The Tale of Bygone Years

On the pages of the chronicles, the past of Rus comes to life. "The Tale of Bygone Years" — this is not just the oldest of the surviving chronicle collections, enumerating facts from the history of the state, it is a monument of literature and a centuries-old panorama of destinies, battles, and events. We see how the Russian land understands itself as a powerful state with an independent policy, unique culture, and history. Vladimir Monomakh — one of the most talented and educated Russian princes of the pre-Mongol era — in his "Teaching" advises his descendants to remember the historical unity of Rus and the necessity of selfless service to the homeland. And not for nothing do the brothers Boris and Gleb become the holy patrons and defenders of the Russian land.