WIVA Seminar series January 13, 2026

Byzantium and Rus: A New History of Relations, 800-1453.

Dr. Monica White, Associate Professor of Russian and Slavonic Studies.

Byzantium and Rus engaged intensively with each other for more than 600 years, from the earliest documented contacts in the mid-ninth century until the fall of Constantinople. While certain episodes have received a great deal of attention, significant periods are neglected, causing frequent misunderstandings. There is, meanwhile, still no
comprehensive study of the relations between what were, at various points, the largest medieval European states. In this seminar I will introduce my forthcoming book on this topic, providing a summary of my approach and conclusions.

There will be a particular focus on my editorial decisions: how to structure the narrative, what sources to include, and how to present supplementary information.

Byzantium and Rus engaged intensively with each other for more than 600 years, from the earliest documented contacts in the mid-ninth century until the fall of Constantinople. While certain episodes have received a great deal of attention, significant periods are neglected, causing frequent misunderstandings. There is, meanwhile, still no
comprehensive study of the relations between what were, at various points, the largest medieval European states. In this seminar I will introduce my forthcoming book on this topic, providing a summary of my approach and conclusions. There will be a particular focus on my editorial decisions: how to structure the narrative, what sources to include, and how to present supplementary information

Date: 12 January 2026

Time: 10:00–12:00

Location: Uppsala Eng/2-2033

For Zoom link, email: rahaf.abu_shaer@arkeologi.uu.se