New Medieval Books: Muslims on the Volga in the Viking Age
This collection of 19 essays delves into the 10th-century journey of Ibn Fadlan to the Rus’ and Volga Bulgarians. The essays offer an in-depth analysis of his text, shedding light on how medieval Arab perspectives shaped their understanding of the Vikings and other northern peoples.
Medieval Carving of a Warrior Discovered in Russia
Archaeologists in western Russia have discovered a bone carving depicting a medieval warrior. Dating to the 12th or 13th century, it is exceptionally detailed, with one being able to see the folds of the cloak, the warrior’s muscles, and flowing hair.
Byzantium and the early Rus’, with Monica White
A conversation with Monica White about the earliest contacts between Constantinople and the first Rus’-Varangian raiders, traders, and mercenaries to cross the Black Sea. Who were these people, what did they want, and how did contact with East Roman culture change them?
New Medieval Books: The Rise and Demise of the Myth of the Rus’ Land
This open-access book examines the concept of the Rus’ Land and how modern Russian nationalism made it the equivalent of “Russia.” It looks at how this myth developed during the medieval and early modern periods.
Prince Oleg and his Fateful Steed: A Story from Medieval Rus’
‘Prince! You will die of your beloved horse whom you ride.’
Rus-Byzantine Treaties – A unique insight into the tenth century
Two treaties from the tenth century are fascinating sources about life and legality in a time before we know much about Rus.
The story of a Rusian Princess who became a European Empress
Her story is a fascinating one, and one which sheds light not only on Rus and the German Empire, but on relations throughout Europe.
How women from Rus influenced names in Medieval Europe
Several kings in medieval Europe were named Philip and Valdemar. Those names may not have existed if not for Rus women.
Princess Olga: A Medieval Hero for Modern Ukraine
Princess Olga, the tenth-century ruler of Kyiv and all Rus, is a fitting figure to represent the current Ukrainian challenge given her wit, wisdom, and fighting spirit.
Early Icons of Kyivan Rus’
A look at some of the beautiful icons created in Kyivan Rus.
What medieval warfare can teach us about the invasion of Ukraine
Military campaigns that took place in Ukraine and Russia during the Middle Ages offer insights into how environmental factors may place a decisive role in the current war for Ukraine.
Ukraine as Europe: Medieval and Modern
We need to go back further to understand the early history of the region to accurately understand that Ukraine is, and was, part of Europe.
A Key Monument of Medieval Rus’: The Cathedral of Saint Sophia in Kyiv
The people of Ukraine and the local cultural heritage of medieval Rus’ are in the crossfires of Russia’s ongoing attacks. What the world is witnessing is tragic, and the consequences to human life and to the medieval monuments that still stand in the historic cities of Ukraine, are irrecuperable.
Impact of Viking raids lasted for centuries, historian finds
The last dragon ships sailed the Siberian rivers and raided remote areas of Russia into the late 17th century. A new study published in the journal Russian History shows that traces of Viking raids are still visible in the economic and political development of contemporary Russia.
The First Christian Rus’ Generation: Contextualizing the Black Sea Events of 1016, 1024 and 1043
What caused the largely naval wars of 1016, 1024 and 1043 which involved commanders and rulers of Rus’ and Byzantium? Have modern interpretations of these events done justice to them?
Diplomacy, bribery, trickery and ‘other means’: Defending the Byzantine Empire
I will try to figure out the delicate equilibrium between the appetite of the Byzantines for war, and their willingness to negotiate by ‘other means’, i.e diplomacy, or the employment of stratagems, craft, and bribery.
National Identity and History Writing in Ukraine
This article focuses on one aspect of the contestation in history writing between Ukraine and Russia; that of the medieval state of Kyiv Rus.
Nation Building, History Writing and Competition over the Legacy of Kyiv Rus in Ukraine
This article surveys the history of Kyiv Rus within the realm of nation building, identity and historical myths.
The Riurikid Relationship with the Orthodox Christian Church in Kievan Rus
Prior to the late tenth century, the princes of the Riurikid dynasty were rulers over the loose collection of pagan Slavic tribes and minor city states that were Kievan Rus. However, in a relatively short period, the dynasty had linked itself and its legitimacy to rule to the Orthodox Christian Church centered in Constantinople.
Ivan the Terrible: Centralization in Sixteenth Century Muscovy
From 1565-1572, the Oprichnina was a land within Muscovy of Ivanís choosing where he alone held sole power. The Zemschina was the remaining portion of Muscovy that was governed by the state administration.
The Rise of Muscovy
Kievan Rus which was founded in 880 was made up of a loose knit alliance between small city states in what is today western Russia. The most powerful of these city states was Kiev. During the early thirteenth century the Mongol continued their march west until they conquered Kievan Rus in 1240.