In the Novgorod Republic, the tysyatskii evolved into a judicial or commercial official and was elected from boyars at a veche for a period of one year.
In cities with no veche, tysyatskiis were appointed by the knyaz or prince from among the noble boyars and could hand down their post to their sons.
In the Novgorod Republic, tysyatskiis were considered representatives of ordinary people (Russian: чёрные люди, lit.
Along with the role as military leaders, they were also supposed to supervise the city fortifications, convene veches, act as ambassadors and as judges in the commercial courts.
Dmitry Donskoy, Grand Prince of Moscow, abolished the post after the death of Vassilii Vassilievich Veliaminov in 1374, replacing it with voyevodas and namestniks.