самостоятельными внутренними административными единицами and the land. Each principality had its own laws and

classes and social hierarchies.

The creation of self-governing administrative units within the principalities was a result of various historical and political factors. Firstly, the vast size of the Russian territory made it difficult for a centralized government to effectively govern all regions. Additionally, the feudal system, which was prevalent during this time, allowed local rulers to have significant autonomy and authority within their own domains.

Each principality had its own laws and regulations to govern the daily lives of its inhabitants. These laws were often influenced by local customs and traditions. For example, certain regions might have different marriage or property laws compared to others. This allowed the local rulers to maintain control over their territories and cater to the specific needs and desires of their subjects.

In addition to laws, each principality had its own units of length and weight. This was important for trade and commerce, as it ensured consistency and fairness in transactions. Different regions would have different systems of measurement, leading to a diverse array of units across the country.

Furthermore, the princes of the principalities were able to implement independent policies and make decisions on behalf of their lands. This included matters such as taxation, trade regulations, and foreign relations. As long as these policies did not violate the overall authority of the Grand Prince of Moscow, the local rulers had the freedom to govern their territories as they saw fit.

As the power of the princes grew, some of them began to call themselves sovereigns. This was a way to assert their independence and underline their authority over their respective domains. By declaring themselves sovereigns, these princes aimed to solidify their status as the highest authority within their territories and distinguish themselves from other rulers.

Within the principalities, there were also distinct social classes and hierarchies. The highest-ranking individuals were the nobles, who held political and economic power. They owned large estates and had serfs, who were essentially peasants bound to their land. The nobles were followed by the clergy, who were responsible for religious matters and had their own hierarchies.

Below the nobles and the clergy were the commoners, who made up the majority of the population. They were mainly engaged in agricultural labor and had limited rights and opportunities. At the bottom of the social ladder were the serfs, who were tied to the land they worked on and had little to no freedom.

Overall, the creation of self-governing administrative units within the principalities of Russia allowed for localized governance, diverse laws and regulations, and individualized policies. It also gave rise to distinct social classes and hierarchies within each territory. These factors played a significant role in shaping the political and social landscape of medieval Russia.