Russian Historical Science in the First Quarter of the 18th Century: Prince Dimitrie Cantemir

Prince Dimitrie Cantemir contributed to the formation of Russian historical science in the first quarter of the 18th century. His works reflected the scientific thought typical of the Early Enlightenment. Prince Cantemir’s philosophical views relied on Orthodox Christianity rather than on the Medieval providentialism and supernaturalism. Providentialism manifested itself in his Theory of Four Monarchies, i.e., global history as a sequence of four superpowers. He believed Russia to be the fourth and last monarchy, the new center of world history. Prince Cantemir explained it with its geographical location, natural resources, socio-economic development, a complex motivation of individual stakeholders, and the divine influence acting through individuals. As a devoted supporter of absolutism, he described the rulers of Moldavia as powerful defenders from the imminent Ottoman threat. The autocratic power of a just monarch was for him the only possible prerequisite for national prosperity. Prince Dimitrie Cantemir’s legacy provides a good example of the early Russian historical science.