The medieval city of the Rus’: historiography of the 18 – mid-19th centuries

The aim of this work is to synthesize existing research on the origins and functions of the cities of Rus’ by elucidating the evolution of scholarly approaches to the history of the medieval Rus’ city. The research methodology is grounded in the principles of the concrete-historical approach, objectivity, and systematicity, while employing methods such as analysis and synthesis, historical-comparative, problem-chronological, and descriptive techniques. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the comprehensive analysis of the historiography from the 18th to the mid-19th century, tracing the evolution of researchers’ perspectives on a significant historical issue—the origins and functions of the medieval Rus’ city (9th–13th centuries). Conclusions. The historiography of the 18th to mid-19th centuries underwent two developmental stages in the study of the medieval Rus’ city: a descriptive phase from the 18th to the early 19th century, followed by an analytical, cabinet-based research phase in the second half and middle of the 19th century. Both periods are characterized by incomplete and somewhat one-sided coverage of the urban history of Rus’ and its principalities during the 9th–13th centuries. Initially, scholars perceived the medieval city as a starting point for a new European era, which may have distorted their understanding of the socio-political processes in early Rus’. Historians of the 18th to mid-19th centuries predominantly adhered to the idea of the continuous development of cities. Some argued that cities evolved from earlier settlements, while others posited that they emerged around local communities or as key trade centers. Particular attention was paid to shifts in power and societal structures during the state-formation period. The new aristocracy, leveraging their castles as strongholds, gradually assumed the functions of governance and justice. The city became a center of political authority, with its influence extending far beyond its boundaries. Although the question of the medieval city’s origins previously received insufficient attention, it is pivotal for understanding societal transformations, defensive and economic practices, and the political organization of the principalities.