Kingdom of Ruthenia (Principality of Galicia–Volhynia)

Danilo Galitsky

Years of prosperity: 1199-1349

Currency: Hryvnia

Language: old Ukrainian (Ruthenian language)

Flag: Blue and yellow banner with the image of a lion

Capital: Lviv / Galich

Religion: Christianity

Principality of Galicia–Volhynia or "Kingdom of Ruthenia'" (lat. Regnum Galiciae et Lodomeriae, Regnum Rusiae) - Principality of the Rurik dynasty, formed through the merger of Galich and Volyn principality by Roman Mstislavich. Since the second half of the XIII century it was a kingdom, main the legitimate heir and successor of the cultural traditions of Kievan Rus and the ancestor of the modern Ukrainian state.

Principality of Galicia–Volhynia

Galicia-Volhynia was one of the major principalities period of feudal fragmentation of Rus. It consisted of Galician, Przemysl, Zvenygorodska, Terebovl, Vladimir, Lutsk, Belz and Kholm lands, as well as Podillia and Bessarabia.

Despite the destructive wars, which touched a lot of lands, including Galicia-Volhynia, in this territories in the XII century observed stabilization of economic and political development. On the Galician and Volyn land observed population growth and economic potential, as well as form regulation of economic relations. In 1199 the principality with similar economic and cultural conditions, political and economic relations were united in the Principality of Galicia–Volhynia state under the leadership of the Galician Prince Roman, a descendant of Vladimir Monomakh.

Another legendary ruler of the principality became a Danilo Galitsky. At the end of 1230's he was able to establish peaceful relations with its neighbors. Prince has made considerable efforts to protect the country's borders during the Mongol invasion. Fortifications that he built right after the Mongol invasion, helped to reduce the number of robberies in comparison with other principalities. In the years 1254-1255 he also managed to get a few victories over the Horde troops and throw them away, releasing part of Ukrainian lands.

Domestic and foreign policy of Danilo Galitsky contributed to raising his popularity in the eyes of the world community. Courtiers of European royals were honored to have connection with the Galicia-Volyn prince. In 1253 Pope Innocent IX crowned Daniel in Drogobic on Podlasie. This act was confirmed by the recognition of the Galicia-Volyn principality subject of international law. The Principality has increased significantly during the XIII c., During the successors of Daniel Romanovich. In particular, lands of Lublin and Transcarpathia been attached to the principality. Some time Galician-Volyn prince also manages the lands of Lithuania.