Boyars were a class of powerful landowners and nobles in medieval Russia. They played a significant role in the political, social, and economic life of the country. Boyars were granted land by the tsar in exchange for military service and administrative duties. They also had the right to vote in the Zemsky Sobor, a council of nobles and clergy that advised the tsar. Over time, the boyars became increasingly influential, and they often challenged the authority of the tsar. This tension between the boyars and the tsar would eventually lead to the Time of Troubles, a period of political instability and civil war in Russia.
Boyar: A Definition for AP World History
Boyars were a social class in medieval Russia that played a significant role in the political and economic life of the country. They were originally members of the ruling class of Kievan Rus’, but their power and influence declined over time as the power of the central government increased. By the 14th century, boyars were largely ceremonial figures who had little real power.
Structure of Boyar Society
Boyar society was highly stratified, with different ranks of boyars based on their wealth, power, and influence. The highest-ranking boyars were known as the “great boyars” (velikiye boyare), and they held the most important positions in the government and military. The next rank down was the “middle boyars” (sredniye boyare), who were typically less wealthy and influential than the great boyars. The lowest rank of boyars was the “small boyars” (melkiye boyare), who were usually minor landowners and had little political influence.
Boyar Responsibilities
Boyars were expected to serve the tsar in both military and administrative capacities. They were responsible for raising and leading armies, as well as for administering the affairs of the state. Boyars also played an important role in the judicial system, and they were responsible for judging cases and enforcing the law.
Boyar Privileges
Boyars enjoyed a number of privileges and immunities. They were exempt from taxation, they had the right to own land, and they could not be arrested or imprisoned without the tsar’s consent. Boyars also had the right to attend the tsar’s court and to participate in the political decision-making process.
Decline of Boyar Power
The power of the boyars declined over time as the central government grew stronger. By the 17th century, the boyars had lost most of their political power and influence. The tsarist government confiscated their lands and privileges, and they were replaced by a new class of bureaucrats who were more loyal to the state.
Table of Boyar Ranks
| Rank | Title | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Great Boyars | Velikiye boyare | Held the most important positions in the government and military |
| Middle Boyars | Sredniye boyare | Typically less wealthy and influential than the great boyars |
| Small Boyars | Melkiye boyare | Usually minor landowners and had little political influence |
Question 1: What is the definition of boyars in AP World History?
Answer: Boyars were members of the hereditary aristocracy in medieval Russia who held high positions in government and military service. They owned large estates and had personal armies.
Question 2: What were the roles of boyars in Russian society?
Answer: Boyars played a significant role in Russian society as advisors to the prince, military leaders, and administrators of land. They also participated in the election of the prince and exercised legislative power.
Question 3: How did the relationship between boyars and the prince change over time?
Answer: Initially, boyars held significant power and influence over the prince. However, as the power of the monarchy grew, the authority of the boyars declined. By the 16th century, the prince had become the absolute ruler, and the boyars were reduced to serving as his loyal subjects.
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