Golden Age of the Rus: Christian Empire in the East DOCUMENTARY

Kings and Generals' historical animated documentary series on the history of Kievan Rus continues with an episode on the reign of Yaroslav the Wise who ushered the Golden age of the Kievan Rus. With his death, the Rus realm was divided into numerous princedoms, which became an important factor prior to the arrival of the Mongols led by Subutai and Jebe.
Slavs and Vikings: Medieval Russia and the Origins of the Kievan Rus: • Slavs and Vikings: Med...
Early Rus Conquests: Viking Princes in Eastern Rome: • Early Rus Conquests: V...
How Rus became Christian: • How the Rus Became Chr...
Support us on Patreon: / kingsandgenerals or Paypal: paypal.me/kingsandgenerals or by joining the youtube membership: / @kingsandgenerals We are grateful to our patrons and sponsors, who made this video possible: docs.google.com/document/d/1o...
The video was made by our friend Michael Merc bit.ly/340tcO2 while the script was researched and written by Leo Stone. The art for the project was created by Oleg Seleznev (olegeg.artstation.com/)
This video was narrated by Officially Devin ( / @offydgg & / @gameworldnarratives )
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Production Music courtesy of Epidemic Sound: www.epidemicsound.com
#Documentary #KievanRus #GoldenAge

[@KingsandGenerals]

Next few episodes of this series are so fun. You should subscribe and press the bell button to get notified!

[@mdmiloy5897]

Good map

[@mdmiloy5897]

I am 55 like of this vidio

[@-gamergc2127]

islamic goldin ab

[@TheConservativeKnight6809]

Plz upload the next series of Second Siege of Vienna!

[@mdmiloy5897]

Oh Gingis khans riders again. I like it very much

[@boomerix]

"When he got old, he realised he had 7 sons". Crusader Kings players know that problem all too well.

[@aenigmatrices]

Yaroslav was this close to switching from Gavelkind to Primogeniture.

[@mism847]

A split realm.

[@annoyed707]

Somebody ought to make a game of this thing with thrones.

[@raphaelledesma9393]

But surely being Orthodox at this point, he could have forced some sons to “Take Vows” and enter a monastery? Or assigned a few to the bishoprics (jk but typically younger sons I educate in Theology for that purpose)

[@POGAKAChaos]

He forgot to get late feudal adminstration

[@davidblair9877]

The first rule of dividing your empire: don’t divide your empire.

[@misterblasty101]

Not always it sometimes lead to more centrelazed smaller realms that were stronger when reunited then one big decentrilezed empire. Like what happend in the frankish empire were division lead to the spread of frankish nobels to new lands witch paved the way to a more united France and the hre

[@davidblair9877]

@@misterblasty101 those two states proceeded to spend the next millennium fighting each other. Even ignoring the destruction caused by the constant warfare between East and West Frankia / the HRE and France, the fact that these were land wars left the navy neglected...just in time for the Scandinavians to start going Viking. I’d say it’s a case in point of why dividing an empire is a terrible idea.

[@silverdeathgamer2907]

@@davidblair9877 Yes but to prevent civil war you then need to either kill all other powerful claimants or cloister/castrate them, Most parents are hesitant to do that to their children and it could still lead to an early civil war or their assassination. It is much harder in practice.

[@fawadahmedshaikh9893]

@Boris Erdogan which is

[@doomdoctor6380]

@@fawadahmedshaikh9893 Infanticide

[@CaesarSonOfMars]

I've played enough CK to know what actually happens on hunting trips and people falling ill

[@themetalgearotaconfoxhound5432]

Yes

[@themetalgearotaconfoxhound5432]

Crusaders Kings

[@TheSoqu]

You mean sucession

[@aleembaksh1880]

@@RonanTOC You can play as the Muslim Sultans/Emirs too. The entire game isn't about the crusades.

[@ORO323]

@@RonanTOC Pretty fun game but with Paradox, you might have to lose an arm or a leg to pick up some of their DLC's to add flavor to the game. But overall it's a great and sometimes frustrating game.

[@ThorrorkAirsoft]

Only a combined army of Slavs and Vikings can get taunted into crossing a river, and then win...

