How many churches burned in the Kyiv fire of 1017?

The article examines sources’ reports of a large-scale fire in Kyiv 1017. two parallel texts are: the German Latin chronicle by Thietmar Merseburg (composed 1018) and Primary Chronicle Rus around 1116), which relied on early Kyivan annals. wrote about that damaged “monasterium sancte Sophiae”. reported one church or several churches without specifying them. main focus is textual analysis versions short account event copies Chronicle. One implies it was only. According to another version there were many suffered from fire. Remarkably, difference between variants only letters – plural form ending verb (“погорѣша цр҃кви” versus “погорѣ цр҃кви”). dilemma determining original variant correlates with ambiguity Thietmar’s words, could denote either building several. chronicler used word “monasterium” both “monastery” (as complex buildings) “cathedral”. provides comprehensive philological readings At same time, authors did not resort hypothetical reconstructions text but proceeded those are attested preserved manuscripts. revealed advantages disadvantages scenarios, provided for originality Based available Chronicle, appeared impossible unambiguously choose variants. This led modeling historical scenarios event. However, as demonstrated recently, meant Tithe Church (possibly, surrounding St. Sophia monastery cathedral. palace centered first stone included other buildings ecclesiastical needs. can explain ambiguous terminology chronicles. Therefore, turned out, regardless choice, competing be interpreted sense. unanimously Church.