Where did Russia come from? - Alex Gendler

Summary

The script narrates the epic history of Russia's formation, from the Slavic tribes of Eastern Europe to the rise of Kievan Rus under Prince Rurik. It details the complex relationships with neighbors, the adoption of Orthodox Christianity, and the cultural flourishing that followed. However, internal strife, external threats, and the devastating Mongol invasion led to Kievan Rus' collapse. The remnants evolved into distinct societies, with Moscow emerging as a powerful successor state, laying the groundwork for modern Russia's vast size and diverse heritage.

Takeaways

• 📜 The origins of Russia are rooted in the story of the Kievan Rus, a medieval state that emerged from a group of Slavic tribes in Eastern Europe.
• 🌳 The early Slavic tribes had no written language, so knowledge about them comes from archaeological evidence, foreign accounts, and the Primary Chronicle.
• 🏰 In the 7th century, Slavic tribes split into western, southern, and eastern branches, with the eastern branch stretching from the Dniester River to the Volga and the Baltic Sea.
• 🛡️ The Vikings, known as 'Rus', were invited back by the Slavic tribes to establish order after a period of chaos, leading to the rule of Prince Rurik and the establishment of Kievan Rus.
• 🤝 Kievan Rus had complex relations with neighboring states like the Khazar and Byzantine Empires, engaging in both alliances and warfare.
• 🕊️ Religion played a significant role in Kievan Rus, with Prince Vladimir I converting to Orthodox Christianity, which deepened the relationship with the Byzantine Empire.
• 📖 Byzantine missionaries developed an alphabet for Slavic languages, and Rus Viking warriors served as the Byzantine Emperor's elite guard.
• 🏙️ The Kievan Rus flourished culturally, with nobles marrying into European royalty and cities enjoying high levels of literacy and democratic freedoms.
• 🗡️ Internal disputes over succession and the decline of Constantinople weakened the Kievan Rus, leading to its eventual fall to the Mongol invasion led by Batu Khan in 1237.
• 🏰 The fall of Kievan Rus led to the rise of Moscow in the east, which would later challenge Mongol rule and absorb eastern Rus territories.
• 🌐 The western regions of the former Kievan Rus came under the influence of Poland and Lithuania, developing differences in society, culture, and language that persist today.

Q & A

What were the three main sources of information about the early tribes in Eastern Europe?

Archaeological evidence, accounts from literate scholars of the Roman Empire and the Middle East, and the Primary Chronicle compiled by monk Nestor in the 12th century.

How did the tribes in the region respond to the subjugation by Vikings?

The tribes revolted and drove back the Northmen, but then turned on each other, leading to chaos and eventually inviting the Vikings back to establish order.

Who was the prince sent by the Vikings to rule the region, and what was his role?

Prince Rurik and his two brothers were sent to rule. His son, Oleg, expanded the realm into the south and moved the capital to Kiev, leading to the birth of Kievan Rus.

What does the term 'Rus' likely derive from, and what does it mean?

'Rus' most likely derives from an old Norse word for 'the men who row.'

How did religion play a role in the politics of Kievan Rus?

Religion was significant in politics, as evidenced by Prince Vladamir I's conversion to Orthodox Christianity, which deepened the relationship between Kievan Rus and the Byzantine Empire.

What significant event led to the creation of an alphabet for Slavic languages?

The conversion of Prince Vladamir I to Orthodox Christianity and the subsequent relationship with the Byzantine Empire led to the creation of an alphabet for Slavic languages based on a modified Greek script.

How did the Kievan Rus flourish over several generations?

The Kievan Rus flourished due to its rich resources, trade, and strategic alliances, including noble marriages with prominent European rulers.

What internal and external factors contributed to the decline of Kievan Rus?

Internal factors included fratricidal disputes over succession and independent cities vying for control. External factors included the Fourth Crusade, decline of Constantinople, and threats from Teutonic crusaders and the Mongol invasion.

Who led the invasion that ultimately ended the age of Kievan Rus?

Batu Khan led the invasion with 35,000 mounted archers that swept through Rus cities, including Kiev.

How did the eastern and western regions of the former Kievan Rus develop differently after its fall?

The eastern regions, under Mongol rule, saw the rise of Moscow, which absorbed other eastern Rus territories and reclaimed the old name in its Greek form, Ruscia. The western regions came under the influence of Poland and Lithuania, developing distinct societal, cultural, and linguistic differences.

What are some of the lasting differences between the regions that were once part of Kievan Rus?

The differences include variations in society, culture, and language that have persisted to the present day, influenced by their distinct historical experiences and rulers.