НРАВЫ И МИРОВОЗЗРЕНИЕ ПЕЧЕНЕГОВ (IX – XIII вв.)

Abstract

The Turkic-speaking Pecheneg tribes, who appeared in the Eastern European expanses in the 9th century, left an indelible mark on the history of this vast region.In general, there are not many sources for a full scientific study of the history of the Pechenegs; information about them was left by representatives of other peoples and states that had contact with them, including about the events of the period in question (Byzantium, KievanRus, Hungary, etc.) and concerns mainly the military-political sphere.This also applies to information about the customs, worldview and religion of the Pechenegs.            In this article, based on sources and scientific literature, the author examines recorded cases of relationships related to moral, behavioral and religious norms both within the Pecheneg community and in relationships with other peoples.During military operations, the Pechenegswere characterized by a harsh disposition, due to their nomadic way of life, cruelty and belligerence. There is rather contradictory information regarding their beliefs and worldview (burning or burying the dead, attitudes toward death and the afterlife, etc.).Regarding religion, it is believed that the Pechenegs adhered to shamanism, although researchers are not sure what specific religion the nomadic nomads adhered to in the 8th - 9th centuries. Freedom in sexual relations is noted. Despite the solemnity of concluding treaties, contemporaries accuse the Pechenegs of often failing to fulfill them.