Kievan Rus: History and Facts

Kievan Rus: History and Facts

Around the city of Kiev, the Kievan Rus was a strong empire in the Middle Ages. It functioned as the starting point and basis for both Russia and Ukraine. The capital city of Ukraine is currently Kiev.

Kievan Rus: History and Facts

History

Originally from Sweden, the Vikings who became the Rus were drawn to Eastern Europe in the eighth century. King Rurik governed the little nation they had founded. For the following nine centuries, the Rus would be ruled by the Rurik Dynasty.

Establishment of the Kievan State

The Rus’ capital was transferred from Novgorod to Kiev in 880 by King Oleg. That marked the beginning of the Kievan Rus. The Rus under King Oleg conducted numerous conquests, including incursions against Constantinople and Byzantium. Oleg eventually brought about peace with the Byzantine Empire, which led to the prosperity of the Kievan Rus.

Golden Age

With Vladimir the Great’s reign in 980 and Yaroslav the Wise’s reign following, the Kievan Rus had its Golden Age. The kingdom had peace, prosperity, and economic expansion during this time.

Vladimir the Great

From 980 until 1015, Vladimir the Great governed the Kievan Rus. He carried on Kievan Rus’s growth, bringing numerous Slavic republics under his control. Additionally, he brought Christianity to the Rus. His relationship with the patriarch of the Eastern Orthodox Church in Constantinople was reinforced by this conversion.

Yaroslav the Wise

After Vladimir the Great died, his son Yaroslav the Wise became king. The Kievan Rus reached their peak during his reign. Yaroslav married many of his daughters and sons to surrounding nations in order to maintain peace and establish trade relations. He also established a written code of laws, built a library in Kiev, and promoted education among his people.

Decline

The Kievan Rus began to decline after Yaroslav the Wise died. In the 13th century, the Mongols invaded the land and brought an end to the united Kievan Rus.

Facts about the Kievan Rus

• Some of the main exports of the Kievan Rus included honey and furs.
• Vladimir the Great considered several religions before converting to Christianity. He didn’t think the people would accept Islam because they could not drink wine.
• The code of laws used by the Kievan Rus was called the Russkaya Pravda, which means “justice of Rus”. It was based on the Justinian Code used by Byzantium.
• They were culturally advanced with many people being able to read and write.
• At its peak, the Kievan Rus was the largest European state in terms of land area.
• The leader of the Kievan Rus was called the Grand Prince of Kiev or the Grand Duke of Kiev.

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