Izyaslav of Polotsk

Izyaslav (Russian: Изяслав, Belarusian: Ізяслаў) was the son of Vladimir I of Kiev and Rogneda of Polotsk.

Following Norse tradition, Izyaslav was sent with his mother to rule her homeland. There is also a legend that Rogneda tried to get Izyaslav to slay his father.

Despite possibly going against the will of his father, Izyaslav was able to continue his rule in Polotsk. He was first to make Polotsk autonomous from the Grand Duke of Kiev passing his title to his descendants after his death. His principality carried a wide degree of autonomy that later was passed and to his descendants as well. His glory was commemorated after an established city that was named after him.[1]

Izyaslav died at the young age of about 23, in 1001, surviving his mother but predeceasing his father Vladimir of Kiev, thus excluding his descendants from ever succeeding the Kievan throne, according to the so-called "Rota system".

The name of Izyaslav's spouse is unknown. He had two sons: Bryachislav of Polotsk and Vseslav. Both were certainly minor at the time of his father's death. Vseslav died, still in childhood, in 1003, while Bryachislav survived to continue the Polotsk dynasty and to challenge the authority of his uncle Yaroslav the Wise.

His direct progeny ruled Polotsk until 1222.