Belarus, officially known as the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. Its name, Belarus, translates to “White Russia” or “White Ruthenia.” The origins of this name are rooted in historical and geographical contexts. One theory suggests that the name “white” was used to distinguish this region from the “Black Rus,” which referred to the territories of Kievan Rus to the south. Another theory proposes that “white” was a descriptor for the fertile plains of the region. These theories highlight the complex historical background that led to the name “White Russia.”
A fourth theory suggests that the color white was associated with the west, and Belarus was the western part of Rus’ in the 9th to 13th centuries. The name Rus’ is often conflated with its Latin forms Russia and Ruthenia, thus Belarus is often referred to as White Russia or White Ruthenia. This association with the western part of Rus’ could explain the use of “white” in Belarus’ name. It’s important to note that the term “white” does not refer to the ethnicity of the Belarusian people, but rather to the geographical location and historical context of the region within the larger Rus’ territory.
In summary, Belarus is called “White Russia” due to its historical ties to the western part of Rus’, the Latin terms for Rus’ being Russia and Ruthenia. The use of “white” in its name was likely a way to distinguish it from other parts of the Rus’ territory, such as “Black Rus.” This name carries with it centuries of history and the legacy of the region’s place within the broader context of Eastern Europe.
(Response: Belarus is called White Russia due to its historical ties to the western part of Rus’, often conflated with the Latin terms Russia and Ruthenia.)