His oldest son, Mstislaf, succeeded to the crown.

His brothers received, as their inheritance, the government of extensive provinces.

The new monarch, inheriting the energies and the virtues of his illustrious sire, had long been renowned.

The barbarians, east of the Volga, as soon as they heard of the death of Monomaque, thought that Russia would fall an easy prey to their arms.

In immense numbers they crossed the river, spreading far and wide the most awful devastation.