"Вірність" і "зрада" у світосприйнятті міщанства Київщини та Волині в XVI - першій половині XVIІ ст.

Abstract

In the article, it is shown how the concepts of «loyalty» and «betrayal» functioned in the early modem urban societies of Kyivshchyna and Volynia. The examples shown are taken from the formative sources and court documents. The cases of applying those concepts to public: legal, everyday, and marital lives of city-inhabitants are carefully examined. The author concludes that «loyalty» was first and foremost associated with the loyalty to their city and corporate interests. Oath was of particular importance, as it was considered sacred. «Betrayal» was considered to be highly disapproved act of major malice and dishonesty, so the traitors were considered criminals.