First Sophia Chronicle

The First Sophia Chronicle (Russian Софийская первая летопись) is an Old Russian chronicle from the 15th century. Its name was derived from the Cathedral of St. Sophia in Novgorod .

content

The chronicle describes events in the Kievan Rus up to the year 1418. It is based on the Nestor chronicle from the 12th century, but contains some details from the first centuries that are not contained in any of the older chronicles (e.g. more detailed description of the legendary ruler Gostomysl). These are reproduced in a similar form in the Fourth Novgorod Chronicle, probably on the basis of a modern model available to both scribes. The historical authenticity of these additional details is questionable; these were probably added to maintain a stronger East Slavic independence in the early days of the Rus, instead of the Scandinavian theories of origin.

Manuscripts

Two versions of the First Chronicle of St. Sophia have survived, the first in two copies from the 1470s, the second in ten copies from the 1460s / 70s to the 18th century.

expenditure

• Б. М. Клосс: Софийская первая летопись старшего извода. (ПСРЛ. Т. VI. Вып.1). М., Языки русской культуры. 2000. 320 с., Latest scientific edition
• ПСРЛ. Т. XXXIX. Софийская первая летопись по списку И. Н. Арского. / Ред. В. И. Буганов, Б. М. Клосс. М., Наука. 1994. 204 с.