Alekseev S. V. Early Foreign Sources about the Baptism of Rus: Historical Interpretation of the Events

DOI:10.22394/2225-8272-2025-14-4-4 EDN YOZYRU

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to summarize and analyze the information from foreign sources of the late 10th–11th centuries about the Baptism of Rus. The adoption of the new faith contributed not only to social and cultural transformations within Russia but also to the expansion of diplomatic and dynastic ties with both the Byzantine Empire and other countries of Christian Europe, which, in turn, expanded cultural exchange.
Methodology. The article uses various historical and general scientific methods such as analysis and synthesis, as well as comparative, synchronous and diachronic methods. They allowed us to examine consistently the evidence of the events of 987- 989 contained in Greek sources (Leo the Deacon, John Skilitsa), Oriental (Stepanos Taronetsi, Yahya of Antioch, Abu Shuja ar-Rudravari), Western European Latin (Titmar of Merseburg, Adhemar of Shabanna). Information about such key events as the appeal of Emperor Basil II to Russia for military assistance, Vladimir's campaign on Chersonesos, Vladimir's marriage to the Byzantine Princess Anna, and the actual Baptism of Russia have been studied. The uneven coverage of these facts in various sources and their groups is demonstrated. A comparison of data from various sources, both Russian («Memory and Praise of Vladimir» by Jacob Mnikh, «The Word of Law and Grace» by Metropolitan Hilarion, the chronicle narrative of Baptism) and foreign, allows for a comparative analysis and identify discrepancies in the chronology and understanding of the events. In particular, the author associates himself with the opinion of those researchers who prefer the chronology of Jacob Mnich and the sequence of events proposed by him over the later chronicle
one. Attention is also drawn to the lack of mention of Vladimir's baptism by Roman historians, which may be due to various reasons, including the previous baptism of Russia in the 9th century. On the other hand, the interest of Eastern and Western authors in this event depended on the specific religious and political context.
Novelty and results. In conclusion, it is noted, in particular, that the data from all the early sources refute the myths about the baptism of Russia with «fire and sword». The initial impetus for Christianization was a complex set of cultural and political reasons, its implementation was based on the traditional authority of princely power and was a lengthy and conflict-free process that could not be reduced to spontaneous violent conversion of the people.
Research perspectives. The article highlights the importance of conversion to Christianity for the formation of Russia as a full-fledged player in the international arena. The study not only clarifies the sequence of events, but also reveals the complexity of historical interpretation, where the perception of the Baptism of Rus varied depending on the interests and subjective assessments of contemporaries.