Quickly read the text. Don't look up new words in the dictionary. What period of Veliky Novgorod history is described in this project? Which of the photos is not mentioned in the text? Find key words or a key phrase in each paragraph and say what each paragraph is about. Make a plan of the text or a chronological table. Add useful words and phrases to your plan/ chronological table. Veliky Novgorod: the Russian democratic tradition Veliky Novgorod is one of the oldest Russian cities. The first reference to Novgorod was found in the chronicle of 859. At that time it was a fortified settlement. It is believed that Prince Ryurik set up his military camp here in the 10th century. In the Middle Ages Novgorod governed the lands from the Volga river to the shores of the Arctic Ocean. At the end of the 10th century Novgorod became the second most important centre of Kievan Rus. The city was the earliest international trading centre of Eastern Europe. In 1019 Yaroslav the Wise granted Novgorod independence from Kiev and the rights of a free city. Novgorod is the birthplace of the Russian democratic tradition. In 1136-1478 Novgorod was the capital of Novgorod Feudal Republic ruled by the Veche. The Veche was a people's assembly which made decisions on war and peace, summoned and banned the princes, passed the laws, concluded treaties with other territories, etc. Veliky Novgorod is also known as the earliest centre of education in Russia. In 1034 Yaroslav the Wise founded a school for 300 pupils there. It is believed that local inhabitants were all literate - they could read and write. This is confirmed by numerous letters on birch-bark. These are mostly everyday messages of common people. These early records have brought us the language of medieval Novgorod and glimpses of its people's lives.

The text describes the history of Veliky Novgorod primarily during the Middle Ages, focusing on its role as a significant center in Kievan Rus and its contributions to democratic governance and education. **Photos Not Mentioned:** The text does not specify or mention any particular photos. ### Key Words/Phrases and Paragraph Summary: 1. **Paragraph 1:** *Founding and Fortification* - **Key Phrase:** "First reference to Novgorod 859" - **Summary:** Introduces the antiquity of Veliky Novgorod, mentioning its early existence as a fortified settlement and association with Prince Ryurik. 2. **Paragraph 2:** *Political Importance* - **Key Phrase:** "Second most important centre of Kievan Rus" - **Summary:** Discusses Novgorod's significance during the Middle Ages, governing vast lands and being an international trading hub. 3. **Paragraph 3:** *Democratic Tradition* - **Key Phrase:** "Granting independence to Novgorod" - **Summary:** Highlights the establishment of Novgorod’s independence and its governance by the Veche, contributing to Russia's democratic legacy. 4. **Paragraph 4:** *Educational Center* - **Key Phrase:** "Earliest centre of education in Russia" - **Summary:** Describes Novgorod’s educational advancements, including the founding of a school by Yaroslav the Wise and the literacy of its inhabitants. ### Plan/Chronological Table: 1. **859**: First mention of Novgorod in chronicles; a fortified settlement. - Important Event: Establishment as a key location by Prince Ryurik in the 10th century. 2. **10th Century**: Novgorod rises as an important center within Kievan Rus. - Significant Role: Governing lands from the Volga to the Arctic. 3. **1019**: Yaroslav the Wise grants Novgorod independence from Kiev. - Key Development: Novgorod becomes a free city. 4. **1136-1478**: Veliky Novgorod as the capital of Novgorod Feudal Republic. - Governance: Rule by the people's assembly, the Veche. 5. **1034**: Establishment of the first school in Novgorod. - Educational Impact: Literacy among the populace and use of birch-bark letters. ### Useful Words and Phrases for Study: - Fortified settlement - International trading center - Independence - Democratic tradition - People's assembly (Veche) - Education and literacy - Kievan Rus - Historical significance - Medieval records This structure and vocabulary should aid in understanding the key themes and events related to Veliky Novgorod's history as outlined in the text.