Kleymyonova O. The interrelations of the nomads of the southern Rus steppes and the settled population of Old Rus (before the invasion of Mongols)

The interrelations of the population of Southern Rus and of the Steppe with regard to their politics, economic and trade relations and the problem of the interaction of the settled and nomadic cultures have been investigated on the basis of the analysis of various sources. The viewpoint than nomadic peoples did not have their own developed culture but only adopted achievements of settled peoples has been refuted. It has been emphasized that the technical and technological backwardness of the nomads' handicraft had no effect on the development of their art and trade with settled peoples. Their trade relations contributed greatly to the dissemination of Christianity among nomads. Especially important was mutual influence in the military field, particularly in arms. The interrelations with nomads depended primarily on the level of social and political development of nomadic peoples. The military opposition alternated with periods of peace. The dynastic policy of the princes of Old Rus, their conjugal relations contributed to it.