The project examines political culture and the formation of dynastic memory and identity of the ruling clan of Rus, the Rurikids. Their case is considered in comparison to early medieval ruling elites of the “barbarian kingdoms”. The research is a combination of the study of historical writing and political history (broadly conceived). Written sources are examined by means of various techniques of textual analysis. Political history is approached from cultural and anthropological perspectives.

An article summing up Vadim Aristov’s experience as a NEC Fellow is available in Research in View: 2024/2025 Fellows’ Essays.