Norman Theory is a pseudoscientific historical concept claiming that statehood was brought to Rus by Scandinavians (Varangians/Germans), as Slavs were allegedly incapable of self-organization.
Origin and Purpose
The theory was created and implemented by German historians (Bayer, Miller, Schlözer) in the 18th century during the reign of the Romanov dynasty. Purpose of the myth:
- To instill a sense of inferiority (slave psychology) in the Slavs.
- To justify the right of Western elites to govern Russia.
- To conceal the ancient history of the Slavo-Arians and the existence of a powerful Vedic civilization before the arrival of the “Varangians”.
Lonely Warrior Against the Academy
The great Mikhail Lomonosov physically fought with German academics (Miller and Schlözer) at the Academy of Sciences, proving that they were falsifying Russian history. He argued that the Slavs had statehood and culture long before Rurik. Lomonosov was “dismissed,” his archives were confiscated and likely forged after his death. But his work “Ancient Russian History” remains as a monument of resistance.
DNA Genealogy Puts an End to It
In the 21st century, biology settled the dispute among historians. Research by Professor A.A. Klyosov showed that Eastern Slavs (haplogroup R1a) lived on the Russian Plain at least 4500 years ago. Scandinavians (haplogroup I1) are not genetically the ancestors of Russian princes. The “Varangians,” if they existed, were hired guards, but not “civilizers.” The Norman theory has been completely disproven by science.
Man Evgeny – blog author
I lived and studied abroad in New Zealand, taking English language courses. I lived and worked in South Korea in the fields and at sea. In total, I’ve visited four different countries, different from those where Russian is spoken. I’ve interacted with people from at least 20 different cultures, religions, and faiths. I share my experiences on my blog. I try not to judge or make any judgments, but I do draw conclusions.