In the north, the Republic of Novgorod prospered because it controlled trade routes from the River Volga to the Baltic Sea. As Kievan Rus' declined, Novgorod became more independent. A local oligarchy ruled Novgorod; major government decisions were made by a town assembly, which also elected a prince as the city's military leader. In the 12th century, Novgorod acquired its own archbishop Ilya in 1169, a sign of increased importance and political independence, while about 30 years prior to that in 1136 in Novgorod was established a republican form of government - elective monarchy. Since then Novgorod enjoyed a wide degree of autonomy although being closely associated with the Kievan Rus. COUNT 3
QSN1 What happened to Novgorod when Kievan Rus began to decline? ANS1 became more independent QSN2 Why was the Republic of Novgorod doing so well while the Kievan Rus declined? ANS2 it controlled trade routes QSN3 In what year did Novgorod aquire its own archbishop? ANS3 1169