Mikola Yermalovich


Mikola Yermalovich was a Belarusian writer, historian and teacher.

Biography

Ermalovich was born in the village of Maly Novoselki. He finished a local school and graduated from [Maxim Tank Belarusians|Belarusian State Pedagogical University|Minsk Pedagogical Institute] in 1947.On graduation he worked as a teacher, school inspector and headmaster. Ermalovich was visually impaired and had to retire at the age of 35. He devoted decades to studying ancient Belarusian chronicles and other primary sources.

Work

Some commentators believe that Yermalovich presented the pseudo-historic conception of Litvinism, which asserts that the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was Belarusian, not Lithuanian. Other professional historians criticized Ermalovich's books as non-scientific, however it is acknowledged that "it was Ermalovich's books that contributed a great deal to the expansion of research in the field of ancient history of Belarus" and "encouraged academic historians to pursue further studies of the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania".

Resting place

Ermalovich is buried in the Old Cemetery of Maladzechna. On his grave on the back of the monument is written: "He loved Belarus…".

Awards