"The Tale of Bygone Years." The oldest written source of Russia

Most of the news about the life of the ancient state of the Slavs - Kievan Rus - is derived from a single source. This grandiose literary and historical monument is "The Tale of Bygone Years".

The creation of the "Tale of Bygone Years" is attributedNestor - to one monk, who lived in the Kiev-Pechersky monastery. Great work was written by him in 1113. The chronicle characterizes its author as an exceptionally well-read person, who has the ability to select sources and analyze them, and to give them a special form. The scientists who studied the Tale of Bygone Years came to the conclusion that it was compiled from an earlier source that did not reach us. In Russia chronicle was a common occurrence. Therefore, perhaps Nestor's work was based on the Ancient Kiev arch.

The very tradition of writing down the history of the statewas born in the Sophia Monastery, but in the eleventh century the center of the chronicle was the main shrine of Kiev. In the monastery there lived many famous hermits and saints, who contributed to the preservation of historical knowledge. Among them is listed not only Nestor, but also Nikon the Great, Theodosius, Anthony.

"The Tale of Bygone Years" was written in order toto satisfy the people's interest in their own past. This work tells about the origin of the golden-headed Kiev and Russia, the first princes, Askold and Dire, about the arrival of the Rurik people from the Varangians and their influence on the statehood. This chronicle glorifies the greatness and power of the state, it feels a sincere and immense love for the homeland. The author admires the courage of the squad, who goes on gallant campaigns and brings victories. He mourns defeat and weeps over those who died in fratricidal feudal wars.

Chronicle of temporary years is the earliestsource, which is currently available to scientists. It includes both historical facts recorded for future generations, as well as parables, stories, legends, sayings and even songs. It not only describes the origin of the Slavic people, beginning with the settlement of the sons of the patriarch Noah on the Earth, it describes quite accurately and objectively the neighbors of Kievan Rus. Nestor collected data on the traditions and customs of the nearest tribes, on the Greeks and Bulgarians. He not only documented important milestones in the history of his country, he showed her place among other world powers. And no doubt, this place was honorable and very influential.

Unfortunately, the "Tale of Bygone Years" has not reachedto us in a primordial form. It was collected in pieces from the vaults, which are a continuation of the story. The Ipatiev and Laurentian Chronicles in their beginning quote the work of Nestor. It can be assumed that it was also generously decorated with pictures and miniatures. In addition to historical value, the arch represents literary wealth, as it reflects the speech and atmosphere of the state of that period. Chronicle, like patterns, interspersed with phraseology, hyperbole, comparisons.

The main thing is that the meaning of this ancient Old Russian work still came to us, and we can enjoy these lines full of wisdom and admiration before the Fatherland.