Treaty of Bolotovo

The Treaty of Bolotowo (Russian Болотовский договор ) was concluded in 1348 between the cities of Novgorod and Pskov in northwestern Russia. He recognized Pskov political independence of Novgorod. Until then, Pskov was at least on paper, still a part of the Republic of Novgorod, but made for a long time its own princes.

The ecclesiastical jurisdiction still remained the Archbishop of Novgorod reserved, but was now a deputy from Pskov and periodically visited the city, so that no citizens of Pskov had to be put in Novgorod in court.

Background

About the background of the contract is speculated today. Often, the war between Sweden and Novgorod is known 1347/48 relating to the contract in which political concessions were made in return for the help of Pskov.

Another theory is that because Pskov was practically independent before, only previously verbally agreed things have now been recorded.

It is noteworthy that the Treaty of Novgorod is only mentioned in the Novgorod chronicles, but not in those of Pskov. The relations between the two cities have not changed also according to the contract; therefore it is now believed that Novgorod with the formal recognition of independence only wished to avoid a pending in the city administration reform. The actual political independence of the city was probably long been recognized.