needless to say we didn’t learn to much more about the verbs, but oh well. I can only imagine that once I get my test I will forget it a lot. I feel like I have text anxiety when I am here. I can spend soo much time studying and then get the thing in front of me and I just loose it all or confuse myself. It was a good night anyways, and we had a fun time making associations to try and remember the verbs.
Olga was so nice and made us all an apple/peach pie to go along with out tea. It has crumbs on top, it reminded me of deserts that we have at home. The pie was pretty fantastic and I was excited that there is a lot left which means more pie for the rest of the week!

So, all in all, a nice ending to the day. I love my friends and my host! Poka (Bye) Until I write again.

Love,
Sasha

Photo Link : Day 25 : An Album just for Pie!