c. 978–1054
Yaroslav the Wise
“Father-in-law of Europe”
Why was a prince of Kyiv nicknamed the “father-in-law of Europe”? Yaroslav the Wise married his daughters to the kings of France, Norway and Hungary, gave Rus’ the law code Rus’ Justice and built Saint Sophia in Kyiv.
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
A prince who had to fight for Kyiv
Yaroslav was the son of Volodymyr the Great. The throne didn’t simply pass to him when his father died: he won a long struggle for Kyiv, and from 1019 until his death he ruled as Grand Prince of Kyiv. For ten years, in 1026–1036, he shared Rus’ with his brother Mstyslav, splitting it along the Dnipro.
Laws, books and stone
Yaroslav was a builder. He raised Saint Sophia Cathedral, the Golden Gate and new fortifications, and Kyiv became an architectural rival of Constantinople. At Saint Sophia he founded a school and a library, and scribes translated and copied books.
Another part of his legacy isn’t made of stone. The Rus’ Justice is the first known written law code of Rus’, and its oldest part is tied to Yaroslav’s name.
“Father-in-law of Europe”
Yaroslav was also known for his diplomacy. His daughters became queens: Anna of France, Yelyzaveta of Norway, Anastasiia of Hungary. That is why he is called the “father-in-law of Europe.”
Where we see him today
Yaroslav showed that a state’s strength lies not only in its army but in its laws, learning and culture. Ukraine awards the Order of Yaroslav the Wise, and his portrait is on the 2 hryvnia banknote.
