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Monomakh's hat is known to many. It has great historical value, being an attribute of Tsarist Russia and an adornment of the Russian Tsars. But few people know that there are two such hats, and the second one is also in Russia.
The history of the Monomakh cap begins from the moment when it was presented to Prince Vladimir by the Byzantine emperor Constantine Monomakh. The author of this jewelry is definitely unknown. There are several options. These were either jewelers from Byzantium, or from Central Asia, or from the Middle East. Soon, Monomakh's hat became a symbol of the power of ancient Russian princes and later tsars.
All new successors to the throne were crowned with the cap of Monomakh. When two brothers, Ivan Alekseevich and Pyotr Alekseevich, were crowned, a second Monomakh cap had to be made for the younger brother. It was already made by Russian jewelers. Many historians attach special significance to it, since it was worn by Peter I, who later became a famous reformer and the first emperor of Russia. But later all the kings wore the first Monomakh hat at their wedding.
Monomakh's hat is unique in the number and quality of stones. It surpasses all royal and royal headdresses not only in Russia, but also in Europe. Europeans compared it with the crowns of France, Germany, and Hungary. There is even evidence from 1576 that confirms this.
In his wills, Prince Ivan Danilovich - Ivan Kalita (grandson of the famous Alexander Nevsky) listed in detail all sorts of little things: fabrics, clothes, everything down to the last pebble. In history he is known not only as a zealous owner, but, most importantly, as a far-sighted and intelligent politician. He always acted thoughtfully and prudently, gathering Russian lands around Moscow so that Rus' would grow stronger and not split into small principalities. Many times he had to travel to the Golden Horde. And every time the prince wondered: would he come back? That is why he often had to draw up wills, or as they called them “spiritual letters,” where all his savings and treasures were rewritten. Here is one of the lists left by the Grand Duke:
Gold chains – 12
Valuable belts – 9
Golden bowls – 6
Golden spells – 2
Golden dish with pearls and stones – 1
Golden vessels – 4
Gold box – 1
Golden hat – 1
It was these wills that were the first mention of the cap - the “golden cap,” as historians suggest, which was subsequently passed from one Grand Duke to the next, from one Tsar of All Rus' to another.
Modern researchers have proven that the hat is of eastern origin, and in addition, it has undergone changes over the course of its long life.
But why is it called that - Monomakh's hat?
Around 1518, a version of its origin was formulated: the Monomakh cap was a gift from the Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX Monomakh to his grandson, the Kyiv prince Vladimir Vsevolodovich Monomakh. What was this legend for? In 1453, Byzantium fell, the once brilliant, but now rotten Byzantine Empire, which had existed for eleven centuries, fell. Did the second Rome fall after the first? Where is the third one? The third Rome is Moscow! Grand Duke Ivan III proclaimed himself for the first time the Grand Duke of All Rus', or Sovereign of All Rus'. He became the first autocratic ruler of a powerful country. And Monomakh’s hat became, as it were, a symbol of the continuity of power from the Byzantine emperors.
Monomakh's hat is a women's hat.
And will we return to ancient Rus' again? Monomakh's hat could not belong to Vladimir Monomakh, since Konstantin Monomakh died when Vladimir did not yet know how to ride a horse - he was no more than two years old. And there was not even any talk about the fact that he would become the Grand Duke of Kievan Rus. Researchers have proven that the origin of the hat dates back to the 13th - 14th centuries. There are many versions about who this hat belonged to. One of the most likely versions, as historians suggest, is that this hat could have been a gift from the Uzbek Khan to Prince Yuri Danilovich or his brother Ivan Kalita. The hat could have appeared along with the appearance in Rus' of the sister of Khan Uzbek, who became the wife of Prince of Moscow Yuri Danilovich. Moreover, some researchers are inclined to believe that Monomakh’s hat was originally a woman’s hat. This is confirmed by archaeological finds and treasures in which women’s headdresses are very similar in their decor to the Monomakh’s hat. In addition, the ornamental decorations of the cap are inherent in the art of the Golden Horde.
