Early Ukraine and Rus' History

Overview

This lecture introduces the early history of Ukraine, focusing on Ancient Rus', key figures, legendary tales, historiographical debates, and questions about identity, politics, and the origins of the Rus' people.

Ancient Rus’ and Key Rulers

• Ancient Rus’ history is a mix of legend and recorded events, featuring rulers like Oleg, Igor, Olga, Svyatoslav, and Vladimir.
• Legendary tales often blur with reality, such as Olga’s revenge and the Christianization of Rus’ by Vladimir.
• The chronicler’s narratives are foundational but must be approached critically, as they mix folklore and historical events.
• Kyiv was the central city, often called "the mother of Russian cities," and central to early state formation.

Historiography and Debates

• Historians debate the reliability of chronicles, emphasizing the need to use archaeology, foreign sources, and linguistics alongside texts.
• Disputes such as the Norman theory (Varangian/Scandinavian origins of the Rus’ state) have persisted for centuries, often influenced by politics.
• Interpretations of the early state and its rulers vary between Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian national histories.

Identity, Ethnicity, and Diversity

• The concept of a single "ancient Russian people" is debated; there was significant diversity among the tribes and lands.
• Ancient Rus’ was not ethnically homogenous and included influences from Slavs, Scandinavians (Varangians), Turkic and Iranian peoples.
• Archaeological evidence shows cultural mixing, including Scandinavian and Eastern artifacts in burials.

The Name "Rus’" and Its Origins

• The origin of the name "Rus’" is disputed: possibly from the Ros River, from the Finnish "rodsi" (rowers), or as an elite group around the prince.
• The meaning and scope of "Russian land" in ancient texts often differs from modern concepts.

Kyiv’s Foundation and Legends

• Kyiv's foundation stories, including those of Kiy, Shchek, and Khoryv, blend folklore and political motives.
• Competing historical theories trace the city’s origins to Slavic, Scandinavian, or even Khazar influences, but evidence is limited.

Cultural, Political, and Economic Context

• The influence of Eastern nomads (Pechenegs, Khazars, Polovtsians) was complex, involving both conflict and cultural exchange.
• Trade networks, especially the route "from the Varangians to the Greeks," shaped Kyiv’s growth; slave trade and luxury goods like silk were significant.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Chronicle — A medieval historical narrative, often mixing fact and legend.
• Varangians — Scandinavian warriors and traders involved in Rus’ politics and society.
• Norman Theory — The theory that Scandinavians founded the Rus’ state.
• Slavs — An ethno-linguistic group inhabiting Eastern Europe, divided into Eastern, Western, and Southern branches.
• Kievan Rus’ — The federation of East Slavic and Finno-Ugric peoples ruled from Kyiv, c. 9th–13th century.
• Khazars — A Turkic people whose polity (Khaganate) influenced the early Rus’ region.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Reflect on how to interpret chronicle legends: as historical fact or as folklore.
• Prepare for the next lecture focusing on later stages of Rus’ and Kyiv’s development.