THE MEDIEVAL CITY OF RUS IN THE WORKS OF MYKHAILO HRUSHEVSKYI

Abstract

This work aims to systematize M. Hrushevsky’s concepts regarding the emergence and role of ancient Russian cities in the 9th–13th centuries in his scientific works of the late 19th–early 20th centuries. The study of the concept of the creation of ancient Russian cities in the works of M. Hrushevsky allows us to understand the scholar’s views on the processes of state formation and social evolution in the territory of Rus. Its relevance is enhanced by the need to rethink classical historiographical approaches to the study of urbanization processes in the early Middle Ages. The purpose of the study is to analyze and systematize M. Hrushevsky’s views on the origin and functions of medieval cities in Rus in the context of his concept of the territorial principle of social organization. The research methodology is based on the principles of historical objectivity, impartiality, and comprehensiveness, using analytical and synthetic methods, historical-comparative, problem-chronological, and descriptive approaches. The scientific novelty and result lie in a comprehensive historiographical study of the transformation of M. Hrushevsky’s concepts throughout his scientific activity regarding the central theme – the formation and significance of ancient Rus cities in the 9th–13th centuries. It has been established that M. Hrushevsky substantiated the concept of the territorial principle as the basis of early social organization, where the city acted as the center of community formation. The transformation from defensive functions to political domination over the suburbs has been traced. The conclusions demonstrate that M. Hrushevsky moved from a simple description of the origin of cities, characteristic of his predecessors, to a deeper analytical approach, albeit with limited and one-sided use of archaeological materials. The scholar viewed ancient cities as key centers of public and political life in early Rus, where major historical events took place. The historian supports the concept of the gradual development of ancient fortified settlements into influential political and economic centers. He particularly studied the transformation of power structures and society in the process of state formation. M. Hrushevsky’s concept demonstrates a comprehensive approach to understanding urbanization processes, combining geographical, social, and political factors in the formation of Old Rus’ power.