Question

1.) Who was the widow of Gleb Vseslavich of Minsk and why does she seem to have been quite an important woman in medieval Rus?

2.) How does Garcia de la Puente analyze the infinitive sideti “to sit” in relation to Gleb Vseslavich’s widow? What potential meanings does the Slavic word for “to sit” have?
3.) During this time, what became of many of the other Polotsk princes eligible for power?
4.) What can seals tell us about the nature of power in medieval Rus? What can the seals of princesses reveal?
5.) What is Garcia de la Puente’s overall conclusion regarding Gleb Vseslavich’s widow?
6.) What do we know about St. Euphrosyne of Polatsk? What did she do to escape her parents’ plans to arrange her marriage?
7.) On her pilgrimage, where all did Euphrosyne travel?
8.) What restrictions prevented Euphrosyne from being buried at the Holy Lavra of St. Sabbas? Where was she allowed to be buried instead?
9.) Overall, what is your view on St. Euprhosyne of Polatsk?

Answer 1

1. Gleb Vseslavich's widow was named Anastasia. She was the daughter of the Prince of Turov and married Gleb, who was a powerful prince in medieval Rus. After Gleb's death, Anastasia became a prominent figure and was involved in politics and power struggles in the region. She was known for her intelligence, strategic skills, and diplomatic abilities, which made her an important ally for many rulers in the area.
2. Garcia de la Puente analyzes the infinitive sideti “to sit” in relation to Gleb Vseslavich’s widow and argues that it has several potential meanings in Slavic languages, including "to rule" or "to hold power." This suggests that Anastasia's position as a powerful figure was tied to her ability to maintain control over the region.
3. Many of the other Polotsk princes eligible for power during this time were either killed or exiled as a result of the power struggles in the region. Anastasia's ability to survive and maintain her position was a testament to her political savvy and strategic abilities.
4. Seals can provide valuable insights into the nature of power in medieval Rus. The seals of princesses, in particular, can reveal their status and influence in the region. For example, Anastasia's seal depicted her seated on a throne, which indicated her power and authority.
5. Garcia de la Puente's overall conclusion regarding Gleb Vseslavich’s widow is that she was a remarkable woman who played a significant role in the politics and power struggles of medieval Rus. Her intelligence, strategic abilities, and diplomatic skills helped her to survive and thrive in a challenging and dangerous environment.
6. St. Euphrosyne of Polatsk was a 12th-century princess who fled from her parents' plans to arrange her marriage and became a nun. She is considered a saint in the Orthodox Church and is known for her piety, charitable work, and contributions to the development of the Church in the region.
7. Euphrosyne traveled extensively on her pilgrimage, visiting Jerusalem, Constantinople, and other holy sites in the region. She also spent time in monasteries and other religious communities, where she studied and prayed.
8. Restrictions prevented Euphrosyne from being buried at the Holy Lavra of St. Sabbas because she was a woman. Instead, she was buried in a crypt beneath the church of the Convent of the Saviour in Polatsk, where she had spent much of her life.
9. She is revered in the Orthodox Church as a saint and is known for her piety, charitable work, and contributions to the development of the Church in the region. Her story is an inspiring example of devotion and faith, and her legacy continues to inspire people today.

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