The emergence of the title velikii kniaz’ in Rus’ and the Povest’ vremennikh let
The emergence of the title velikii kniaz’ in Rus’ and the Povest’ vremennikh let

Summary/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’.

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