RO
Rogneda of Polotsk
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About
Rogneda of Polotsk was a princess who refused Vladimir the Great's proposal on the grounds that she would not take the shoes off the son of a slave. He destroyed her city, killed her family and married her anyway. She later tried to kill him and was spared, and ended her life in a convent.
Research notes
✓ DOCUMENTED (web-confirmed 25 Jul 2026): ROGNEDA OF POLOTSK (c.960-1002), princess of Polotsk, wife of Vladimir the Great and mother of Yaroslav the Wise (our line). Dau. of Rogvolod, prince of Polotsk (note-only, of Varangian stock). Direct ancestress. Added 25 Jul 2026.