“Azov Histories” by Petersburg Academicians (1736‒1737)

Abstract. The article concerns with two writings about the ancient and modern history of Crimea and the Azov Sea Region, composed by the professors of St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences: T.S. Bayer and G.F.W. Juncker in 1736‒1737. The works appeared at the height of the Russo-Turkish war, which made them highly topical; the authors’ membership of a virtual rei publicae litterariae also introduced them into the canon of European literary history. Besides, Bayer and Juncker applied different research methods: the first, as an “armchair” scholar, used the classics and studied the history of the region from antiquity till early 18th century, the latter described its modern conditions which he could observe himself. The writings’ fate differed: “Azov History” by Bayer was right away published and introduced into Russian gymnasium course as an exemplary “Russian author”; another by Juncker was issued in extract in thirty years. The article first examines the writings together, with unknown archival materials and two author’s versions of Juncker’s work as well. The historical pieces by Bayer and Juncker relate to the region, which was scientifically and strategically significant for Imperial Russia.

Keywords: Crimea, the Azov Sea area, Ukraine, T.S. Bayer, G.F.W. Juncker, Academy of Sciences, Crimean Campaign, history of science.