Novgorod Republic

The Novgorod Republic was a medieval state in northwestern Russia, existing from the 12th to the 15th centuries. It was a center of trade and culture, known for its relative democratic governance, with power shared among merchants, local nobility, and the assembly of citizens, called the veche. Novgorod thrived economically, connecting the Baltic and Byzantine worlds. Its unique political structure and emphasis on civic participation stood out in a time of expanding monarchies. Ultimately, its independence waned due to external pressures, leading to its incorporation into the Grand Duchy of Moscow in the late 15th century.