The emergence of the title Velikii Kniaz’ in Rus’ and the Povest’ Vremennykh let

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’.

Keywords

• Kievan Rus’
• Povest’ Vremennykh Let
• Byzantine-Rus’ treaties
• Velikii Kniaz’