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September 19, 2025Open Access

The Celtic Theory of the Origins of Rus’ as an Alternative to Normanism and the Concept of the «Old Rus’ Ethnicity»

Key Points

The study challenges the Normanist theory of Rus’ origins, presenting the Celtic theory as a viable alternative.
Linguistic evidence and historical context indicate that the ethnonym 'Rus’' may not originate from Scandinavian sources as previously believed.
Analyzing archaeological data reveals Celtic migration patterns in Eastern Europe, highlighting their significant role in early Rus’ formation.
The concept of 'Old Rus’ ethnicity' is debunked as an ideological construct, suggesting a more diverse cultural landscape in 10th–12th century Rus’.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to provide a critical analysis of the Normanist theory of the origin of Rus’ and the concept of «Old Rus’ ethnicity» («davniorus’ka narodnist’») within the context of the Celtic theory. The author questions the prevailing paradigms that link the emergence of Rus’ exclusively to Scandinavian influence or to a unified Slavic ethnic foundation. Particular attention is devoted to the hypothesis that the ethnonym «Rus’» derived from the Finnish word «Ruotsi», used to describe Swedish merchants. This assumption is critically re-evaluated based on historical and linguistic evidence. The novelty of the study lies in its systematic revision of conventional interpretations of the origin of Rus’ through the integration of the underexplored Celtic factor – specifically the role of the Celtic Ruthenians. The paper analyses historical evidence and toponymic parallels in Europe and the Dnipro region in general, along with archaeological data from the Przeworsk and Chernyakhiv cultures, which attest to Celtic migration and integration in Eastern Europe between 469 and 562 CE or earlier. A new interpretation of medieval sources and place names is proposed, enabling a rethinking of early Rus’ formation within a broader European context. Conclusions. The concept of «Old Rus’ ethnicity» («davniorus’ka narodnist’») is shown to be an ideological construct that does not withstand scholarly scrutiny. The traditional claim of a homogeneous East Slavic community in the 10th–12th centuries is based on artificial generalisations and disregards the linguistic, cultural, and ethnic diversity of Rus’. Unlike the Normanist theory – developed within the framework of imperial historiography and relying largely on late and questionable sources – the Celtic theory presents a more robust and verifiable source base, encompassing linguistic evidence, Celtic toponymy, and material indicators of cultural interaction. The study argues that the formation of Rus’ was the result of a complex ethno-cultural synthesis in which the Celtic element played a structurally significant – not peripheral – role.

The Celtic Theory of the Origins of Rus’ as an Alternative to Normanism and the Concept of the «Old Rus’ Ethnicity»

Key Points

Abstract

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