Miniature: Ivan Glazunov. Fragment of the triptych "Grandchildren of Gostomysl: Rurik, Truvor, Sineus"

Before the "calling"

Many sources speak about the centralized Russian state before the Rurikovichs, in particular the “Joachim Chronicle”, published in the 18th century by Vasily Tatishchev.

If we assume that the Varangians were “called to reign” in the Russian lands, then the conclusion arises that there were not scattered Slavic tribes here, but a people who had an idea of ​​​​centralized power. However, if we accept as correct the idea of ​​the historian Boris Rybakov that Rurik began to reign after the conquest of Novgorod, then in this case we see possessions subordinate to a single capital.

Gardariki

One of the signs of statehood is the existence of writing. It is now clear that it existed in pre-Christian Rus'. For example, the 10th century writer Ibn Fodlan speaks about this, as an eyewitness who claimed that the Russians always wrote the name of the deceased on the grave pillar, as well as the prince to whom he obeyed. The Byzantines and Scandinavians not only mentioned that the Slavs have their own letters - initial letters, but also called them an educated people.
Moreover, in Byzantine sources, when describing the life of the Rus, obvious signs of their state structure were reflected: the hierarchy of the nobility, the administrative division of lands, small princes, over whom stood “kings,” are also mentioned.

Lost Dynasty

Further, as it is written in the chronicle, “Sloven and Rus lived together in great love, and the princess there, and took possession of many countries in those regions. Likewise, according to them, their sons and grandsons became princes according to their tribes and gained eternal glory and much wealth for themselves with their sword and bow.” The sources also mention the close ties of the state of Slovenia and Rus both with barbarian peoples and with developed countries of the West and East.

Proof of the authenticity of this story can be found in Arab-Persian sources of the 12th century, who wrote about the Rus and Slavs, referring to the eponyms Rus and Sloven. The Byzantine Simeon Logothetes in the 10th century also mentions Rus as the ancestor of the Russian people. And the Greeks, calling these lands “Great Scythia,” essentially confirm that the descendants of Scythia ruled here.

Based on the chronicles, the lands of Slovenia and Rus were repeatedly abandoned, but the ruling dynasty survived. A descendant of the first princes was Gostomysl, who, after the death of four sons, became the last in the family. The Magi, having interpreted one of Gostomysl's dreams, predicted that the new ruler in Novgorod would be the son of his daughter Umila and the Varangian prince Godoslav. This son is the legendary Rurik, who was called to replace (or continue, given the relationship) the Novgorod dynasty.

However, historians have ambivalent views on this version of dynastic succession. In particular, N. M. Karamzin and S. M. Solovyov questioned the reality of Gostomysl. Moreover, some archaeologists are not sure of the very existence of Novgorod before the 9th century. Excavations of the “Rurik settlement” confirmed only traces of the late Scandinavian and West Slavic presence in these lands.

All roads lead to Kyiv

If the reliability of the “Tale of Sloven and Rus” can be questioned, then the fact of the existence of the “Northern Archonties” has been recognized by historians. This is how the Byzantines called the rebellious land-states located in the Northern Black Sea region, which in the 6th and 7th centuries posed a serious threat to Constantinople.

Historians note the high level of management and active trade of representatives of the “Chernyakhov culture” with large ancient centers. According to Academician V.V. Sedov, the main population of these places were the Slavs-Antes and Scythian-Sarmatians. Later, somewhere from the 5th century, it was in the center of the “Chernyakhov culture” that Kyiv began its rise - the future capital of the Old Russian state, the founder of which, according to the Tale of Bygone Years, was Kiy.

True, the historian N.M. Tikhomirov pushes back the founding of Kyiv to the 8th century. Although other researchers object and find a new date in the 4th century, citing as an example one of the medieval chronicle sources: “It was founded in the year of Christ 334.”

A supporter of an earlier version of the founding of Kyiv, historian M. Yu. Braichevsky, relying on the works of the Byzantine writer Nicephorus Grigora, argues that Kiy, like many rulers of neighboring countries, received a symbol of power from the hands of Constantine the Great. In the text of Grigora there is a mention of the “ruler of Rus'”, to whom the emperor awarded the title of “tsar’s keeper”.

