Boris of Rostov was a Kievan Rus' prince and the son of Vladimir the Great, who ruled the territory of Rostov. In 1015, following the death of his father, he was summoned to Kiev but instead remained at a military camp on the river Alta. Refusing to fight his half-brother Svyatopolk for the throne, he chose to respect family ties rather than pursue power. This decision led to his assassination by Svyatopolk's men, making him a celebrated martyr who died at approximately 25 years of age.