Konstantin Borisovich

Konstantin Borisovich

Prince of Rostov (1278-1288, 1294-1307), Uglich (1288-1294)
Date of Birth: 30.07.1255

Content:
  1. Early Life and Reign in Rostov
  2. Rise to Power in Rostov and Conflict with the Great Prince
  3. Role in Vladimir-Suzdal Politics
  4. Alliance with Andrei Alexandrovich and Conflict with Other Princes
  5. Family and Legacy

Early Life and Reign in Rostov

Konstantin Borisovich (c. 1254 - 1307) was the Prince of Rostov from 1278-1288, 1294-1307, and Prince of Uglich from 1288-1294. He was the son of Boris Vasilkovich, Prince of Rostov, and Maria Yaroslavna, a Princess of Murom.

Rise to Power in Rostov and Conflict with the Great Prince

In 1277, Konstantin joined his father and brother Dmitry in the Mongol invasion of the Caucasus. After his father's death in the Horde, Konstantin returned to Rostov and assumed the throne in 1278, alongside his brother. In 1281, his brother's actions led to a dispute with their cousin, forcing Konstantin to seek refuge with the Grand Prince of Vladimir, Dmitry Alexandrovich, who mediated the conflict.

In 1286, Konstantin was allotted Rostov following a partition among brothers. However, in 1289, he voluntarily ceded Rostov and took control of Uglich.

Role in Vladimir-Suzdal Politics

In 1293, Konstantin supported Andrei Alexandrovich, Prince of Gorodets, in his feud against Grand Prince Dmitry Alexandrovich. After his brother's death in 1294, Konstantin became Prince of Rostov, giving Uglich to his son Alexander. In 1294, he clashed with the Bishop of Rostov, Tarasii, leading to the bishop's exile.

Alliance with Andrei Alexandrovich and Conflict with Other Princes

Andrei Alexandrovich became Grand Prince of Vladimir in 1293 and sought to consolidate his power over the appanage princes. Konstantin and Fedor Yaroslavsky became his loyal allies, engaging in a prolonged struggle against Andrei's opponents.

In 1301, the conflict culminated at the Congress of Dmitrov, where princes reconciled with the exception of Konstantin, who clashed with Ivan, Prince of Pereyaslavl. The conflict was eventually resolved by the intervention of Bishop Semen.

Family and Legacy

Konstantin married twice. His first wife died in 1299, and his second was an Orda princess, daughter of Khan Kutlukoortky. He had two sons from his first marriage: Alexander, Prince of Uglich; and Vasily, Prince of Rostov. Konstantin also had a daughter who married Yuri Danilovich, Prince of Moscow, in 1297.

Konstantin Borisovich died in the Horde in 1307. Despite his conflicts and alliances, he played a significant role in the politics of Vladimir-Suzdal during his time.

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