The Tale of Bygone Years

Historical Context and Significance

Nestor's «The Tale of Bygone Years» is one of the most important sources on the history of Ancient Rus'. Written in the early 12th century, this chronicle covers events from the earliest times to the beginning of the 12th century. It contains valuable information about the origins of the Eastern Slavs, their settlement, the first princes, and the formation of Kievan Rus'. The chronicle also describes significant political, military, and cultural events, as well as interactions with neighboring peoples and states. The influence of «The Tale of Bygone Years» on Russian culture is immense: it became the foundation for subsequent chronicle collections and historical research, and significantly influenced the formation of the national identity and historical memory of the Russian people.