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. 1. Write a short summary of the text.