Rus' Khaganate

The Rus' Khaganate is thought to have existed during a poorly documented period in Eastern Europe, particularly relevant to the historical development of Ukraine. The existence and significance of this polity are subjects of ongoing scholarly discussion.

The term 'khagan' for a leader of the Rus' people appears in various historical sources. Some scholars suggest that the title 'chacanus' used in early references may derive from 'khagan', indicating a political structure akin to a khaganate. However, this notion is contested, with some historians labeling the concept as a 'historiographical phantom'.

Several historical texts mention the title of khagan in relation to the Rus'. The Latin Annales Bertiniani from 839 refers to a group of Norsemen, called Rhos, whose leader was identified as chacanus. The Salerno Chronicle from 871 discusses the title in a diplomatic context, suggesting that the term was recognized among various groups, including the Avars and Normans.

Arabic and Persian sources from the 10th century, such as the writings of Ahmad ibn Rustah and Hudud al-'Alam, also reference a 'khāqān rus', indicating the presence of a Rus' leader. These texts are crucial for understanding the political landscape of the time.

Old East Slavic sources from the 11th and 12th centuries, including Hilarion of Kiev's Sermon on Law and Grace, refer to the title kagan in connection with rulers of Kievan Rus'. This suggests a continuity in the use of the title, linking the early Rus' leadership to the later established Kievan state.

Hilarion's work notably applies the title to Volodimir I (Vladimir the Great) and his descendants, indicating a significant historical connection to the development of Ukrainian statehood.