Monomakh's hat is decorated with rubies, emeralds and pearls, the fastening of which is similar to the fastening of finds from the Simferopol treasure. The feathers of an eagle owl or peacock were inserted into the pommel of women's hats of Turkic origin, and a cross was inserted into the cap of Monomakh. Monomakh's hat is decorated according to a certain principle: eight plates - four of them with a lotus motif. The lotus motif is of great importance, as it also carries a symbolic function. This motif is characteristic of the Crimea and the Volga Bulgars of the Golden Horde period.
In the descriptions of eastern and European travelers, as well as ambassadors who visited the Golden Horde, it is reported that noble Tatar women had a headdress in the form of a helmet, which was decorated with gems, on the top there was a golden circle decorated with peacock feathers, which corresponds to the headdresses of the Turkic peoples , which were part of the Golden Horde.
Monomakh's hat initially had a slightly different appearance: there was no fur trim, but there were so-called gold chains - pendants that correspond to a woman's headdress. The ambassador of the German Emperor Maximilian I to Grand Duke Vasily III, Baron Sigismund Herberstein, describes Monomakh's hat, elegantly decorated with pearls and gold plaques that swayed, writhing like snakes (we are most likely talking about pendants). But such an important part of the hat as the cross is not even mentioned, nor is the edging of sable fur, which suggests that they did not exist before. Both the cross and the edge appeared a little later.
The beauty of the hat is due not only to the abundance of precious stones, its surface is covered with filigree lace, and it is decorated with enamel.
Careful studies of filigree allow us to call the hat a monument of Golden Horde art, especially since scientists and art experts confirm that the technology of lace filigree is the school of masters of Golden Horde filigree of the Crimea and the Volga region at the beginning of the 14th century. However, similar ones were already known in the Volga region in the pre-Mongol period, in the 10th - 12th centuries. This is confirmed by archaeological finds from that period.
The symbol of Russian autocracy, the Monomakh cap, was used only during royal weddings. For the first time, the grandson of Ivan III, Dmitry, was crowned king with the cap of Monomakh in 1498, who, as we know in history, was not destined to become the sovereign of all Rus'. He became Vasily III, the son of Ivan III and Sophia Paleologus, the niece of the last Byzantine emperor... Be that as it may, this was the time when Rus' completely got rid of the Tatar-Mongol yoke and turned into a powerful great state.
A few decades later, young Ivan IV, the future Ivan the Terrible, was crowned king with her.
The Monomakh cap becomes a symbol of the centralized power of Russia, a symbol of the highest state power.
Most likely, further research will help confirm the origin of Monomakh’s cap...
Vladimir Monomakh is an ancient Russian prince of Kyiv. He became famous for his wisdom and wisely ruled his people.
After Vladimir Monomakh died, his throne was inherited by his sons. A distinctive feature of the new prince was his princely hat, richly decorated with precious stones. According to legend, Monomakh received it as a gift from the Byzantine emperor and then passed it on to his successor.
Therefore, the expression “Monomakh’s cap” in Russian means a symbol of royal power, a symbol of the Russian monarchy. Monomakh's hat has survived to this day. You can admire it in the museum in Moscow, in the Kremlin Armory.
Option 2
Monomakh's hat is an ancient royal hat that has been treasured by Russians for many hundreds of years like the apple of their eye. It has been known since the 16th century, and according to legend, it belonged to the ruler of Ancient Rus', Vladimir Monomakh, who lived in the 13th century! This is such an ancient and unique thing.
Each Russian Tsar, and then the Russian Emperor, upon ascending the throne, wore a crown during his coronation. This has become a mandatory tradition. First they put on the Monomakh hat. Starting with Peter the Great, a replacement hat was made that copied it. And the “golden hat” itself was carefully kept in the royal chambers.
