Translated material
Who created Rus'?
Rurik, the Varangians and The Tale of Bygone Years. We analyze the main historical dispute together with Alexey Kuznetsov
18+. THIS MATERIAL (INFORMATION) IS PRODUCED, DISTRIBUTED AND (OR) SENT BY A FOREIGN AGENT OF THE INTERNET PUBLICATION “NOVAYA GAZETA” OR CONCERNES THE ACTIVITIES OF A FOREIGN AGENT OF THE ONLINE PUBLICATION “NOVAYA GAZETA”
Alexey Kuznetsov examines one of the oldest and longest disputes in Russian history - about the calling of the Varangians and the origin of ancient Russian statehood.
- Why does the story of the three brothers resemble other European legends?
- Who were the Varangians?
- What does archeology say about the Scandinavian presence?
- Why did Mikhail Lomonosov and Gerhard Miller clash over this issue in the 18th century?
- And why does the debate about the events of the 9th century again and again turn from scientific to political?
At the same time, we find out whether it is ever possible to find Rurik’s grave and why historical myths turn out to be so tenacious. The chronicle tradition dates the calling of Rurik and the Varangians to the year 862. It was this date that subsequently formed the basis for the celebration of the millennium of Russian statehood and the creation of the famous Novgorod monument “Millennium of Russia”, opened in 1862.