Year: 2014
Type: article
Abstract: This article examines the issue of when the title of Velikii Kniaz? was first used in the light of accumulated textual analyses of the Povest? Vremennykh Let. Section 2 presents the current state of research. Section 3 outlines the historiographical viewpoints on the Povest? and how the time of its composition relates to first use of the title. Particular emphasis falls on four Byzantine-Rus? treaties mentioned in the Povest?. It is argued that the time when first version of the PVL emerged - the 1110s - sets a terminus ante quem on the introduction of the title of Grand Prince in Kievan Rus?. Section 4 investigates two other sources discussed in current research: a letter by Metropolitan Nikephoros to Prince Vladimir Monomakh, and the seal of Prince Mstislav. Section 5 offers two explanations of why the title entered Byzantine usage and of when conditions for it became ripe in Kievan Rus?.
DOI: 10.2298/zrvi1451047r
Author: Mikhail Raev
Language: English
Subfield: Classics
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2040413451