“Heavy, you, Monomakh’s hat,” is exactly what Boris Godunov said in the famous drama by Alexander Pushkin. These words have a metaphorical meaning about the severity of government, but many are interested in knowing how much the royal headdress actually weighs. About the Monomakh cap and other royal crowns - later in the review.
Monomakh's hat
The most famous regalia of the Russian autocracy is Monomakh's hat. Presumably it was made by masters of Central Asia and was presented to Ivan Kalita by Uzbek Khan. The precious crown looks exactly like the national headdress of the Golden Horde - borik.
When the concept “Moscow – the Third Rome” appeared in the 16th century, chronicles increasingly mentioned another version of the origin of the precious headdress, which became official. According to it, the Byzantine Emperor Constantine gave the hat to his grandson Vladimir Monomakh. Kings wore this precious regalia only on the day of their ascension to the throne.
The weight of this headdress is almost 994 grams. It is decorated with a scattering of sapphires, worm-shaped yakhonts (rubies), Burmite grain (pearls) and sable fur. There are 43 stones in total on the crown.
Kazan hat
The Kazan hat became a symbol of the conquest of the Kazan Khanate and its annexation to Russian possessions in 1552. On the head of Ivan the Terrible there was a golden crown, generously decorated with precious stones. At the top of the cap is a 90-carat yellow sapphire. The image of this crown is present on the modern coat of arms of Kazan.
Astrakhan hat
As in the case of the Kazan cap, the appearance of the Astrakhan cap on the head of Tsar Mikhail Romanov was timed to coincide with the annexation of the Astrakhan Khanate.
This headdress is also called the “Big Outfit” crown. And indeed, the hat looks very rich. There are eight teeth on the outside of the lower part. At the top is a small crown. The entire hat is decorated with a scattering of precious stones. Traditionally, it is surrounded by a sable edge.
Altabasnaya (Siberian) hat
The Altabasnaya (Siberian) hat was the favorite headdress of Tsar Ivan V Alekseevich. Its name comes from the gold brocade (altabas) from which it is made. To prevent the crown from becoming wrinkled, the master made a silver frame on the inside. In another way it is called the Hat of the third outfit.
Diamond cap
The Diamond or Diamond Cap is another crown made for Ivan V. The Tsar ordered some of the stones that went into its production to be removed from another headdress, which he considered already outdated. 900 diamonds were used for this crown, not counting other precious stones.
Cap of Peter I Alekseevich
A Diamond Cap was also made for the future emperor, but it had many differences in comparison with the headdress of his elder brother Ivan V. Much fewer diamonds were used to decorate it, but they were larger in size. Other precious stones are also of better quality, so the Diamond Cap of Peter I is valued at much higher prices than his brother’s crown.
A curious fact is that Peter I put on his crown for the last time in 1696 before traveling to Europe. After this, the Diamond Cap was simply considered the king’s private jewel.
Peter I became famous as a great reformer, but not all of his undertakings were successful. These will allow you to look at the reign of the Russian autocrat from a different angle.
Monomakh's hat is a sacred object, a relic of Russian emperors and autocrats. There are many interesting facts and no less mysteries associated with it. Conflicting messages on this topic with reference to historical chronicles and versions of researchers further fuel interest in it. Why is it so famous, what does it symbolize and where is it kept?
Appearance and symbolism
In the reports of researchers, history textbooks for the 4th grade, and fiction, the Monomakh cap is mentioned as the main symbol of the Russian tsars. What does she represent? An ordinary headdress of a hemispherical shape, trimmed with sable. The hemisphere was not chosen by chance - it symbolizes the sun and sky.
The headdress is crowned with a tip in the shape of a golden cross, directed upward. It is no secret that Russian autocrats, starting with Vladimir, were considered anointed by God. The cross at the top represents the connection between monarchs and higher powers and indicates their divine election.
