The Chronicle of
Livonia by Balthasar Russow, published in 1578
(1536–1600) was one of the most important
Livonian and
Estonian
chroniclers.
Russow was born in
Reval (Tallinn). He was educated at an academy in
Stettin (Szczecin) in
Pomerania. He was the
Lutheran pastor of the Estonian congregation at the Holy Spirit Church in Reval from 1566 until his death.
Russow is most famous for his
Low German language chronicle
Chronica der Provinz Lyfflandt describing the history of Livonia, especially the decline of the
Livonian Order and the period of the
Livonian War (1558—1583). The chronicle was first printed in
Rostock in
Mecklenburg in 1578 and quickly sold out. The revised edition was printed in 1584.
In his work Russow is highly critical of the squander and immorality of the Livonian upper classes. He also complains about the superstitious beliefs and pagan traditions of the Estonian peasants and the venality of mercenary armies during the wars. He praises the rule of the new regional power,
Sweden.
Russow is the main character in
Between Three Plagues, a four-part
historical novel by modern Estonian writer
Jaan Kross, the first part published in 1970.
