The small Ukrainian river Alta, the lengthwhich does not exceed thirty-seven kilometers, was repeatedly noted in the history of Ancient Rus by bloody events that took place on its shores. They were the consequence and struggle for power between the heirs of the Kiev throne, and the confrontation, which for a long time was preserved between our ancestors and nomadic inhabitants of the steppes.
The history of the most famous battle,which occurred in 1019, originates from the death of the Kiev prince Vladimir the Great, who died four years before and left four sons after him. Two of them, Yaroslav and Svyatopolk, at the head of their troops met on the banks of the Alta, trying to make their way through the sword to the authorities they desired. The closest relationship with the holy baptizer of Russia did not prevent them from defiling their swords with brotherly blood.
Four years earlier, from the hands of the killers sentSvyatopolk, corrected for the sake of power, all divine and human laws, the deaths of their two other brothers - Boris and Gleb, canonized in the face of the holy martyrs. For this crime Svyatopolk received from the descendants the nickname "Damned".
The Battle of the River Alta (year 1019) was not the firsta clash between brothers. Twice before that, the enemy of the human race had darkened their minds with a thirst for power, pushing for bloodshed for the sake of worldly glory and wealth. For the first time this happened in 1016. After the blessed death of their equal-power parent, the power in Kiev went to Svyatopolk, but the impudent Yaroslav conquered his reign by triumph over his brother, who was victorious in the battle of Lubich.
The second time their blood spilled two yearslater on the banks of the Western Bug, when Svyatopolk, who was eager for revenge, called for the help of his father-in-law, King of Poland Boleslaw I, to flee his brother's squad. However, his celebration did not last long - having received the territorial concessions promised for his assistance and fearing the popular discontent caused by their presence, the Poles abandoned Svyatopolk to the mercy of fate. Fearing to be hanged for his betrayal, the treacherous prince fled to the Pechenegs, thus giving way to the throne of Kiev to his brother Yaroslav.
And finally, the final of their confrontation wasBattle of the River Alta. History has kept very limited information about it. But from the ancient chronicles it is known that this time too Svyatopolk used the help of foreigners to achieve his goal, leading the Pechenegs with him on the battlefield, seducing them with lavish promises.
Yaroslav, being no less power-hungry thanhis brother, nevertheless relied only on the support of compatriots, without resorting to the help of foreigners and not trading with Russian lands. He managed to collect in Novgorod a large army, armed and equipped at the expense of the citizens themselves. The point in their dispute was the Battle of the River Alta.
History has not kept accurate information about whereit was in the deadly battle of Vladimir Vladimirovich. It is only known that this happened at the very place where in July 1015 the life of their third brother, Boris, broke off on the riverbank. Ancient chronicles report that the cruel sechs lasted all day and turned into a complete victory of the squad of Yaroslav.
God's wrath that struck that day onSvyatopolk, was a worthy retribution for his former treachery. Saving his life, he tried to escape through Poland to the Czech Republic, but on the way died, stricken with disease. The throne of Kiev went to his brother, who went down in history under the name of Yaroslav the Wise.
Known and another battle on the river Alta, the datewhich is 1068. This event became a sad page in the history of Russia, but it is also remembered in the chronicles that have survived to us. By this time the rulers of Russia were the sons of the deceased Prince of Kiev Yaroslav the Wise - Vsevolod, Svyatoslav and Izyaslav. Having concentrated all power in their hands, they managed to subordinate Smolensk and Volhynia, which up to that time retained independence.
Their triumvirate tried to maintain peace with a strong andaggressive neighbor - Polovtsian khan Sharukan. In 1055 he even managed to conclude a kind of peace treaty. However, six years later, correcting their promises, the Polovtsi invaded Rus, passing along the left bank of the Dnieper.
Up to 1068, raids continuednomads, as a result of which the prince brothers were forced to meet them at the head of a large squad. The result of the campaign was the Battle of the River Alta. The history of the date of this event has not been preserved, the details of what happened on that sad day on the bank of the Alta are hidden from us. It is only known about the brutal defeat suffered by the Russian squadron from the troops of Polovtsian Khan Sharukan.
Encouraged by the victory, the nomads strengthened theirraids, looting defenseless villagers and approaching close to Kiev. Indignant townspeople demanded that their rulers, who had returned so ignominiously from the campaign, immediately distribute weapons to all and organize the militia, and, having been refused, raised an uprising that almost cost the scandalous princes of their supreme power.
