Medieval Daily Life on Birchbark
When Russian archaeologists uncovered a piece of birchbark in 1951, they stumbled upon a remarkable glimpse into the everyday lives of medieval people.
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.
The Movie that Created a Medieval Myth
Modern movies rarely depict the Middle Ages accurately, and sometimes they get the period entirely wrong. However, one film managed to create a myth about a battle that persisted for decades.
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 Ruling Families of Rus
A look at the history of Rus, Lithuania, Moscovy and Tver from the 11th through to the 15th century through the members of the Volodimerovich clan. Each chapter focuses on a ruler and their family.
A Journey to the Far North in the Middle Ages
The name Ohthere does not usually rank among the famous explorers of the Middle Ages, such as Leif Erikson or Marco Polo. However, his exploits are very impressive, for he would sail into the Arctic Circle over eleven hundred years ago.
The Mighty Cabbage Hurling Saint
What would you call a man who crosses a river by walking on water to throw a cabbage head at his opponent? A fool, for sure, but no ordinary fool. He is a fool of God.
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.’
Early Icons of Kyivan Rus’
A look at some of the beautiful icons created in Kyivan Rus.
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.
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.
Harald Hardrada: Apprentice Warlord
We now turn to explore the events, as well as the political and cultural contexts of Harald’s burgeoning military career.
Uncovering the Formation of Fake History Narratives
The project explores the global topic through a case study of circulating pseudohistorical narratives on Russian medieval history in the Russian language web.
Harald Hardrada: Kievan Rus’
The realm that Yaroslav presided over, and which Harald first discovered upon his arrival in 1030 was principally East Slavic in terms of composition and culture but was significantly influenced by its Scandinavian and Byzantine trading partners.
Treasure hoard of sixth-century coins discovered in Russia
Russian archaeologists have discovered a cache of coins dating back to the sixth century, at Phanagoria along the Black Sea. The 80 coins, known as copper staters, were found in a layer of rubble from a fire that destroyed much of that city.
St. Basil’s Cathedral: Medieval Russia’s Iconic Building
By Alice Isabella Sullivan Situated in the heart of Moscow’s historic Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral is perhaps one of the most iconic…
The kingdom of Rus’ and medieval Europe, with Christian Raffensperger
A conversation with Christian Raffensperger about the kingdom of Rus’ and our concept of “medieval Europe,” its potential and current limitations, based on his book The Kingdom of Rus’.
The Vikings in the eyes of a Byzantine Emperor
De Administrando Imperio is one of the first Byzantine accounts of contact between their empire and the Vikings.
b-Mail: Everyday Communication on Birch bark in Medieval Russia
Thanks to these letters have opened a remarkable window on the civilization of medieval Russia, including many details of economic transactions, legal procedures, folk rituals, and everyday life.
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?
Researchers reveal new insights into mass graves from the Mongol invasion of Russia
In the winter of 1238 a Mongol army sacked the Russian city of Yaroslavl, part of its conquest of the region. Researchers have now been able to examine a mass grave from that attack, and used genetic research to identity three members from the same family.
How the borders of Russia and Ukraine changed in the Middle Ages
The countries of Russia and Ukraine can trace their history back to the Middle Ages. Here are five videos to explain the development of various medieval states in that region.
New book examines the medieval slave trade in Russia
While the slave trade collapsed in medieval Western Europe following the emergence of sovereign monarchies, territorial states and their rule of law, the situation in Russia was very different.