Why Konstantin Dobrynich Was Executed

This paper presents a historical reconstruction of several episodes in the biography of one of the most prominent historical figures of Ancient Rus' of the early 11th century—the Novgorod boyar Konstantin Dobrynich. Special research methods (historical‑analytical and problem‑chronological) were employed during the research. The authors examined and analyzed materials that form the basis of the research, taking into account the chronology of events and the need to obtain historical information from the scholarly sources under study. Comparative and retrospective analysis were employed to compare various theoretical perspectives on the chosen issues. The authors conducted a historiographical analysis of the research problem and identified the main sources relevant in writing the research. Basing on the texts of Old Russian chronicles, as well as archaeological excavations of the ancient Novgorod from the late 10th to early 11th centuries, the authors outlined Konstantin Dobrynich's possible involvement in historical episodes related to the anti‑ Varangian rebellion, the Battle of Lyubech, and events that took place in Novgorod in 1018. The study also presents the authors' hypotheses regarding the reasons for Konstantin Dobrynich's princely disgrace and subsequent death. The authors concluded that Konstantin Dobrynich played an important role in Old Russian history of the early 11th century. He was a Novgorod posadnik (mayor), voivode (military commander), and close associate of Prince Yaroslav Vladimirovich. Konstantin Dobrynich could participate in negotiations between Prince Yaroslav's representatives and the Novgorodians after the anti‑Varangian rebellion, and his wise counsel contributed to Prince Yaroslav the Wise's victory over his brother Svyatopolk in the Battle of Lyubech. In 1018, he saved the inhabitants of Novgorod from plunder, but fell out of favor with Yaroslav Vladimirovich and disappeared from his hometown.