[@SpartanGnome]

yeah

[@rakaalcuzaadnankadar6719]

I would really like to take the time to praise the editor and graphic design team of Kings of Generals for their stellar performance on this video. Really, this video is beautiful (both pedagogically and visually).

[@MercenaryCamp]

Thank you very much!

[@JM-fo1te]

The bass crescendo was too much

[@abcdef27669]

Yaroslav and Mstislav "We're cool?" "We're cool" "Great. Let's invade Poland!"

[@MrEndriju]

A pity that Poles sacked Kiev few times in return and slowly took everything to the east. Sometimes I think that If Kievan Rus was christianized by Rome and didnt antagonized Poles, western countries might come with help and history might look different.

[@kamilszadkowski8864]

@@MrEndriju Well Poles also sacked Kiev before but this was completely omitted by Kings&Generals.

[@drswag0076]

Poland: hold up

[@cianakril]

@@MrEndriju except the Poles were trying to take control of Kiev and this has nothing to do with religion but the Polish imperial ambitions and them seeing themselves as the leaders of all Slavs.

[@chlopakzpolski]

​@@cianakril in 981 Vladimir attacked Lachy and took many of their cities (Nestor). Ukrainians until today are calling Poles Lachy. And Lachy's land was from Bug up to Dniestr river. So first aggresors and robbers were kievan ppl. Also it is not mentioned in this movie that during polish-german war Yarosłav unsuccesfully tried to capture polish city Brest on Bug in 1015. Boleslaw in 1018-19 retook Czerwień cities and placed his son in law on kievan throne. If Yaroslav was his son of law it would be diffrent. It was dynasty politicy not national.

[@judsonwall8615]

Yaroslav is like The Godfather of this time period. If you go to read up on him, there’s hardly any information out there. Yet, he pops up in literally almost every country’s history from time to time, as they come to him for military aid, or a marriage alliance, or to send exiled princes to, or to support a usurpation. He’s the old warlord in the east that is nowhere yet everywhere. In my readings alone, I’ve encountered his machinations in France (marriage alliance), Germany (marriage, political and military alliances against Poland), England (the sons of Edmund Ironsides grew up in his court in exile following Cnut the Great’s usurpation of Ironsides’ throne). He’s heavily involved in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark’s politics. Heavily involved in Polish politics. Heavily involved in Hungarian politics after Stephen the Great dies. He warred for and against Byzantium and married his son to a Byzantine emperor’s cousin. Yet, it’s hard to find more than two good paragraphs online about what the man did in his 35 year reign in his own realm.

[@NYCfrankie]

My personal opinion are the Rus are quite possibly the most interesting civilization from the middle ages very fascinating people

[@ariyoiansky291]

For me, I've always held a particular interest for the Italo-Normans

[@NYCfrankie]

@@ariyoiansky291 yes another interesting group of people I've always assumed my cousin on moms side whos sicilian got his blonde hair and blue eyes from some norman ancestors he's 100% im 50% Napolitano 50% sicilian

[@NYCfrankie]

@MISERICORDI A i know thats why I said assumed but occam's razor would disagree probably

[@joshuapilling3641]

I also find the rus very interesting.

[@REHANKHAN-en5zn]

Whose middle ages?

[@jesseberg3271]

So, Yaroslav used to be an adventure, until he took an arrow to the knee?

[@lyonvensa]

In soviet Rus, arrow to the knee doesn't stop you to be an adventurer.

[@tezcanuyank3446]

Just like Timur but he doesn't stop after that

[@SamDy99]

Kievan Whiterun it is ❤

[@ihl0700677525]

This Rus series really have the best artworks. Good job.

[@karadavalla]

Have you ever heard the tradegy of Yaroslav the Wise?

[@aroundhere1200]

I haven't.

[@raritica8409]

@@aroundhere1200 It's not a story the Proto-Slavs would tell

[@AngSco30]

Just in time. I was actually randomly watching the rest of the series about 20 mins ago, so perfect timing really!

[@amerolboyboy6784]

Where can i watch the whole series??

