New Image of the Ruriks’ Emblem Discovered in Graffiti on the Walls of the Golden Gate in Vladimir

An archaeological study conducted in 2023 at the Golden Gate in Vladimir uncovered new graffiti on the outer walls of this historic white stone architectural landmark from the Vladimir-Suzdal Land. Among these discoveries, a new image of the Ruriks’ emblem stands out. This emblem is examined within the context of the evolving structure of family symbols associated with the Old Russian princes. The newly published symbol is linked to Grand Duke Andrei Yuryevich Bogolyubsky of Vladimir. One noteworthy aspect of this image is that the princely tamga is depicted upside down. The researchers have proposed a hypothesis suggesting a possible connection between this graffiti and the assassination of Grand Duke Andrei Bogolyubsky by rebels in 1174. The composition and context of the graffiti are analyzed in relation to the socio-political situation in Vladimir and its principality during the time it was created.