Oleg Gubarev The history of the Middle Ages is the field of studying professional historians working in scientific institutions with scientific degrees and holding positions conducting teaching and scientific work. The position of the professional historian has a number of advantages.

The position of an independent researcher is the complete opposite of the position of a professional historian working in the system of government agencies. He is not associated with any department and has the opportunity to implement his own plans and ideas without coordinating them with anyone and without needing funding or government grants. He is not overwhelmed by the need to constantly demonstrate the results of scientific activity in order to maintain his position in science.