Начало Руси

The first part of the classic work of the famous Russian historian and publicist, author of textbooks on general and Russian history - Dmitry Ivanovich Ilovaisky (1832-1920) is offered to the attention of readers. In his book, published in 1882, entitled “Investigation of the beginning of Rus'. Instead of an introduction to Russian history,” Ilovaisky acts as a determined opponent of the Norman theory, questions the reliability of Russian chronicles, and proves that they reflect the interests and sentiments of the Kyiv princes. The historian was courageous and uncompromising in solving the most complex issues of history and politics, which led to the oblivion for a long time of his significant services in the field of Russian history.

Unfortunately, during Soviet times, many of Ilovaisky’s works were forgotten. The published first part of the historian’s book examines in its entirety the so-called Norman question and the origins of the Bulgarians.