Штрихи до портрета дніпропетровських «всесвітників»: медієвіст В. Т. Сиротенко у спогадах професора Ю. Є. Івоніна

Abstract

The notes by Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor of Samara State University Yuriy Yevheniyovytch Yvonin about the historian-medievalist Vasyl Trokhymovytch Syrotenko are published. V. T. Syrotenko is a prominent researcher of late Antiquity and early Medieval times. In his numerous publications, he argued against the scholars interpretation of early medieval history, the essence of which was that the Roman Empire was ruined both barbarians and slaves. Syrotenko proved that the slaves fought with their owners against the barbarians. The result of the scholar’s scientific work was the publication of a number of scientific articles, textbooks and monographs. Vasil’ Syrotenko is known not only as a historian of the early Middle Ages. A popular rumor has it that in the years of Kracow's liberation from the Nazi occupation, Syrotenko, together with a Soviet soldier, saved Karol Wojtyla, a seminary student, who went on to become Pope John Paul II. In his researches and public speeches, the historian criticized Soviet researchers of the transition period from antiquity to the Middle Ages. He accused them of plagiarizing the ideas and texts of Western historians. Such arrogance of a provincial scientist caused indignation of metropolitan scientists. The result was a four -year delay of his doctorate from the Higher Attestation Commission.
 In his memoirs Yu. Ye. Yvonin pays attention to the Perm and Dnipropetrovsk periods of Vasyl Trokhymovych's life. The author tells about his personal relationship with Syrotenko, about the advice he gave him when he was just starting out his research activity. The historian’s relations with the Leningrad mediaevalists are noted. The causes of the "conflict" that flared up between the capital mediaevalists and antiquity from the capital city universities researchers and Syrotenko are outlined. Vasyl Trokhymovych's place in the Permian historical environment, his manner of delivering lectures and conducting scientific discussions are outlined. It is noted that the Dnipropetrovsk period of his life became the time of low scientific activity.