Thus, having received the go-ahead to reign, Kiy became the founder of the ruling dynasty of a young power with its capital in Kyiv. In the “Book of Veles” (which, of course, cannot be considered a reliable source), Kiy is described as an outstanding commander and administrator who, having united a large number of Slavic tribes under his command, created a powerful state.

The history of Rus' is usually told from the “calling of the Varangians”, the same thing that happened before Rurik came to “rule us” is rarely mentioned in textbooks. Nevertheless, there are many facts that indicate that there was statehood in Rus' “before Rurik.”

Before the "calling"

Official domestic historiography says that statehood in Rus' arose in 862 after the Rurik dynasty came to power. However, recently many researchers have questioned this point of view. In particular, political scientist Sergei Chernyakhovsky argues that the beginning of Russian statehood should be pushed back at least 200 years into history. And not without reason. Many sources speak about the centralized Russian state before the Rurikovichs, in particular the “Joachim Chronicle”, published in the 18th century by Vasily Tatishchev. If we assume that the Varangians were “called to reign” in the Russian lands, then the conclusion suggests itself that there were not scattered Slavic tribes, but a people who had an idea of ​​​​centralized power. However, if we accept as correct the idea of ​​the historian Boris Rybakov that Rurik began to reign after the conquest of Novgorod, then in this case we see possessions subordinate to a single capital.

Gardariki

Greek and Latin sources name large cities around which the ancient Russian population was concentrated. In addition to Kyiv and Novgorod, the now half-forgotten Izborsk, Polotsk, Belozersk, Lyubech, and Vyshgorod are mentioned. For example, a Bavarian geographer of the 9th century counted up to 4,000 cities among the Slavs! One of the signs of statehood is the existence of writing. It is now clear that it existed in pre-Christian Rus'. For example, the 10th century writer Ibn Fodlan speaks about this, as an eyewitness who claimed that the Russians always wrote the name of the deceased on the grave pillar, as well as the prince to whom he obeyed. The Byzantines and Scandinavians not only mentioned that the Slavs had their own letters - initial letters, but also called them an educated people. Moreover, in Byzantine sources, when describing the life of the Rus, obvious signs of their state structure were reflected: the hierarchy of the nobility, the administrative division of lands, small princes over whom “kings” stood.

Lost Dynasty

According to the generally accepted version, the first ruling dynasty in Rus' was founded by Rurik. However, modern researchers suggest that the Rurikovichs overthrew or at least replaced the dynasty that already existed here. Historian Alexander Samsonov speaks of the close continuity in Rus' of other developed cultures - Scythian and Sarmatian, from where the first princes of the Russian lands could have come. The “Tale of Sloven and Rus” tells the story of two brothers - the sons of Scythian, who moved up from the Black Sea lands in search of new ones territories. They reached the banks of the Volkhov River, where they founded the city of Slovensk, which later became known as Veliky Novgorod. Further, as it is written in the chronicle, “Sloven and Rus lived in great love with each other, and the prince there, and took possession of many countries in the local regions. Likewise, according to them, their sons and grandsons became princes according to their tribes and gained eternal glory and much wealth for themselves with their sword and bow.” The sources also mention the close ties of the state of Slovenia and Rus with both barbarian peoples and with the developed countries of the West and East. Evidence of the authenticity of this story can be found in Arab-Persian sources of the 12th century, who wrote about the Rus and Slavs, referring to the eponyms Rus and Slovenia. The Byzantine Simeon Logothetes in the 10th century also mentions Rus as the ancestor of the Russian people. And the Greeks, calling these lands “Great Scythia,” essentially confirm that the descendants of Scythia ruled here. Based on the chronicles, the lands of Sloven and Rus were repeatedly abandoned, but the ruling dynasty survived. A descendant of the first princes was Gostomysl, who, after the death of four sons, became the last in the family. The Magi, having interpreted one of Gostomysl's dreams, predicted that the new ruler in Novgorod would be the son of his daughter Umila and the Varangian prince Godoslav. This son is the legendary Rurik, who was called to replace (or continue, given the relationship) the Novgorod dynasty. However, historians have ambivalent views on this version of dynastic succession. In particular, N. M. Karamzin and S. M. Solovyov questioned the reality of Gostomysl. Moreover, some archaeologists are not sure of the very existence of Novgorod before the 9th century. Excavations of the “Rurik settlement” confirmed only traces of the late Scandinavian and West Slavic presence in these lands.

