Veliky Novgorod in the Research of Ural University

Abstract

This article provides an overview of studies focusing on Veliky Novgorod carried out in Ural Federal University. For the purposes of the study, the authors describe the history of archaeological excavations and the formation of the source base for the study of Veliky Novgorod, a unique centre of the Eastern European Middle Ages; also, the article describes the role the teaching staff and students played in collecting this material throughout almost forty years. This has become possible thanks to a longstanding collaboration between the Department of the History of Russia of Ural Federal University and the Department of Archaeology of Moscow University, the Novgorod State Integrated Museum Reserve, the Institute of Archaeology (RAS, Moscow), and the Institute for the History of Material Culture (St Petersburg), all of which share creative contacts. The article singles out some directions of studies conducted by the university staff and their students, focusing on different aspects connected with Veliky Novgorod. The research covers a wide range of areas, from the studies of archaeological artefacts, the genesis and evolution of the social system and political institutions, the history of Ancient Rus’ musical culture as reflected in Novgorod manuscripts; from the study of Old Russian canon law to the role Veliky Novgorod played in the system of transcontinental trade relations and cultural contacts. Finally, the authors describe the applied character of certain areas of research in the sphere of restoration of mediaeval musical instruments and the development of itineraries for the network of historical and educational tourism in Novgorod and the surrounding territories.