A historian during and after the war: 100 years of Vsevolod Lvovich Kerov (1925–2010)

The article presents a scientific biography of the prominent Soviet and Russian medievalist historian, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Vsevolod Lvovich Kerov (1925–2010). Based on ego-documents (diary entries, memoirs), archival materials, and an analysis of scientific activities, the life and professional path of the scholar are reconstructed. Particular attention is paid to the formation of the historian's personality in the pre-war years, his participation in the Great Patriotic War within the OSNAZ radio intelligence units, and his studies at the History Faculty of Moscow State University under the mentorship of Academician S.D. Skazkin. The role of V.L. Kerov in the establishment of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (PFUR), the development of unique courses for foreign students, and the advancement of African studies is covered in detail. The scholar's contribution to the study of popular heretical movements in medieval Europe and the colonial history of Madagascar is analyzed. The article demonstrates the inseparable link between the scholar's biography and the key events of the 20th century.