All roads lead to Kyiv

If the reliability of the “Tale of Sloven and Rus” can be questioned, then the fact of the existence of the “Northern Archonties” has been recognized by historians. This is how the Byzantines called the rebellious land-states located in the Northern Black Sea region, which in the 6th and 7th centuries posed a serious threat to Constantinople.

Excavations in central Ukraine have confirmed the existence of once developed and densely populated territories. These proto-state formations were united by the concept of “Chernyakhov culture”. It has been established that ironworking, bronze casting, blacksmithing, stone-cutting, as well as jewelry making and coinage developed on these lands. Historians note the high level of management and active trade of representatives of the “Chernyakhov culture” with large ancient centers. According to Academician V.V. Sedov, the main population of these places were the Slavs-Antes and Scythian-Sarmatians. Later, somewhere from the 5th century, it was in the center of the “Chernyakhov culture” that Kiev began its rise - the future capital of the Old Russian state, the founder of which, according to the “Tale of Bygone Years,” was Kiy. True, the historian N. M. Tikhomirov pushes back the founding of Kyiv to the 8th century . Although other researchers object and find a new date in the 4th century, citing as an example one of the medieval chronicle sources: “It was founded in the year of Christ 334.” A supporter of an earlier version of the founding of Kiev, historian M. Yu. Braichevsky, relying on the works of the Byzantine writer Nikifor Grigora, claims that Kiy, like many rulers of neighboring countries, received a symbol of power from the hands of Constantine the Great. In the text of Grigora there is a mention of the “ruler of Rus'”, to whom the emperor awarded the title of “tsar’s keeper”. Thus, having received the go-ahead to reign, Kiy became at the origins of the ruling dynasty of a young power with its capital in Kyiv. In the Book of Veles, Kiy is described as an outstanding commander and administrator, who, having united a large number of Slavic tribes under his command, created a powerful state.

The Polish historian Jan Dlugosz, noting the role of Kiy in the formation of ancient Russian statehood, believes that the Kiev prince founded the line of dynastic succession: “After the death of Kiy, Shchek and Horiv, ​​the heirs in the direct line, their sons and nephews dominated the Rusyns for many years, until the succession passed to two siblings Askold and Dir.” As we know from The Tale of Bygone Years, in 882 Rurik’s successor Oleg killed Askold and Dir and took possession of Kiev. True, in the “Tale” Askold and Dir are called Varangians. But if we rely on the version of the Polish historian, then Oleg interrupted the legitimate dynasty coming from Kiy, and laid the foundations for the rule of a new dynastic branch - the Rurikovichs. Thus, in a surprising way, the fates of two semi-legendary dynasties converge: the Novgorod one, originating from Sloven and Rus, and the Kyiv one, originating from Kiya. But both versions reasonably suggest that the ancient Russian lands could have been full-fledged states long before the “calling of the Varangians.” Thumbnail: Ivan Glazunov. Fragment of the triptych "Grandchildren of Gostomysl: Rurik, Truvor, Sineus"

The history of Rus' is usually traced back to the “calling of the Varangians.” But what happened before the arrival of Rurik is rarely said. But this does not mean that the Russian land was in a state of anarchy or chaos.

Before the "calling"

Official domestic historiography reports that statehood in Rus' arose in 862 after the Rurik dynasty came to power. However, recently many researchers have cast doubt on this point of view. Many sources speak about the centralized Russian state before the Rurikovichs, in particular the “Joachim Chronicle”, published in the 18th century by Vasily Tatishchev.

