On the Question of the Biography of the First Generalissimo of Russia A. S. Shein

Abstract

Relevance. The article attempted to analyze the history of the development of the old Moscow boyar family of the Sheins and the formation of the personality of the first Russian generalissimo Alexei Semenovich Shein. The ancient clans continued to occupy a dominant position in government, proving their worth for several centuries. In the XVII century, there were 19 first-class clans who enjoyed the privilege of appointment to the rank of boyar, bypassing the rank of okolnichy. The presence of unexplored lacunae and "white spots" in the biography of A.S. Shein in accordance with the lack of serious studies devoted to various aspects of his life and activity, allows us to talk about the relevance of addressing this scientific problem.The purpose of the study is to build on the basis of modern achievements of historical science a biography of such an extraordinary personality in Russian history, which was represented by the first generalissimo A. S. Shein.Objectives: to analyze the available historiography devoted to various aspects of the life and work of A. S. Shein; to identify and clarify the available information about the origin of the Shein boyar family and their contribution to the history of Russia; to present the main milestones of the life of the generalissimo.Methodology. In the process of working on the study, prosopographic and comparative historical methods, analysis, synthesis, generalization, induction and deduction were used.Results. The conducted research allowed us to expand our understanding of such an extraordinary personality as A.S. Shein, contributed to a considerable extent to the debunking of a number of existing mythologies both about him and about this period in Russian history.Conclusin. A. S. Shein belonged to an ancient boyar family, having managed to leave a mark in the history of Russia during his bright and eventful life. His military and state activities were appreciated even by such a supporter of Westernization as Peter the Great. However, it is possible to convincingly declare the prospects for further development of this problem due to the many "white spots".