Duchy of Kiev

Duchy of Kiev or Kyiv principality was the central principality in Kyivan Rus’. It was formed along with Kyivan Rus in the 9th century. As the Kyivan Rus expanded more principalities were formed within Kyivan Rus. The Kyivan Principality existed as an independent entity until the mid-12th century, when it became an appanage principality.

During the Mongol invasion in 1240 the principality was passed to the Grand Duchy of Vladimir which was a vassal of Golden Horde. In 1362-63 the principality became part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In 1393-1440 it was liquidated, but later was reinstated with addition of more territories of the Left-bank Ukraine (Siveria and lands of Pereyaslav). In 1471 the principality was transformed into the Kiev Voivodeship as part of the Polish Crown.

External links

• Kyiv principality. Encyclopedia of Ukraine.
• Kyiv principality 14-15th centuries. Handbook on the history of Ukraine.