Otrok

Otrok

 

in ancient Rus’, a term denoting (1) juveniles, youth and (2) junior members of the prince’s men-at-arms. There were princely, boyar, and posadnik otroki. A fine of 40 silver grirny was imposed for the murder of a princely otrok. According to the Prostrannaia Russkaia Pravda (law code) and chronicles, otroki were representatives of the government, princely ambassadors, and collectors of tribute. Such princes as Sviatopolk Iziaslavich of Kiev (1903–1113) had as many as 700 otroki in their service.