If we assume that the Varangians were “called to reign” in the Russian lands, then the conclusion arises that there were not scattered Slavic tribes here, but a people who had an idea of ​​​​centralized power. However, if we accept as unchanged the idea of ​​the historian Boris Rybakov that Rurik began to reign after the conquest of Novgorod, then in this case we see possessions subordinate to the entire capital.

Gardariki

Greek and Latin sources name large cities around which the ancient Russian population was concentrated. In addition to Kyiv and Novgorod, Izborsk, Polotsk, Belozersk, Lyubech, Vyshgorod are mentioned there. For example, the Bavarian geographer of the 9th century counted up to 4000 cities among the Slavs!
One of the signs of statehood is the existence of writing. It is now clear that it existed in pre-Christian Rus'. For example, the 10th century writer Ibn-Fodlan speaks about this, as an eyewitness who claimed that the Russians always wrote the name of the deceased on the grave pillar, as well as the prince to whom he obeyed. The Byzantines and Scandinavians not only mentioned that the Slavs have their own letters - initial letters, but also called them an educated people.
Moreover, in Byzantine sources, when describing the existence of the Rus, obvious signs of their state structure were reflected: the hierarchy of the nobility, the administrative division of lands, and subtle princes, over whom stood “kings,” were also mentioned.

State of Slovenia and Rus

According to the generally accepted version, the first ruling dynasty in Rus' was founded by Rurik. However, current researchers suggest that the Rurikovichs overthrew or at least replaced the dynasty that already existed here. Historian Alexander Samsonov reports on the close continuity in Rus' of other developed cultures - Scythian and Sarmatian, from where the first princes of the Russian lands could have come.
“The Tale of Sloven and Rus” tells the story of two brothers, the sons of Scythian, who moved upward from the Black Sea lands in search of new territories. They reached the banks of the Volkhov River, where they founded the city of Slovensk, which later became known as Veliky Novgorod.

Further, as it is written in the chronicle, “Sloven and Rus lived together in great love, and the princess there, and took possession of many lands there. Likewise, according to them, their sons and grandsons became princes according to their tribes and gained eternal glory and much wealth for themselves with their sword and bow.” The keys also mention the close ties of the state of Slovenia and Rus with both the barbarian peoples and the developed countries of the West and East.

Proof of the authenticity of this story can be found in the Arab-Persian keys of the 12th century, which wrote about the Rus and Slavs, referring to the eponyms Rus and Sloven. The Byzantine Simeon Logothetes in the 10th century also mentions Rusovolos as the ancestor of the Russian people. And the Greeks, calling these lands “Great Scythia,” essentially confirm that the descendants of Scythia ruled here.

Based on the chronicles, the lands of Sloven and Rusovolos were repeatedly abandoned, but the ruling dynasty survived. A descendant of the first princes was Gostomysl, who, after the death of four sons, turned out to be the last in the family. The Magi, having interpreted one of Gostomysl's dreams, predicted that the new ruler in Novgorod would be the son of his daughter Umila and the Varangian prince Godoslav. This son is the legendary Rurik, who was called to replace (or continue, given the relationship) the Novgorod dynasty.

However, historians have ambivalent attitudes towards such a version of dynastic succession. In particular, N. M. Karamzin and S. M. Solovyov questioned the reality of Gostomysl. Moreover, some archaeologists are not sure of the very existence of Novgorod before the 9th century. Excavations of the “Rurik settlement” confirmed only traces of the late Scandinavian and West Slavic presence in these lands.

Chernyakhov civilization

If the reliability of the “Tale of Sloven and Rus” can be questioned, then the fact of the existence of the “Northern Archonties” has been recognized by historians. This is how the Byzantines called the rebellious land-states located in the Northern Black Sea region, which in the 6th and 7th centuries posed a serious threat to Constantinople.

Excavations in central Ukraine have confirmed the existence of once developed territories here. Historians unite these proto-state formations under the concept “Chernyakhov culture”. It has been established that ironworking, bronze casting, blacksmithing, stone cutting, as well as jewelry making and coinage developed on these lands.
Historians note the high level of management and active trade of representatives of the “Chernyakhov culture” with large ancient centers. According to Academician V.V. Sedov, the main population of these places were the Antes Slavs and Scythian-Sarmatians.

