The Zhelan River (Borshchagovka) in the political and economic life of Kyivan Rus (IX–XIII centuries)

Abstract

The article examines the role of the Zhelan River in the economic, military-strategic, and trade life of Kyivan Rus. It highlights the circumstances of the river’s settlement by ancient populations, the specifics of using its potential in the construction of fortifications and the arrangement of approaches to Kyiv, and reveals its significance in the struggle of Kyivan princes against foreign invaders. Particular attention is given to the issue of the Borshchahivka River valley’s use by princely authority for recreational purposes, the development of trade routes, and the emergence of monastic landholding and monasterial economies. It is concluded that the Zhelan River was an important factor in shaping the political and economic space of Kyivan Rus. Its resources and geographical location contributed not only to economic development but also to the security of the capital. The river became an integral element of Kyiv’s defensive system and served as the arena of major historical events that influenced the fate of the state.

The significance of the river as a local water artery is emphasized, being a component of state-building processes in the era of Kyivan Rus, and its impact on the formation of living space is revealed. The results obtained open perspectives for further studies of the economic and political importance of small rivers in the context of Kyivan Rus history, which will allow for a comprehensive assessment of the role of natural factors in the development of medieval society.