The “necessary death” of the Grand Duke: on the question of the causes and circumstances of the death of Yaroslav Vsevolodovich in the autumn of 1246

Abstract

Research objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the causes and circumstances surrounding the death of Grand Duke Yaroslav Vsevolodovich. His demise occurred during his presence at the headquarters of Turakina and in the presence of the Great Khan Guyuk. Research materials: The research draws from a complex of Russian chronicle sources, monuments of ”hagiographic” literature from Ancient Rus’, Plano Carpini’s “The History of the Mongols,” Rashid al-Din’s “The Collection of Chronicles,” Juvayni Ata-Malik’s “The History of the Conqueror of the World,” and acts of diplomatic correspondence. Results and novelty of the study: Through a critical and comparative analysis of written sources, examined in the context of the political landscape within the Mongolian Empire leading up to and during the Kurultai of 1246, the authors of this article conclude that Plano Carpini’s account of the poisoning of Russian Prince Yaroslav Vsevolodovich by Turakina khatun is unreliable. Utilizing a methodology akin to the natural sciences, the study ultimately attributes Yaroslav Vsevolodovich’s death to natural causes, specifically complications arising from an acute toxicoinfective disease. This conclusion is drawn considering the absence of qualified medical care, weakened immunity, and the advanced age of the ruler of Northeastern Russia.