[@albanianultranationalist1929]

Same

[@napoleonibonaparte7198]

Yaroslav’s siblings: *s t e p b r o w h a t a r e y o u d o i n g?*

[@mijanhoque1740]

😂

[@Strrroke]

Steppenbros: "Born to be wiiiiiild" (in throat singing)

[@imperialeagle564]

@ComradeKenobi lol

[@nohlavopi8617]

Aaaaa good oneeeee😂😂😂😂👍

[@thedoruk6324]

Odin: '' Kievan Rus! Are you Viking or Not?! '' Rus: '' Well *yes* 🅱ut actually *no* ''

[@abcdef27669]

Slavikings (Slavs + Vikings).

[@thedoruk6324]

@@vladimirthegreen6097 🅱ruh

[@serbianstallion8321]

Nords were anyway still more similar to ancient Slavs then to Franks or English, except linguistically of course, besides newer researches have shown that Vikings were also oftenly Slavic, Baltic or Finno-Ugric.

[@chlopakzpolski]

Once upon the time i had asked some russian guy if he knows what from word "Russia" comes from. It was about 15 y.a. , and he said came from Rusa river. That time was no acceptance that some germanic ppl could formulate first russian state. In Poland we have similar discusion, some ppl claim Mesko I was viking, but there is no proof of this despite of Dagome iudex. Definietly he had viking warriors in his drużyna (his personal military unit) from Scandinavia and Kievan Rus. His daughter married danish powermonger (higly probably her son was Cnut the Great) so relations could be close.

[@hermitcrab4078]

@@abcdef27669 Varyags

[@IapetusStag]

Perhaps it would have been great if you included the detail that Sts. Boris and Gleb were canonized/glorified by the Catholic-Orthodox Church as "Passion-bearer" saints because they refused to use violence against evil acts pointed to them.

[@markuhler2664]

Glad to hear that, though not surprising. The question becomes, would good Christians make good rulers?

[@Kadbros]

Truly Christian in my book

[@VojislavMoranic]

@@markuhler2664 See the holy Dynasty of the Nemanjic of Serbia almost all of them are cannonized as saints except our first Tsar who killed his father. All of them expanded the state until they fell to the fatal flaw of all monarchies. A weak ruler.

[@user-cn4gj1vf3o]

It's a good point because there actually was a third son, Sviatoslav, which was also was killed by Sviatopolk's orders, but he was't canonized as martyr because he died in combat (or died trying to flee to Hungary as some historians believe). Everyone forgots about him, while Boris and Gleb gained ulra-famous status.

[@Nicolas-hh5cp]

Like one famous argentinian poet wrote: "Brothers should stand by each other because this is the first law. Keep a true bond between you always, at every time because if you fight among yourselves you'll be devoured by those outside." F for Boris a true bro.

[@dd.mm.ll.]

That's why there are several towns in Russia and Ukraine, which are called Borisoglebsk ("The city of Boris and Gleb")

[@WalkwithRoberto]

What's the name of the poet so I can search for the original version in Spanish pls

[@Nicolas-hh5cp]

@@WalkwithRoberto His name is Jose Hernandez and the quote is from his most famous work "El gaucho Martín Fierro" an epic poem about the life of the gauchos, an equivalent to the cowboys or cossacks, and their contributions to the development of Argentina during his firsts years.

[@WalkwithRoberto]

@@Nicolas-hh5cp Muchas gracias Nicolas, voy a buscarlo para poder leerlo. Un abrazo.

[@Nicolas-hh5cp]

@@WalkwithRoberto De nada, de casualidad sos argentino o uruguayo?

[@huseyincobanoglu531]

Amazing documentary, thanks Kings and Generals Team.

[@susanjackett9268]

I've not long stumbled across ancestry linked to this history, so thanks so much, you explain the times so well, it saves me reading tomes.

[@generalRAAM95]

The quality of your videos keeps getting better by the day. Not only the information and narration, but also the editing, animations and illustrations are great.

[@byzantinetales]

Wow! What an impressive upgrade! I thoroughly enjoyed the documentary. It looks like a huge docuhistory production! Kudos!

