THE ARMED RETINUE AS A FACTOR OF THE STABILITY OF PRINCELY POWER IN RUSSIAN HISTORY

The article is devoted to armed retinue as a factor of stability of the princely power in Russian history. This article determines the grounds of the interest of armed retinue element in maintaining the stability of the princely power: 1) loyalty as adherence to religious commandments and requirements; 2) the utilitarian aspira- tions of the combatants. It is noted the special status of senior warrior, not only as a performer prince's policy in the field of security, but as a side effect on its formation. Special legal status of members of the princely retinue found the origins of the protection of the state as an existing device, and its security institutions, ensuring the stability of the entire state system