Russia and Ukraine: A History of Empires and Resistance

🏰Russia and Ukraine were inhabited by nomadic tribes and mysterious Bronze Age cultures before recorded history.

👑The Scythians, who buried their chieftains beneath huge mounds called kurgans, were the predecessors of the ancient Slavs.

⚔️The lands of Russia and Ukraine were then invaded by nomadic warriors who brought down the Roman Empire and later settled by Slavs.

🚣‍♂️Vikings from Scandinavia, known as Varangians, played a significant role in the early history of Russia and Ukraine.

🤝The Varangian chief Rurik was asked to be the prince of the East Slavs, marking the beginning of the Rurikids dynasty that ruled Russia for 700 years.

What was the significance of Vladimir the Great's adoption of Orthodox Christianity?

—Vladimir the Great's adoption of Orthodox Christianity in the 10th century had a profound impact on the cultural and religious development of Ukraine and Russia, shaping their identity and connecting them to the Byzantine Empire.

What led to the disintegration of Kievan Rus?

—After the death of Yaroslav the Wise, the sons of the ruler fought among themselves, leading to the disintegration of Kievan Rus into feuding princedoms.

How did the Mongol invasion impact Russia and Ukraine?

—The Mongol invasion led by Genghis Khan and later by Batu Khan brought devastation to the region. The Mongols ruled as conquerors, leading to the disintegration of Kievan Rus and the establishment of the Golden Horde.

Who were the Cossacks and what role did they play in Russian history?

—The Cossacks were skilled horsemen who lived on the open steppe. They played a significant role in Russian history, fighting as mercenaries and rebelling against the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. They also contributed to the Russian conquest of Siberia.

Why is Catherine the Great considered an important figure in Russian history?

—Catherine the Great is considered an important figure in Russian history for her patronage of the arts, her territorial expansion, and her efforts to modernize Russia. Despite her reign being marked by both glory and controversy, she left a lasting impact on the country.

00:12Russia and Ukraine were inhabited by nomadic tribes and mysterious Bronze Age cultures before recorded history.

01:02Vikings from Scandinavia, known as Varangians, played a significant role in the early history of Russia and Ukraine.

01:30The Varangian chief Rurik was asked to be the prince of the East Slavs, marking the beginning of the Rurikids dynasty that ruled Russia for 700 years.