Dynastic Marriages of the Rurikids and Their Influence on European Culture (9th-16th Centuries)

In the article, the phenomenon of dynastic marriage serves as the object of research, with the focus on its examination in scientific and historical literature in the context of its interrelation with international events, as well as its influence on the processes of cultural and political development in Western and Eastern Europe. Various positions of scholars on the definition of "dynastic marriage" are considered, presented through different historical examples, starting with the marriage of the Russian prince Vladimir and Anna of Byzantium. Special attention is given to the far-sighted policy of Yaroslav the Wise, who married off three of his daughters to kings of Hungary, Norway, and France, and established kinship with influential monarchies of Europe through the successful marriages of his five sons. The influence of Anastasia of Yaroslavl on Hungarian culture and Anna of Yaroslavl on the cultural development of France is also examined. The article traces the evolution of kinship alliances from Vladimir to Ivan III, noting that it was associated with a decline in status. The methods employed include dialectical, logical, and historical retrospective approaches. In conclusion, the author identifies the characteristics of dynastic alliances related to the status of the state, religious beliefs, and the boldness in decision-making. The author concludes that the aim of forming dynastic alliances was to resolve or prevent conflicts and to enhance one’s influence over other countries. The scientific novelty of this research lies in the systematic approach to analyzing the goals and consequences of dynastic marriages, which, over the centuries, have become an important tool for the political and cultural integration of states. Unlike previous studies, this article places emphasis not only on political aspects but also on the positive influence of such alliances on the cultural development of countries belonging to different civilizational circles. The research is unique in its detailed examination of the influence of Russian princesses, such as Anastasia and Anna of Yaroslavl, on the development of Hungarian and French cultures, as well as on the establishment of Orthodoxy in Hungary and the spread of Byzantine traditions in Western Europe. The author highlights new aspects of dynastic marriages, emphasizing their role in establishing cultural connections, strengthening diplomatic relations, and disseminating religious and cultural traditions.