Elisey S. Kuznetsov, Yuriy V. Seleznev The Mention of Voronezh in the Accounts of Batu Khan’s Invasion

Abstract
The paper presents a view on the problem of identifying the status of «chronicle» Voronezh based on a textual analysis of chronicle sources using the statistical method. In particular, the authors examine the texts of the chronicles for the use of prepositions in various contexts in relation to individual geographical objects. The initial premise is the hypothesis that additional arguments in favor of identifying the «chronicle» Voronezh can be extracted from the context of the use of prepositions in relation to other cities, fortresses, and settlements appearing in the Novgorod First Chronicle of the Elder Izvod. The basis of the study is the assumption that it is possible to identify the relationship between the nature of a geographical object and the preposition used to indicate it. Based on the postulate that comparative statistical analysis as a method has scientific potential for resolving the problem of «chronicle» Voronezh, the paper finds that the two most commonly used prepositions in relation to populated places — «in» and «on» — are used in the chronicle more often with geographical objects of this type (cities, fortresses, etc.) than with rivers, by thirteen and two times respectively. Based on the fact that the Novgorod chronicler or editor uses standard prepositions for cities in relation to Voronezh, the authors conclude that the «chronicle» Voronezh should be identified as a city (possibly a fortress). Quantitative data on the use of prepositions provide an objective basis for judgments about the status of geographical features mentioned in the chronicles. It is important to note that the proposed method does not exclude the need for an integrated approach to the study of «chronicle» Voronezh, including archaeological research, cartographic analysis, and comparison with other written sources. The proposed approach opens up new perspectives for the study of toponymy and historical geography of medieval Russia. Statistical analysis of prepositional constructions can be successfully applied to other chronicles and documentary materials, making it possible to clarify the localization and status of various settlements and natural objects.

Keywords:

Russian Chronicles; Voronezh; Voronezh River; Mongol Conquest; Textual Analysis

For citation:
Kuznetsov E.S., Seleznev Y.V. The Mention of Voronezh in the Accounts of Batu Khan’s Invasion // Historical Reporter. 2026. Vol. 56. P. 106–125. DOI: 10.35549/HR.2025.2026.56.001

Elisey S. Kuznetsov

Lecturer of the Department of History of Russia, Faculty of History of Voronezh State University, teacher of MBEI Secondary School № 28 with ISSS of Voronezh. Voronezh, Russian Federation

e-mail: Elick.fox@yandex.ru

SPIN-код: 2585-5420

ORCID: 0009-0005-7699-3330

AuthorID: 1244465

Yuriy V. Seleznev

D.Sc. (History), Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Russian History, Faculty of History, Voronezh State University. Voronezh, Russian Federation.

e-mail: orda1359@mail.ru

SPIN-код: 6847-1666

ORCID: 0000-0002-8224-445X

AuthorID: 432092

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