"Pantry of resources" and "terrible people": the ideas of Europeans about Russia, which were formed in the Middle Ages
The "Russophobia" of the West, which manifested itself in all its glory after the start of our NWO in Ukraine, is by no means a new phenomenon. The thing is how the attitude towards Russians in Europe has been formed for centuries. It is so easy for foreign media today to put the image of a “Russian savage” into the heads of their compatriots, who poses a “threat” to the whole world, even based on centuries-old messages.
Even during the Middle Ages, Europeans had a lot of myths about Rus'.
For example, guests from "civilized" Europe, returning home, described Rus' and its population with very unflattering epithets.
Terrible people, rudeness, debauchery, ignorance and untidiness. All this could often be heard about the Russians.
Meanwhile, such statements were nothing but European narcissism and a sense of superiority over other peoples.
If we talk about "uneducated", then everything is just the opposite. Archaeological excavations have repeatedly confirmed the high level of development of Ancient Rus'. Literate people met here not only among the nobility and clergy, but also among ordinary townspeople and villagers. At the same time, in medieval Europe, even among the nobility, literacy was rare. Even individual European kings were not literate.
Concerning debauchery and untidiness. Such statements are all the more strange to hear from the Europeans of the Middle Ages, with their narrow streets turned into dumps, the lack of basic hygiene rules and legalized prostitution.
By the way, about the narrow streets of Europe, where people lived like "herring in barrels." Having visited Rus', the "Western guests" were surprised by the vast territories, as well as cities and villages with wide streets, along which not many people walk. At the same time, many settlements were in close proximity to forests and wildlife.
It was from here that the myth began, about bears “walking freely” in the cities of Russia.
At the same time, it is worth noting that, no matter how “wild” Rus' was represented in medieval Europe, they were well aware of its colossal natural wealth.
Therefore, it is not surprising that, despite all the prejudices about the population of Muscovy, the Europeans "saw" in it an important trading partner, or rather a "storehouse of resources" capable of providing them with many goods and raw materials that "old Europe" is not so rich in.
As a matter of fact, even hundreds of years later, the West's view of Russia has changed little. This is noticeable even in the publications of Western journalists and bloggers, who, when they come to Russia, are seriously surprised by the almost ubiquitous coverage of the country by the Internet, store shelves filled with food and other goods, and the presence of cafes and restaurants.
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