Preconditions for the fragmentation of the Old Russian state.

One of the prerequisites for the feudal fragmentation of Kievan Rus was the weakening of the central power of the Grand Duke who ruled in Kiev, as a result of which large landowners began to strive to separate their estates. During this period in the history of the ancient Russian state, local feudal lords began to concentrate in their hands all the power in their lands. As a result, a desire arose to expand their possessions, which led to internecine wars, which in turn led to the economic decline of individual principalities. Ultimately, Kievan Rus was unable to resist the various conquerors who came from the steppes, which further exacerbated the economic decline and the decline in the prestige of the power of the Grand Duke. The population of the southern and southeastern regions of the ancient Russian state, seeking protection from the raids of nomads, moved to safer northern regions, which led to the strengthening of the principalities of Northwestern and northeastern Russia: Novgorod, Vladimir-Suzdal, Ryazan principality.