[@ivancorovic3137]

The animations are getting better and better, props to the design team! 👏👏

[@EokaBeamer69]

Man it is amazing how the quality of your videos gets better and better. When I discovered this channel I loved it and I love it even more now.

[@seantomlinson3320]

One of your most spectacular videos yet wow. I'm greatly enjoying this story so I'm excited for more!

[@dminard1]

The art of this series has improved so much over the years! It's a joy to watch

[@gorbo-dk2fu]

Another high quality video as expected from Kings and Generals

[@user-zq4uy3vm6t]

Another hight quality peace of popular lie in this episode about totaly faked russian's-version of Rus' history

[@umjackd]

That is some amazing production quality. Good job guys.

[@mmhthree]

OMG, these are getting so good nowadays. Fabulous!!! So well made

[@Radonatorr]

It's a real shame that the entire chapter of the story was completely omitted. Bolesław I's invasion of/intervention in the Kievan Rus is much more complicated and interesting than presented here and without a doubt could be an entire epizode of its own, featuring the Battle of the River Bug and the sacking of Kiev.

[@kylelehn2249]

@@rogelioalonzo2911 If you head over to BazBattles they cover it in more detail on their channel.

[@vredacted3125]

Rus’ *not to be confused with “Russia”, which derives its name from the Rus’ but historically is a completely different state, which almost all its existence was at war with the Rus’. Just like the Holy Roman Empire was actually Germany, Russia is actually Muscovy, despite their best attempts to convince everybody otherwise. Its name “Russia" received only in 1721, when Peter I passed a decree to change Tsardom of Muscovy’s name into the “Russian” Empire (“Russia” originates from Rosia, name used by the Greek Orthodox Clergy in regards to Kyivan Rus') Under the reign of Cathrine II Muscovites where even pushed for continuing to identify as Muscovites, and where forced to call themselves “Russian”. Lands that “Russia” claims were part of the original Rus’, but actually weren't, are Novgorod, Suzdal, and Ryazan, since in historical texts of XI-XII centuries they are mentioned as separate entities from Rus’. They can be considered parts of extended Rus’, although their culture was distinct from main Rus’. In 1493 Moscow prince Ivan III appointed himself to be the Great Ruler of All Rus’. No other kings acknowledged that. From that point on Muscovy started to make false claims on Rus’ ownership. “Russia” is an offshoot of Ukraine and not the other way round, despite what Soviet and “Russian” historians have been trying to say for years. Kiev was a developed cultured capital when Moscow was just another swamp village. Germany used to call itself the Holy Roman Empire, that didn’t mean they became the Romans, and all of a sudden had a right to claim whole of Italy and its history, but yet, that’s exactly what “Russia” did in regards to Rus’-Ukraine.

[@m.a.9571]

Damn. I wish we have a game dedicated to the Kievan Rus

[@khalidalali186]

Medieval Total War II

[@weldonwin]

They are playable in Crusader Kings 3 and Mount and Blade Bannerlord has a faction modeled on them

[@m.a.9571]

@@weldonwin oh right I forgot about that.

[@TeyvillDost]

Try Ancestors Legacy. It has a Rurik campaign, and a Bolesław I campaign, The latter depicts exactly the events that are recited in this video. You'll be against Yaroslav, of course, but it's definitely one of the fun ones.

[@alexiossauromates7017]

mount and blade bannerlord when u play for sturgia

[@vincemajestic2650]

Absolutely Brilliant ! Amazing Graphics & Animation - Looking forward to more 👍

[@cosmoevents21st56]

You all do a really nice job with these videos. Keep them coming.

[@TheGeneralGrievous19]

5:03 It was actually Boleslav I the Great himself who led the allied armies to Kiev (he was also assisted by Pechenegs who assulted the capital in meantime). In 1018 he crushed Yaroslav's larger Rus army at the battle of Bug River and captured Kiev occupying it for many months. He send emmissaries to emperors Basil II and Henry II and take an immense booty before coming back to Poland with Polish, Hungarian and German forces. Boleslav regarded himself as kind of leader of Slavdom and Central-Eastern Europe at that time. Sviatopolk lost again having just his own troops. I think this was wrongly just glossed over here. Overall great video. And honor to Yaroslav the Wise.

