Introduction

This study is mainly concerned with the ethnogenesis of the Volgaic Finno-Ugrians - the Cheremis, the Mordvins, the Merja and the Muroma - in the light of the evidence from three interrelated disciplines: linguistics, archaeology and history. Owing to the proliferation of studies on this subject it has become well nigh impossible to become proficient in more than one discipline, and I am almost certain that linguists, archaeologists and historians will hardly be satisfied with the evidence drawn from their respective disciplines that is presented here. I can only hope that this study will fulfill its purpose in that other researchers and the general reader will find more information on the disciplines that fall far from his particular field of research.

Gábor Bereczki, Péter Domokos, István Fodor, Emília Nagy and Pusztay János were all generous with their time and help, for which I wish to thank them here. Special thanks are due to the Finno-Ugrian Historical Association and, in particular, to Professor Kyösti Julku for enabling the publication of this study.