From the pictures it is difficult to estimate the true size of the sovereign relic, as well as what it consists of. The diameter of the headdress is 61 cm, height is 19 cm, the design is no frills, but luxurious and rich.
The outer side consists of 8 gold plates with filigree patterns and is generously decorated with precious stones - sapphires, rubies, emeralds, spinels and pearls. A total of 43 stones were used in the design. The weight of Monomakh's hat is 993.66 g.
A controversial story
In short, the history of the origin of the Monomakh cap is ambiguous; there is still a lot of unknown and unsaid in it. Researchers put forward the most unexpected hypotheses for the origin of royal regalia. Some assumptions do not stand up to criticism and are shattered by historical facts.
Historians most often mention three versions. Let's look at them in detail.
Version 1
This version connects the relic with Prince Vladimir Monomakh, so named in honor of the grandfather of Constantine, the Byzantine emperor. Tradition says that he gave his grandson an expensive headdress as a sign of continuity of power. From the contents of the legend it is easy to guess why it is called that.
Version 2
She sends us to the son of Prince Vladimir - in those days when the Russian army under his command occupied the Danube lands and Thrace. Military victories actually forced Byzantium to make peace with Russia.
And Byzantine ambassadors came to Russia with gifts. Tradition says that among those gifts was a luxurious headdress.
Both versions are broken by historical facts. The legends they refer to were first mentioned in chronicles in 1518. But repeated analytical studies of individual parts of the cap contradict the indicated date.
Experts object
According to the conclusion of experts from the Armory Chamber, where the Monomakh cap is located, its parts date back to different periods. The most ancient element is the crown and the gold plates from which it was assembled. The sable trim and cross were made later. Experts believe that the crown and plates were made in the 13th century, and the finial in the 16th century.
So where did the beautiful legends come from? Who and why invented them in defiance of the facts? Historians have found out that this was done to please Prince Vasily III, who reoriented his policy from the Golden Horde to the Byzantine Empire. Kinship with the Byzantine emperors (through Vladimir Monomakh) seriously strengthened Basil's authority.
So where did Monomakh's hat come from?
The headdress received its current name during the reign of Vasily III. But before that, it was mentioned in the spiritual charter of Ivan Kalita, dating back to 1328.
The third version, explaining the origin of the royal regalia, looks the most plausible. According to it, Prince Ivan Kalita received a “golden cap” from Uzbek Khan in gratitude for his service.
The Mongol-Tatar khans had a custom of gifting their subordinates with expensive things from their shoulders. So Kalita, who had cunningly gained the confidence of the conqueror, could well have been among the recipients of the gifts.
Researchers believe that the Moscow prince already ennobled the “golden Mongolian skullcap” with sable trim and a cross. He bequeathed it to his descendants.
Historically, it would be correct to name the Monomakh cap after Ivan Kalita - in honor of the one who wore it. Experts studied the filigree ornament and saw in it similarities with Central Asian techniques. “God is great” is what is written on the back in Arabic and indirectly testifies to the Asian origin of the crown.
Where is the second one from?
The Armory Chamber houses not one, but two royal regalia: the first and second order. How did this happen?
The headdress had a special role: it was used to crown Russian sovereigns during their reign. The tradition began with Ivan the Terrible in 1546. Each autocrat wore the crown only once - during the ceremony, after which it was taken to the treasury.
In 1682, two sovereigns appeared on the Russian throne at once: Ivan V and Peter I Alekseevich. There was a regalia for Tsar Ivan, but for Peter a copy had to be hastily made.
This is how the small crown of the second outfit appeared. It partially repeats the original, but loses to it in oriental sophistication. The copy weighs less than the original, but how much exactly? The documents contain the figure 600 g without fur.
Heavy burden
“The hat of Monomakh is heavy,” is a phraseological unit familiar to many; in everyday life it is more often used in a figurative sense. The weight of the crown implies a burden of responsibility for those in power and the need to bear it. Not all leaders can do this with dignity.