Veliky Novgorod

Today I was taking it easy after being sick, exploring the historical center of town.

The historic area of V. Novgorod is a sleepy little town with lots of greenery and water. It's beautiful and restful.

The city is also the site of a large urban dig called the Troitsky archaeological dig.  It began in 1973 and continues today.  Due to the soil conditions, wood artifacts have been preserved, giving valuable insights into Medieval Northern Europe.

In July, a roman coin dating back to the 4th Century AD was found at an excavation site, further showing the relationship between Novgorod and the Byzantine Empire.

http://www.novgorod1150.com/history/archeolog/

Touting itself as the birthplace of Russia and one of the oldest cities in Russia, the city dates from the late 10th century when it was given the name Novgorod or “New City” to distinguish it from previous Varangian stronghold of Holmgard (Rurikovo Gorodische), south of the city.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veliky_Novgorod

It was an important city of the Kievan Rus during the dynasty founded by Rurik, a Varangian prince and functioned as the original capital until 822 when the administration was transferred to Kiev.

Beginning with the death of Yaroslav the Wise, in 1054, the once united "Russians" would develop into separate principalities, leading to the establishment of the separate Novgorod Republic in 1136. As a Republic, princes were invited in and dismissed if they did not make the grade.

The hero, Alexander Nevsky, was Prince of Novgorod four times. During one of those times, he found himself between a rock and hard place.  The Golden Horde of Batu Khan threatened from the East and the Livonian branch of the Teutonic Knights threatened from the West.  On April 5, 1242, the Battle on the Ice (fought on the frozen Lake Peipus) took place with ending with a decisive victory for the Novgorod Republic over the Knights. Alternately, Nevsky chose to pay tribute to the Khan.

It would not be until late 1400s before much of Russia would start to be ruled under one ruler again, beginning with Ivan the III. His grandson Ivan the IV (the Terrible) would finally proclaim himself Tsar of All the Russias in 1547, fixing firmly the center of power on Moscow.

The Kremlin/fortress walls still stand with a moat circling around to the Volkhov river at the back.