The Novgorod Republic was an early republic that existed in the North-West territory of modern day Russia, in Novgorod lands between 1136 and 1478. It was known for its democratic traditions (veche) and limited power of knyaz. The city life was governed by electable posadnik, who was the mediator between the public and Novgorod knyaz. The 12th-century Novgorodian children were literate enough to send each other letters written on birch bark.
In 1478 the republic was annexed by Ivan III of Russia.
The name "Novgorod Republic" is a modern definition. At these times, the term The Great Novgorod (Великий Новгород) was used.
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