The Title “khagan” in Оld Slavic Traditions

Absztrakt

The term “khagan” as the title of Rus’ Prince was mentioned by Eastern and Latin sources in the 9th–10th centuries. In the 11th–12th centuries, the term khagan definitely refers to the Russian Princes Vladimir, the Baptist of Rus’, and his son Yaroslav the Wise. This title was given in Hilarion's “Sermon on Law and Grace” (the first half of the 11th century). In “Igor Tale” (12th century), the title khagan refers to the representatives of the princely family in Chernigov, claiming authority over the territories from Middle Dnieper to Tmutorokan (former lands of the Khazar khaganate). Tsevetlin Stepanov demonstrated a similar situation in Danubiane Bulgaria. Bulgaria could be heir of the Avar Khaganate, but Bulgarian rulers did not claim to the title, because Avar lands were subject to the Carolingian Empire. The title khagan was given the Bulgarian ruler (in retrospect) by Chronicle of Pop Dukljanin (12th–16th centuries) and vested in the Baptist of Bulgaria Boris/Michael (d. 907). Byzantium recognised the title of tsar (basileus) for Bulgarian rulers. The name Michael associated with the name of Archangel and the ruler of “last” eschatological times (after 1000 A.D. apocalyptic expectations). The reign of the Byzantine Emperor Michael III marked the beginning of Russian history in the “Tale of Bygone years”; Vladimir (as well as Yaroslav) completed this history by the Baptism of the Rus’ (in Hilarion's treatment). These deeds are most consistent with the universal (Imperial) title of the ruler of the edge of the Christian Oecumene.