Pages: 133-142

The analysis of instances of the Eastern Slavic tribes mentioned in the main text of the medieval Russian chronicle “Tale of Bygone Years” (TBY) has revealed fundamental differences from the conclusions of G. Lebedev (1983), who has studied the text of the introductory undated part of TBY. G. S. Lebedev considered, that the structural and territorial basis for the formation of the medieval Russian state was constituted by the Polyane, Dregovichi, Slovenichi and Polochane tribes. According to Lebedev, Drevlyane, Volhynyane and Buzhane would form the perifery of the state. Our analysis has shown, that throughout the complete text of the chronicle, the medieval author distinguishes the Polyane, Drevlyane, Slovenichi and Severyane as the tribes playing the most important role in the formation of the Russian state. On the contrary, Polochane and Dregovichi are mentioned only twice in the dated part of TBY, while Volhynyane (Buzhane) are not mentioned at all.

Keywords: Old Rus', Middle Ages, Russian chronicles, “Tale of Bygone Years”, ethnic communities, Slavic tribes, hierarchy

Information about authors:

Alexandr Alexandrov (Kishinev, Moldova). High Anthropological School University, Zimbrului St., 10a, Kishinev, MD-2024, Moldova
E-mail: [email protected]
Roman Rabinovici (Kishinev, Moldova). Doctor of History. High Anthropological School University, Zimbrului St., 10a, Kishinev, MD-2024, Moldova
E-mail: [email protected]