Cue

Later, somewhere from the 5th century, it was in the center of the “Chernyakhov culture” that Kyiv began its platform - the future capital of the Old Russian state, the founder of which, according to the “Tale of Bygone Years,” was Kiy.
True, the historian N.M. Tikhomirov pushes back the time of the founding of Kyiv to the 8th century. Although other researchers object and find a new date in the 4th century, citing one of the medieval chronicle sources as an example: “It was founded in the year of Christ 334.”

A supporter of an earlier version of the founding of Kyiv, historian M. Yu. Braichevsky, relying on the works of the Byzantine novelist Nicephorus Grigora, argues that Kiy, like many rulers of neighboring countries, received a symbol of power from the hands of Constantine the Great. In the text of Grigora there is a mention of the “ruler of Rus'”, to whom the emperor awarded the title of “tsar’s keeper”.

Thus, having received the go-ahead to reign, Kiy became the founder of the ruling dynasty of a young power with its capital in Kyiv. In the “Veles Book” (which, of course, cannot be considered a reliable source), Kiy is described as an outstanding commander and administrator who, uniting a large number of Slavic tribes under his command, created a powerful state.

The Polish historian Jan Dlugosz, noting the role of Kiy in the formation of ancient Russian statehood, finds that the Kiev prince founded the line of dynastic succession: “After the death of Kiy, Shchek and Horiv, ​​the heirs in the direct line, their sons and nephews dominated the Rusyns for many years, until the succession passed to two siblings Askold and Dir.”
As we know from the Tale of Bygone Years, in 882, Rurik’s successor Oleg killed Askold and Dir and took possession of Kiev. True, in the “Tale” Askold and Dir are called Varangians. But if we rely on the version of the Polish historian, then Oleg interrupted the legitimate dynasty coming from Kiy, and laid the foundations for the rule of a new dynastic branch - the Rurikovichs.

Thus, in a surprising way, the destinies of two semi-legendary dynasties converge: the Novgorod one, originating from Sloven and Rus, and the Kyiv one, originating from Kiy. But both versions reasonably suggest that the ancient Russian lands could have been full-fledged countries long before the “calling of the Varangians.”

Source:
Russian Seven

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  Rurik: the main secrets of the founder of the dynasty of Russian princes

The history of Rus' is usually told from the “calling of the Varangians”; the same thing that happened before Rurik came to “rule us” is rarely mentioned in textbooks. Nevertheless, there are many facts that indicate that there was statehood in Rus' “before Rurik”.

Before the "calling"

Official domestic historiography says that statehood in Rus' arose in 862 after the Rurik dynasty came to power. However, recently many researchers have questioned this point of view. In particular, political scientist Sergei Chernyakhovsky argues that the beginning of Russian statehood should be pushed back at least 200 years into history. And not without reason.

Many sources speak about the centralized Russian state before the Rurikovichs, in particular the “Joachim Chronicle”, published in the 18th century by Vasily Tatishchev.

If we assume that the Varangians were “called to reign” in the Russian lands, then the conclusion arises that there were not scattered Slavic tribes here, but a people who had an idea of ​​​​centralized power. However, if we accept as correct the idea of ​​the historian Boris Rybakov that Rurik began to reign after the conquest of Novgorod, then in this case we see possessions subordinate to a single capital.

Gardariki

Greek and Latin sources name large cities around which the ancient Russian population was concentrated. In addition to Kyiv and Novgorod, the now half-forgotten Izborsk, Polotsk, Belozersk, Lyubech, and Vyshgorod are mentioned. For example, the Bavarian geographer of the 9th century counted up to 4000 cities among the Slavs!

One of the signs of statehood is the existence of writing. It is now clear that it existed in pre-Christian Rus'. For example, the 10th century writer Ibn Fodlan speaks about this, as an eyewitness who claimed that the Russians always wrote the name of the deceased on the grave pillar, as well as the prince to whom he obeyed. The Byzantines and Scandinavians not only mentioned that the Slavs have their own letters - initial letters, but also called them an educated people.
Moreover, in Byzantine sources, when describing the life of the Rus, obvious signs of their state structure were reflected: the hierarchy of the nobility, the administrative division of lands, small princes, over whom stood “kings,” are also mentioned.

