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Key research themes
1. How did the relationship between Church and State shape political authority in Early Modern Russia?
This theme investigates the evolving symbiotic relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and secular authorities during the early modern era, focusing on how religious institutions influenced state power, limited sovereign reach, and contributed to state formation dynamics. Understanding this interplay is vital as it challenges simplistic views of centralized despotism and sheds light on informal, customary mechanisms underpinning governance in Muscovite Russia.
Key finding: The authors reveal that the Russian Orthodox Church functioned as both an influencer and a constraint on secular power during the long sixteenth century. They emphasize the informality of church-state relations, which, while... Read more
Key finding: This work provides empirical and narrative evidence that the Russian Orthodox Church played a critical ideological and nationalistic role during the Time of Troubles (early seventeenth century), aiding the coalescence of a... Read more
Key finding: The study uncovers theological constructions by St. Demetrius of Rostov that link sin to a transformation of humans into beasts, particularly pigs, rooted in biblical exegesis. By analyzing sermonic animal imagery, it... Read more
Key finding: Focusing on the post-1478 integration of Novgorod into Muscovy, the paper documents how Moscow’s political takeover entailed a concomitant ecclesiastical reorganization aimed at bringing Novgorodian church practices and... Read more
2. What were the governance structures and political ideologies underlying princely rule and succession in Medieval Rus'?
This theme explores the configurations of political authority and rituals of rulership in Kyivan Rus' and its successor states, including the dynamics of princely enfranchisement, territorial governance, and the symbolic legitimization of power through ceremonies such as enthronements. Understanding these aspects elucidates early Russian statehood foundations and succession ideologies differing substantially from Western European feudal models.
Key finding: The paper challenges traditional narratives of principality borders and political fragmentation in Kyivan Rus', arguing that principalities did not constitute distinct legal or territorial units but were rather fluid dynastic... Read more
Key finding: Through analysis of chronicle accounts of princely installations in Rus', the study reveals that inauguration rituals were highly symbolic performances designed to legitimize rulership not by fixed legal systems but by... Read more
Key finding: By tracing the origins of the legend of Bishop Avraamii’s destruction of pagan idols to earlier oral narratives featuring Elijah and Il'ia Muromets, this paper uncovers how political-religious narratives were constructed and... Read more
3. How did military technology and tactics evolve in Muscovite Russia during the Early Modern period?
This research focus analyzes the transition from traditional steppe warfare tactics based on mounted archery to the adoption of firearms by Muscovite cavalry in the seventeenth century, exploring the practical, tactical, and strategic reasons behind the technological shift despite seemingly inferior ballistic performance, thereby informing broader understandings of military modernization and state military reforms.
Key finding: Contrary to assumptions about technological superiority, the article documents that Muscovite cavalry replaced the highly effective composite reflex bow with carbines and pistols in the seventeenth century primarily due to... Read more