Editing Veche (section)

===Origins===
[[Procopius|Procopius of Caesarea]] mentioned [[Slavs]] gathering in popular assemblies in the 6th century:{{sfn|Feldbrugge|2017|pp=415–418}}
{{Blockquote|
But when the report was carried about and reached the entire nation, practically all the [[Antes people|Antae]] assembled to discuss the situation, and they demanded that the matter be made a public one(...).  For these nations, the [[Sclaveni]] and the Antae, are not ruled by one man, but they have lived from of old under a democracy, and consequently everything which involves their welfare, whether for good or ill, is referred to the people.<ref>''All the Slavs of Procopius'',  [https://www.jassa.org/?p=5425 In Nomine Jassa]</ref>
}}

The ''veche'' is thought to have originated in the tribal assemblies of [[Eastern Europe]], thus predating the state of [[Kievan Rus']].<ref name="hist"/><ref name="encyclopaedia"/>{{sfn|Feldbrugge|2017|p=421}} Although most authors have adopted this view, the evidence is not abundant and is mainly based on the statement of Procopius and a few other communications from foreign authors such as Byzantine emperor [[Maurice (emperor)|Maurice]]'s ''[[Strategikon of Maurice|Strategikon]]'', as well as a few chronicle mentions.{{sfn|Feldbrugge|2017|p=421}} The [[Polans (eastern)|Poliane]] in Kiev, according to the ''[[Primary Chronicle]]'', are said to have consulted among themselves (''s"dumavshe poliane'') before deciding to ultimately pay tribute to the [[Khazars]].{{sfn|Feldbrugge|2017|pp=415–418}} The words ''duma'' and ''dumati'' are used in later instances to refer to the activities of the ''veche''.{{sfn|Feldbrugge|2017|pp=415–418}} The ''Primary Chronicle'' also indicates the recognition of the people as a separate political agent in a 944 treaty with the [[Byzantine Empire]]: "And our grand prince [[Igor of Kiev|Igor]] and his boyars, and the whole people of Rus have sent us".{{sfn|Feldbrugge|2017|pp=415–418}}

The earliest mentions of the ''veche'' in chronicles refer to examples in [[Bilhorod Kyivskyi|Belgorod]] in 997,{{sfn|Feldbrugge|2017|p=416}} [[Veliky Novgorod|Novgorod]] in 1016,{{sfn|Feldbrugge|2009|p=147}} and [[Kyiv|Kiev]] in 1068.{{sfn|Feldbrugge|2017|p=417}} A central role of the ''veche'' is found in the ''Suzdal Chronicle'' under the year 1176: "From of old the people of Novgorod, of [[Smolensk]], of Kiev, of [[Polotsk]], and of all the lands have assembled for counsel in veches".{{sfn|Feldbrugge|2017|p=417}} Some scholars have used this quote in their argument that the ''veche'' was a universal occurrence and has immemorial origins.{{sfn|Feldbrugge|2017|p=417}} The assemblies discussed matters of war and peace, adopted laws, and called for and expelled rulers. In Kiev, the ''veche'' was summoned in front of the [[Saint Sophia Cathedral, Kyiv|Cathedral of St. Sophia]].

The majority of references to ''veche'' meetings during the Kievan period is connected with dynastic crises.{{sfn|Feldbrugge|2009|p=151}} There are not many references of a ''veche'' in towns in the 11th century, but there are significantly more in the 12th century, with such references mostly concerning Novgorod and Pskov.{{sfn|Feldbrugge|2017|pp=415–418}}<ref name="Langer">{{cite book |last1=Langer |first1=Lawrence N. |title=Historical Dictionary of Medieval Russia |date=15 September 2021 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=978-1-5381-1942-6 |page=234 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y8I6EAAAQBAJ |language=en}}</ref> Medieval chronicles, such as the ''Primary Chronicle'', and the ''[[Novgorod First Chronicle]]'' for Novgorod especially, are the basic source regarding the ''veche''.{{sfn|Feldbrugge|2017|pp=415–418}} The ''Primary Chronicle'' remains the main source for the early history of Kievan Rus', but its narrative ends at 1116.{{sfn|Feldbrugge|2009|p=148}} The next generation of chronicles, including the ''Suzdal Chronicle'', are also important sources.{{sfn|Feldbrugge|2017|pp=415–418}} Following the [[Mongol invasion of Kievan Rus|Mongol invasions]], most references concern Novgorod and Pskov.{{sfn|Feldbrugge|2009|p=148}}