Lost Dynasty

According to the generally accepted version, the first ruling dynasty in Rus' was founded by Rurik. However, modern researchers suggest that the Rurikovichs overthrew or at least replaced the dynasty that already existed here. Historian Alexander Samsonov speaks of the close continuity in Rus' of other developed cultures - Scythian and Sarmatian, from where the first princes of the Russian lands could have come.

“The Tale of Sloven and Rus” tells the story of two brothers, the sons of Scythian, who moved up from the Black Sea lands in search of new territories. They reached the banks of the Volkhov River, where they founded the city of Slovensk, which later became known as Veliky Novgorod.

Further, as it is written in the chronicle, “Sloven and Rus lived together in great love, and the princess there, and took possession of many countries in those regions. Likewise, according to them, their sons and grandsons became princes according to their tribes and gained eternal glory and much wealth for themselves with their sword and bow.” The sources also mention the close ties of the state of Slovenia and Rus both with barbarian peoples and with developed countries of the West and East.

Proof of the authenticity of this story can be found in Arab-Persian sources of the 12th century, who wrote about the Rus and Slavs, referring to the eponyms Rus and Sloven. The Byzantine Simeon Logothetes in the 10th century also mentions Rus as the ancestor of the Russian people. And the Greeks, calling these lands “Great Scythia,” essentially confirm that the descendants of Scythia ruled here.

Based on the chronicles, the lands of Slovenia and Rus were repeatedly abandoned, but the ruling dynasty survived. A descendant of the first princes was Gostomysl, who, after the death of four sons, became the last in the family. The Magi, having interpreted one of Gostomysl's dreams, predicted that the new ruler in Novgorod would be the son of his daughter Umila and the Varangian prince Godoslav. This son is the legendary Rurik, who was called to replace (or continue, given the relationship) the Novgorod dynasty.

However, historians have ambivalent views on this version of dynastic succession. In particular, N. M. Karamzin and S. M. Solovyov questioned the reality of Gostomysl. Moreover, some archaeologists are not sure of the very existence of Novgorod before the 9th century. Excavations of the “Rurik settlement” confirmed only traces of the late Scandinavian and West Slavic presence in these lands.

All roads lead to Kyiv

If the reliability of the “Tale of Sloven and Rus” can be questioned, then the fact of the existence of the “Northern Archonties” has been recognized by historians. This is how the Byzantines called the rebellious land-states located in the Northern Black Sea region, which in the 6th and 7th centuries posed a serious threat to Constantinople.

Excavations in central Ukraine have confirmed the existence of once developed and densely populated territories. These proto-state formations were united by the concept of “Chernyakhov culture”. It has been established that ironworking, bronze casting, blacksmithing, stone cutting, as well as jewelry making and coinage developed on these lands.
Historians note the high level of management and active trade of representatives of the “Chernyakhov culture” with large ancient centers. According to Academician V.V. Sedov, the main population of these places were the Slavs-Antes and Scythian-Sarmatians. Later, somewhere from the 5th century, it was in the center of the “Chernyakhov culture” that Kyiv began its rise - the future capital of the Old Russian state, the founder of which, according to the Tale of Bygone Years, was Kiy.
True, the historian N.M. Tikhomirov pushes back the founding of Kyiv to the 8th century. Although other researchers object and find a new date in the 4th century, citing as an example one of the medieval chronicle sources: “It was founded in the year of Christ 334.”

A supporter of an earlier version of the founding of Kyiv, historian M. Yu. Braichevsky, relying on the works of the Byzantine writer Nicephorus Grigora, argues that Kiy, like many rulers of neighboring countries, received a symbol of power from the hands of Constantine the Great. In the text of Grigora there is a mention of the “ruler of Rus'”, to whom the emperor awarded the title of “tsar’s keeper”.

