KIEVAN RUS Meaning and
Definition
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Kievan Rus refers to the medieval East Slavic state and cultural entity that existed from the late 9th to the mid-13th century. It was established as a federation of regional principalities, with Kiev serving as its political and cultural center. Kievan Rus, also known as Kyivan Rus, encompassed territories that are present-day Ukraine, Belarus, and parts of Russia.
The state emerged from a union of Slavic tribes in the mid-9th century, with cultural influences from the Byzantine Empire and Scandinavia. Kievan Rus reached its peak during the reign of Prince Vladimir the Great in the 10th century, when it encompassed a vast territory and experienced significant economic, political, and cultural developments.
Kievan Rus played a pivotal role in the history of Eastern Europe, serving as a crucial link between the East and the West. It established diplomatic and trade relations with various neighboring states and contributed to the spread of Byzantine Christianity among the Slavic population. Kievan Rus also developed its own distinct culture, characterized by a blend of Slavic, Byzantine, and Nordic elements.
The state eventually disintegrated in the 13th century due to internal conflicts and external pressures, notably the Mongol invasions. However, the legacy of Kievan Rus endured as it laid the foundation for the subsequent development of the East Slavic peoples and their cultural identities. The term "Kievan Rus" is now commonly used to refer to the medieval state and its historical significance in the region.
Etymology of KIEVAN RUS
The term "Kievan Rus" refers to a medieval East Slavic state that existed from the 9th to the 13th century in what is now Ukraine and Belarus. The word "Kievan" comes from the city of Kyiv (also known as Kiev), which was the capital of the state. The etymology of "Kyiv" itself is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from an Old East Slavic word "Kyiv" or "Kijevu", which could have derived from the Old Norse term "kœ" meaning "bay" or "inlet". The exact origin of the word "Rus" is also debated, but it generally refers to the early East Slavic people who inhabited the region.