[@Hhushrk12]

This video is on Rus history and not Poland. Don’t make everything about you

[@chlopakzpolski]

@@Hhushrk12 Boleslav is mentioned so he clears out the inaccuracies.

[@Hhushrk12]

@@chlopakzpolski no he’s adding more from polish perspective. There were tons of things that were left out it’s a short video. It’s your nationalism speaking here

[@chlopakzpolski]

@@Hhushrk12 He add what he knows. It is obvious he does not know for example hungarian perspective from this period of history.

[@michalkuzniar8285]

The only, minor inaccuracy in a video was a "king" title for Boleslav during Kievan expedition. He was coronated few years later (1025). Besides that - great video, as always.

[@AmeyaVaidyaExEcutESC2]

This video is probably the best illustration of how empires rose and fell. Unfortunate circumstances, unfocused leadership, uncontrollable geopolitical shifts which starve a nation of its trade reducing the geographical and chronological view that would-be leaders would and could possess. It is also highly likely that some of the things that had been known in Yaroslav's time would become unknown due to the destruction of books and knowledge (this includes individuals or trade secrets). Once again, great work guys! Through history, you continue to show us how human societies rise and fall through internal and external divisions.

[@wilfredogaringa3554]

good job! Downloaded for watching later :)

[@TheVideoWatcha]

Incredible job with the animations this time guys! Dang!

[@dairokutenmaohodanobunaga4499]

Wait. Genghis Khan already? But there's a 200 hundred years of battles and a very interesting characters between Vladmir Monomakh and the Battle of Kalka river. You easily can make a full video, dedicated to the exploits of Yuri Dolgoruky, Andrei Bogolyubsky and Vsevolod the Big Nest.

[@thomasrinschler6783]

I assume/hope they will give us at least a reasonable summary of the time between the two. And the interval between Monomakh's death and the Battle of the Kalka River is actually only 98 years (1125 - 1223).

[@talmidshooter6797]

@@IVAN-zm8pz But that could be said for anyone at the time

[@dima9994]

All the people in this episode look so beautiful and fierce, I love the art

[@johnnysilverhand7292]

Your video quality is amazing man. Keep it up ✌

[@FerasLab]

Grate episode as usual... man I love this channel

[@UpcycleElectronics]

The new 3d graphics have a lot of interesting potential. I'm curious to see how this develops and matures within a YT budget and time constricted medium. I wish I had a stable income to help support such endeavours, but life is... I like the gritty business details, and wish I could hear you guys talk shop, goals, motivations, and evolution here. I sense a veracious unbounded curiosity beyond the 2 dimensional academic content category. I'm currently reading the last book of Frank Herbert's Dune series. In it he has an underlying philosophical narrative comparing personalities that look outward versus inward, supportive versus destructive. I'm curious how an endeavour like this channel is motivated and aligns with such trivial oversimplifications. Thanks for the upload. -Jake

[@pavelponomaryov7097]

I'd like to add some poinnts to the video: 1. When Vladimir the Bloody killed Yaropolk he took his wife as a concubine. 7-9 months later a son was born and many claimed YaroPOLK to be his father. Even Vladimir himself left us a hint by naming him SvyatoPOLK. There were naming customs in Kievan Rus, don't take it lightly. Anyway, Svyatopolk was known as a son of two fathers in his time. 2. Upon death of Vladimir his empire was divided by two factions. One supported Svyatopolk (his strongest supporters were Boris and Gleb), another faction supported Yaroslav. For centuries it was believed that Boris and Gleb were killed by Svyatopolk "the Accursed", but today historians see a different picture: - it is outright stupid to kill those who support you when there are people who are openly hostile to your rule. - Norse saga "Eymundar þáttr hrings" tells a story of vikings serving Yaroslav the Wise. In the saga the vikings kill Yaroslav's brother Burizleif (Boris). As an independent unbiased source this saga is possibly more reliable than any source from Yaroslav or his children. - name Svyatopolk was in use for several generation after these events. Usually names of "bad guys" were banned and could not be used among Russian nobility. The fact that it did not happened immediately could mean that people knew Svyatopolk was not responsible for the murders. Later the history was rewriten and the knowledge was forgotten. 3. Vladimir Monomakh was not the only good ruler Russia had, lol. There was Andrey the Pious, for example. When his father (Yuri the Long-Armed) died Andrey banished his own brothers and seized their land (forced primogeniture? the lad was ahead of his time). He put a lot of effort into centralization of power, but was assassinated. Should he succeded, mongol yoke would never happened, I think. There are more smaller things but they are not worth it. After all, it's not some academic video for historians and scholars.