Thus, having received the go-ahead to reign, Kiy became the founder of the ruling dynasty of a young power with its capital in Kyiv. In the “Book of Veles” (which, of course, cannot be considered a reliable source), Kiy is described as an outstanding commander and administrator who, having united a large number of Slavic tribes under his command, created a powerful state.

The Polish historian Jan Dlugosz, noting the role of Kiy in the formation of ancient Russian statehood, believes that the Kiev prince founded the line of dynastic succession: “After the death of Kiy, Shchek and Horiv, ​​the heirs in the direct line, their sons and nephews dominated the Rusyns for many years, until the succession passed to two siblings Askold and Dir.”
As we know from the Tale of Bygone Years, in 882, Rurik’s successor Oleg killed Askold and Dir and took possession of Kiev. True, in the “Tale” Askold and Dir are called Varangians. But if we rely on the version of the Polish historian, then Oleg interrupted the legitimate dynasty coming from Kiy, and laid the foundations for the rule of a new dynastic branch - the Rurikovichs.

Thus, in a surprising way, the fates of two semi-legendary dynasties converge: the Novgorod one, originating from Sloven and Rus, and the Kyiv one, originating from Kiy. But both versions reasonably suggest that the ancient Russian lands could have been full-fledged states long before the “calling of the Varangians.”

The history of Rus' is usually traced back to the “calling of the Varangians.” But what happened before the arrival of Rurik is rarely said. But this does not mean that the Russian land was in a state of anarchy or chaos.

Before the "calling"

Official domestic historiography says that statehood in Rus' arose in 862 after the Rurik dynasty came to power. However, recently many researchers have questioned this point of view. Many sources speak about the centralized Russian state before the Rurikovichs, in particular the “Joachim Chronicle”, published in the 18th century by Vasily Tatishchev.

If we assume that the Varangians were “called to reign” in the Russian lands, then the conclusion arises that there were not scattered Slavic tribes here, but a people who had an idea of ​​​​centralized power. However, if we accept as correct the idea of ​​the historian Boris Rybakov that Rurik began to reign after the conquest of Novgorod, then in this case we see possessions subordinate to a single capital.

Gardariki

Greek and Latin sources name large cities around which the ancient Russian population was concentrated. In addition to Kyiv and Novgorod, Izborsk, Polotsk, Belozersk, Lyubech, Vyshgorod are mentioned there. For example, the Bavarian geographer of the 9th century counted up to 4000 cities among the Slavs!
One of the signs of statehood is the existence of writing. It is now clear that it existed in pre-Christian Rus'. For example, the 10th century writer Ibn Fodlan speaks about this, as an eyewitness who claimed that the Russians always wrote the name of the deceased on the grave pillar, as well as the prince to whom he obeyed. The Byzantines and Scandinavians not only mentioned that the Slavs have their own letters - initial letters, but also called them an educated people.
Moreover, in Byzantine sources, when describing the life of the Rus, obvious signs of their state structure were reflected: the hierarchy of the nobility, the administrative division of lands, small princes, over whom stood “kings,” are also mentioned.

State of Slovenia and Rus

According to the generally accepted version, the first ruling dynasty in Rus' was founded by Rurik. However, modern researchers suggest that the Rurikovichs overthrew or at least replaced the dynasty that already existed here. Historian Alexander Samsonov speaks of the close continuity in Rus' of other developed cultures - Scythian and Sarmatian, from where the first princes of the Russian lands could have come.
“The Tale of Sloven and Rus” tells the story of two brothers, the sons of Scythian, who moved up from the Black Sea lands in search of new territories. They reached the banks of the Volkhov River, where they founded the city of Slovensk, which later became known as Veliky Novgorod.

Further, as it is written in the chronicle, “Sloven and Rus lived together in great love, and the princess there, and took possession of many countries in those regions. Likewise, according to them, their sons and grandsons became princes according to their tribes and gained eternal glory and much wealth for themselves with their sword and bow.” The sources also mention the close ties of the state of Slovenia and Rus both with barbarian peoples and with developed countries of the West and East.

