The Time and Circumstances of the Yam Messenger System Establishment in Russian Lands

• Main Author: Oleg Vladimirovich Semenov
• Format: Article
• Language: Russian
• Published: Ural Federal University Press 2016-03-01
• Series: Известия Уральского федерального университета. Серия 2: Гуманитарные науки
• Subjects: ямская гоньба; ям; ямщик; ямская повинность; ямские деньги; подводы; организованное сообщение; Иван III.
• Online Access: https://journals.urfu.ru/index.php/Izvestia2/article/view/1916
• ISSN: 2227-2283; 2587-6929

Referring to a vast variety of sources and literature, the article analyzes the initial period in the history of the yam messenger system (a supply point route messenger system) in Russian lands prior to the reforms of the Select Council. Considerable attention is paid to the functioning of organized communication and messaging throughout a number of centuries. Additionally, the author reviews certain conclusions accepted by historiographers. He also establishes the time and reasons behind the yam system and analyzes the inner and outer factors that influenced its establishment and development (influence of Mongol, Chinese, Roman and Byzantine messenger systems). The research emphasizes the importance of communication as part of statecraft as well as the country’s international relations. Special attention is paid to Ivan III whose reign saw the establishment of a fully fledged courier service. The author reconstructs the structure of the yam messenger system, describing the yam service and yams, as well as the powers of the local authorities as to the establishment and maintenance of relay stations, and characterizing yam system officials (coachmen, sextons, and yardmen). The author compares the organized and unorganized forms of governmental communication systems. It is argued that the established system of communication had a negative effect on the financial standing of the working population as they had to pay a yam duty either in kind or money (pay yam money).