Council of Lyubech (1097)

The Council of Lyubech was the first known federal council of the Kievan Rus'. It was held in 1097 between the constantly rivaling regional princes. The council was followed later by another session in Vytechev on August 10, 1100, known as the Council of Vytechev.

The council was initiated by Vladimir II Monomakh, and gathered Svyatopolk II Izyaslavich, Vasilko Rostislavich, David Svyatoslavich, Oleg Svyatoslavich, and other Rus' princes. The goal was to stop the brotherly war, to pacify the people, and to present a unified front against the Cumans). The result was the division of Kievan Rus' among the princes and letting their families inherit them. This broke a Rota system (lestvichesliy right) that was observed in Kievan Rus' for two centuries.

The principalities were divided as follows:


 * Svyatopolk II received the Grand Principality of Kiev, the Principality of Turov, the Principality of Pinsk, and the title of the Grand Prince.
 * Vladimir II Monomakh received the principalities of Pereyaslavl, Rostov-Suzdal lands, Smolensk, and Beloozero. His son Mstislav received Veliky Novgorod.
 * Oleg, Davyd, and Yaroslav (all three sons Svyatoslav), received the principalities of Chernigov, Tmutarakan, Ryazan and Murom]]

And the remaining izgoi princes:


 * David Igorevich received Vladimir-Volynsky.
 * Volodar Rostislavich received the Principality of Peremyshl.
 * Vasylko Rostislavich received the Terebovl.

This change effectively established a feudal system in Kievan Rus'. It stopped the struggle for Chernigiv, but was not observed perfectly. After the death of Sviatopolk, the citizens of Kiev revolted and summoned Monomakh to the throne. Nevertheless, it allowed other principalities to consolidate their power and develop as powerful regional centers. Most notably the Principality of Halych-Volhynia and the Principality of Vladimir-Suzdal.