c. 978–1054
Yaroslav the Wise
“Father-in-law of Europe”
Grand Prince of Kyiv under whom Kyivan Rus’ reached its peak. He gave the state its first written law code, the Rus’ Justice, built Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv and married his children into Europe’s royal houses.
Key accomplishments
- The law code Rus’ Justice, the first written law of Kyivan Rus’
- Built Saint Sophia Cathedral and the Golden Gate in Kyiv
- Founded a library and schools; promoted book learning and the copying of books
- Dynastic marriages of his children with the rulers of France, Norway, Hungary and other countries
Who he was
Yaroslav was the son of Volodymyr the Great. After his father’s death, he won a long struggle for the throne of Kyiv, and from 1019 until his death he ruled as Grand Prince of Kyiv (in 1026–1036 jointly with his brother Mstyslav, with whom he divided Rus’ along the Dnipro River).
His story
Under Yaroslav, Kyiv became one of the largest and richest cities in Europe. He built Saint Sophia Cathedral, the Golden Gate and new fortifications, and founded a library and schools. His Rus’ Justice, the first known written law code of Rus’, regulated courts, punishments and people’s rights.
Yaroslav also became famous for his diplomacy. His daughters became queens: Anna of France, Yelyzaveta of Norway, Anastasiia of Hungary. That is why he is often called the “father-in-law of Europe.”
Why it matters today
Yaroslav showed that a state’s strength lies not only in its army but also in its laws, education and culture. The Order of Yaroslav the Wise is one of Ukraine’s highest state awards, and his portrait is on the 2 hryvnia banknote.
