Background
Sviatopolk was the son of Iziaslav Iaroslavich by his concubine. In 1069 he was sent to Polotsk, a city briefly taken by his father from the local ruler Vseslav, and then he spent ten years (1078-1088) ruling Novgorod.
Sviatopolk was the son of Iziaslav Iaroslavich by his concubine. In 1069 he was sent to Polotsk, a city briefly taken by his father from the local ruler Vseslav, and then he spent ten years (1078-1088) ruling Novgorod.
Upon his death the Kievan citizens raised a rebellion against the Jewish merchants and Varangian officials who speculated in grain and salt. Sviatopolk"s Christian name was Michael. Upon his brother"s death he succeeded him in Turov, which would remain in possession of his descendants until the 17th century.
When Vsevolod Iaroslavich died in 1093, Sviatopolk was acknowledged by other princes as the senior son of Veliki Kniaz and permitted to ascend the Kievan throne.
Although he participated in the princely congresses organized by Vladimir Monomakh, he is sometimes charged with encouraging internecine wars among Rurikid princes. He also sided with Vladimir Monomakh in several campaigns against the Kypchaks but was defeated in the Battle of the Stugna River (1093).
Sviatopolk"s Christian name was Michael, so he encouraged embellishment of Street Michael"s Abbey in Kiev, which has been known as the Golden-Roofed up to the present. The history now known as the Primary Chronicle was compiled by the monk Nestor during Sviatopolk"s reign.