"She built a state": Marina Bandilenko discusses the role of Princess Olga in the history of Rus' at the National Centre RUSSIA

Before Olga, relations between the prince and the tribes under his rule were largely chaotic and warlike. At a meeting of the Literary Club "What Shall We Read?!" at the National Centre RUSSIA, Marina Bandilenko, Candidate of Historical Sciences and writer, explained how a woman transformed a system shaped by men.

"Olga changed this situation completely, almost right away. She established rules and designated places for collecting tribute. The prince's retinue no longer entered villages and towns, where they might be tempted by the sight of beautiful Slavic women or anyone else they could rob. Instead, people brought what was due to the designated place, handed it over, signed for it — and that was it until the following year. This was the first tax reform. In effect, a state emerged. Then she took the next step: she tried to give that state a common faith. So what did Olga ultimately do? She built a state," Marina Bandilenko emphasised.

The discussion of women's roles in Russian history and literature also featured Arseny Dezhurov, Candidate of Philological Sciences, art historian and writer. The meeting was moderated by Nikolai Zharinov, host of the Literary Club, philologist, cultural studies scholar, writer and populariser of art and literature.

The experts discussed the forms of influence available to women and the limits of their independence in different historical periods. Drawing on biographies, letters, diaries and works of fiction, the speakers challenged stereotypical portrayals and explored how women's personal qualities and ability to act at decisive moments enabled them to assert their right to be heard, create great works of literature and even govern a state.