Rus’ versus Ros in Ivan IV’s Muscovy
Rus’ versus Ros in Ivan IV’s Muscovy

Summary/Abstract: During the reign of Ivan IV Muscovite authors increasingly used the word Ros and its derivatives, from the Byzantine Greek Rosia, in addition to Rus’ and its derivatives. Scholars attribute usage of Ros to Muscovy’s imperial pretensions. However, while Ros was often employed in imperial contexts, it also appeared in ecclesiastical contexts. Moreover, an additional form, Rusia, complicates drawing a clear contrast between usage of Rus’ and Ros. All three forms coexisted throughout Ivan IV’s reign.

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