RUTHENIANS Meaning and
Definition
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Ruthenians refers to a diverse group of Eastern Slavic people who historically inhabited various regions of Eastern Europe. This term primarily encompasses two distinctive ethnic groups: the Rusyns and the Ukrainians. The Ruthenians have a complex history intertwined within the larger context of Eastern European societies and politics.
The Rusyns, also known as Carpatho-Rusyns or Ruthenes, are an ethnic subgroup of the Eastern Slavs. They mainly reside in the Carpathian Mountains region, which spans across present-day Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary. The Rusyns have a distinct cultural identity, language, and traditions, which have evolved over centuries.
On the other hand, the Ukrainians can also be considered as a subset of the Ruthenians. Ukrainians primarily hail from modern-day Ukraine but have had historical connections with other Ruthenian-speaking regions. They possess a unique cultural heritage, language, and national identity.
Throughout history, the Ruthenians have faced various political challenges due to their geographical location and interactions with neighboring nations. They have experienced periods of political influence, subjugation, and cultural assimilation by larger Eastern European powers. Currently, both the Rusyns and Ukrainians continue to preserve their distinct identities through language, customs, art, and other cultural practices.
In summary, the term Ruthenians encompasses the Rusyns and Ukrainians, who are Eastern Slavic ethnic groups with a rich cultural heritage and historical ties to Eastern Europe.
Etymology of RUTHENIANS
The word "Ruthenians" typically refers to an Eastern Slavic ethnic group. The etymology of this term can be traced back to the medieval Latin word "Rutheni", which was used to describe the people of the region known as Rus. The term "Rus" originated from the Old Norse word "rōþsmenn", which meant "rower" or "seafarer". As Vikings expanded into the East Slavic territories, the term "Rus" was adopted to refer to the Slavic people in those regions. Over time, the name "Ruthenians" came into use as an Anglization of "Rutheni", referring to the Eastern Slavic ethnic group.
