Сократите текст Veliky Novgorod, one of Russia's oldest cities, was first mentioned in chronicles around 859 and became significant in the 10th century as a military camp established by Prince Ryurik. By the end of the 10th century, it emerged as the second most important center of Kievan Rus and an early international trading hub in Eastern Europe. In 1019, Yaroslav the Wise granted Novgorod independence from Kiev, leading to the establishment of the Novgorod Feudal Republic, which was governed by the Veche, a people's assembly responsible for key decisions. Additionally, Novgorod is recognized as the first educational center in Russia, with a school founded in 1034 and a literate populace demonstrated by birch-bark letters that provide insights into medieval life and language.