Proof of the authenticity of this story can be found in Arab-Persian sources of the 12th century, who wrote about the Rus and Slavs, referring to the eponyms Rus and Sloven. The Byzantine Simeon Logothetes in the 10th century also mentions Rus as the ancestor of the Russian people. And the Greeks, calling these lands “Great Scythia,” essentially confirm that the descendants of Scythia ruled here.

Based on the chronicles, the lands of Slovenia and Rus were repeatedly abandoned, but the ruling dynasty survived. A descendant of the first princes was Gostomysl, who, after the death of four sons, became the last in the family. The Magi, having interpreted one of Gostomysl's dreams, predicted that the new ruler in Novgorod would be the son of his daughter Umila and the Varangian prince Godoslav. This son is the legendary Rurik, who was called to replace (or continue, given the relationship) the Novgorod dynasty.

However, historians have ambivalent views on this version of dynastic succession. In particular, N. M. Karamzin and S. M. Solovyov questioned the reality of Gostomysl. Moreover, some archaeologists are not sure of the very existence of Novgorod before the 9th century. Excavations of the “Rurik settlement” confirmed only traces of the late Scandinavian and West Slavic presence in these lands.

Chernyakhov culture

If the reliability of the “Tale of Sloven and Rus” can be questioned, then the fact of the existence of the “Northern Archonties” has been recognized by historians. This is how the Byzantines called the rebellious land-states located in the Northern Black Sea region, which in the 6th and 7th centuries posed a serious threat to Constantinople.

Excavations in central Ukraine have confirmed the existence of once developed territories here. Historians unite these proto-state formations under the concept “Chernyakhov culture”. It has been established that ironworking, bronze casting, blacksmithing, stone cutting, as well as jewelry making and coinage developed on these lands.
Historians note the high level of management and active trade of representatives of the “Chernyakhov culture” with large ancient centers. According to Academician V.V. Sedov, the main population of these places were the Slavs-Antes and Scythian-Sarmatians.

Cue

Later, somewhere from the 5th century, it was in the center of the “Chernyakhov culture” that Kyiv began its rise - the future capital of the Old Russian state, the founder of which, according to the Tale of Bygone Years, was Kiy.
True, the historian N.M. Tikhomirov pushes back the founding of Kyiv to the 8th century. Although other researchers object and find a new date in the 4th century, citing as an example one of the medieval chronicle sources: “It was founded in the year of Christ 334.”

A supporter of an earlier version of the founding of Kyiv, historian M. Yu. Braichevsky, relying on the works of the Byzantine writer Nicephorus Grigora, argues that Kiy, like many rulers of neighboring countries, received a symbol of power from the hands of Constantine the Great. In the text of Grigora there is a mention of the “ruler of Rus'”, to whom the emperor awarded the title of “tsar’s keeper”.

Thus, having received the go-ahead to reign, Kiy became the founder of the ruling dynasty of a young power with its capital in Kyiv. In the “Book of Veles” (which, of course, cannot be considered a reliable source), Kiy is described as an outstanding commander and administrator who, having united a large number of Slavic tribes under his command, created a powerful state.

The Polish historian Jan Dlugosz, noting the role of Kiy in the formation of ancient Russian statehood, believes that the Kiev prince founded the line of dynastic succession: “After the death of Kiy, Shchek and Horiv, ​​the heirs in the direct line, their sons and nephews dominated the Rusyns for many years, until the succession passed to two siblings Askold and Dir.”
As we know from the Tale of Bygone Years, in 882, Rurik’s successor Oleg killed Askold and Dir and took possession of Kiev. True, in the “Tale” Askold and Dir are called Varangians. But if we rely on the version of the Polish historian, then Oleg interrupted the legitimate dynasty coming from Kiy, and laid the foundations for the rule of a new dynastic branch - the Rurikovichs.

Thus, in a surprising way, the fates of two semi-legendary dynasties converge: the Novgorod one, originating from Sloven and Rus, and the Kyiv one, originating from Kiy. But both versions reasonably suggest that the ancient Russian lands could have been full-fledged states long before the “calling of the Varangians.”