Rus under Mongol Rule

Exhibit 4

Rus in the time of the Golden Horde

In 1240, the Principality of Halycia and Volhynia became on obstacle on the way of the Mongols during their attack on Europe. The invasion was a disaster for Ukraine. Many cities and villages were ruined and burnt, many people killed or taken prisoners. L’viv lost a lot of its citizens, its walls and fortifications were destroyed.   

However, at the same time, due to its location, L’viv for several centuries became a major center of trade between Europe and the East. New trade routes to Kyiv, the Crimean, towards the Volga river and even Egypt were developed.  Trade was thriving. Many Tartars and Arabs settled in the city and its vicinities, among them both warriors, and craftsmen and merchants of different occupations. They added some Oriental flavor to the city life and made a significant contribution to the cultural and artistic development of L’viv.

The scene represents a symbolic conversation of the Mongol leader Burundai, who ordered to ruin fortifications of L’viv and other Rus cities in 1259, and the ruler of the Halycian Principality Boyaryn (Lord) Dmytro Dedko, who 100 years later led the resistance to the Mongols and, with the support of the Crimean Tartars, protected Rus from the attacks of Poland and Hungary.

In 1258 I, who knew the great Khan Batyi himself, was chosen to be the commander of the Mongol army on the right bank of the Dnieper. By order of my new Khan Berkee, I told my warriors to ruin fortifications of L’viv and other cities of the Kingdom of Rus — Volodymyr, Lutsk and Kremenets. And if you do not pay the tribute or decide to fight against me, I will burn the whole country of Rus together with Poland and Lithuania!

We want to tell everybody, who wishes to come to the land of Rus, that, like before, they may safely stay in L’viv without any fear. And if somebody would like to live here, he and his children will have the citizenship of L’viv, be free of any duties for one year, enjoy other rights, but shall pay taxes. And we confirm by this letter that we will redeem any harm done after the death of our lord of blessed memory Prince of Rus, since it was done by the people of L’viv.