The Origins of Russia The country of Russia: enormous, expansive, wide-open. The words that describe this Euro-Asian country can be attributed to its origins from its Slavic inhabitants and the takeover by the Varangians. Kievan Russia, as it was called, started its own civilization in the year 862. The problem with the origin of the Russian State is that it is exceedingly complex and many theories are based on circumstantial evidence. A good example of this is the early history of the
Jihad of the decentralized Muslim caliphs. One of the finest systems to analyze cultural success in war though is a study of the Varangian Guard, an elite mercenary group that served the Byzantine Empire for about 600 years. The guard’s cultural influence was variable through its history of service and the success in
area. The rise of the Kievan state came from immense cultural impact, strong political ties, and a desire for a resilient economy. In order to discuss the rise of Kiev, it is essential for us to explore their early history before the rule of the Varangians. The early Eastern Slavs were located largely around the North shore of the Black Sea and the Southern steppe. Their location had them in heavily forested land where it was hard to farm due to lack of open fields. As a result of these deep woods
isn’t as popular as the European cuisines. Even modern-day Swedish restaurants serve more foreign dishes than their own. However, Swedish dish is somewhat influential. The Russian nation was established by Scandinavian trader who call themselves Varangians. Sweden might be responsible to smoked meats, soups, cream sauces in early
Emperor Constantine VII of Byzantium, who employed Vikings in his Varangian Guard, noted a dance his men engaged in while wearing animal skins. This could indicate the performance of cultish rites. Such a dance is also recorded in artwork on Swedish helmets, scabbards, and bracelets. A newly accepted member of the cult is
The Eastern part of the Roman Empire held imperial power headed by the city Byzantium later renamed Constantinople after the emperor Constantine (316). It remained the capital until Charlemagne revived the Western Empire (316). Between 324 and 330, “the Byzantine Empire passed from an early period of expansion and splendor to a time of sustained contradiction and splintering and, finally, catastrophic defeat” (316). The first period; between 324 and 632, of Byzantine history experienced great successes
Russia and the Mongols In a speech broadcast to London via radio on October 1st, 1939, Winston Churchill famously said: “I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia. It is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma (Murdico, 1).” While it is true that Churchill was referring to his inability to predict the country’s actions in regards to the impending world war, the words can be used to illustrate a general confusion and lack of understanding, by both western and eastern powers alike, concerning