Romanian mentions in North-Western Russia in the 11th-16th centuries (preliminary research)

Analyzing a variety of documentary sources we attest an early propagation of Romanians within the territory of Novgorod principality starting with the 11th century until around 16th century. The existence of a big Romanian colony in the 16th century is indicative of a massive immigration from the earliest times. Their presence is illustrated by toponyms and hydronyms as well. The intense relations between the Romanians and the Russians in the less documented last period, is reflected by mixed Romanian-Russian terms, mixed names or other Romanian influences on the Russian language. This is a less researched topic in modern historiography. The study has a significant scientific value for the history of Romanians which until the 16th century shows penury of documentary sources, especially referring to proper names, toponyms and hydronyms. The research is an addition to the history of medieval north-western Russia also.