[@fleshtearer4399]

Not Andrey Pious, but Andrey Godbeloved (or Loving God. Something like that).*

[@Dangur2]

Nice to see cross evidence from a third party's saga. Comparing different sources gives the finest perspective.

[@MattandSadieBug]

@Kings and Generals, yal always impress me and I'm always finding for your next videos!

[@35_xe_raghavpatil67]

Keep up the hard work man

[@climax050]

Mongols: *exists* Every eastern country: why do I hear boss music?

[@gabrieltfa]

These arts are really amazing!

[@maorus2]

I love this channel. Thank you!

[@DB42YT]

Lovely stuff. I'm sure you know from YT statistics but some people look for long videos so putting them together in full seasons like you do is really good, I think. Thanks a lot for all the wonderful content. Pretty sure I'll have exhausted every video on the channel before long.

[@arsenivanov7176]

There are some very interesting thoughts about Yaroslav and his role in the turmoil after Vladimir's death. You see, Yaroslav is the father of the written history in Rus, and nearly all we know about this power struggle is written by monks who were very loyal to him (for example - Illarion of Kyiv). So, modern historiography (at least in Ukraine) have some doubts about this story. It is very possible, that Yaroslav was behind murders of Borys and Hleb. And, it is belived that the nickname "Accursed", given to Sviatopolk, was actually given to him by monks, who wrote Rus history under the control of Yaroslav, to legitimize his usurpation of Kyiv. Nevertheless, he was a great ruler. Also, it is a shame, if you won't made a video about the Monomach. He was somewhat of Philosopher King in the Rus history. P.S. Cumans were not always enemies of Rus, maybe only at the start of their relations. After decades of coexistence, many Rus princes were half-cumans (even Monomach had a cuman wife), and overall, Rus and Cumans became very close. Cumans helped Rus princes in their power struggles against relatives, and so do Rus princes did for Cumans.

[@speka3527]

its the first time i saw the correct writting of Kyiv under this video

[@vredacted3125]

Rus’ *not to be confused with “Russia”, which derives its name from the Rus’ but historically is a completely different state, which almost all its existence was at war with the Rus’. Just like the Holy Roman Empire was actually Germany, Russia is actually Muscovy, despite their best attempts to convince everybody otherwise. Its name “Russia" received only in 1721, when Peter I passed a decree to change Tsardom of Muscovy’s name into the “Russian” Empire (“Russia” originates from Rosia, name used by the Greek Orthodox Clergy in regards to Kyivan Rus') Under the reign of Cathrine II Muscovites where even pushed for continuing to identify as Muscovites, and where forced to call themselves “Russian”. Lands that “Russia” claims were part of the original Rus’, but actually weren't, are Novgorod, Suzdal, and Ryazan, since in historical texts of XI-XII centuries they are mentioned as separate entities from Rus’. They can be considered parts of extended Rus’, although their culture was distinct from main Rus’. In 1493 Moscow prince Ivan III appointed himself to be the Great Ruler of All Rus’. No other kings acknowledged that. From that point on Muscovy started to make false claims on Rus’ ownership. “Russia” is an offshoot of Ukraine and not the other way round, despite what Soviet and “Russian” historians have been trying to say for years. Kiev was a developed cultured capital when Moscow was just another swamp village. Germany used to call itself the Holy Roman Empire, that didn’t mean they became the Romans, and all of a sudden had a right to claim whole of Italy and its history, but yet, that’s exactly what “Russia” did in regards to Rus’-Ukraine.

[@sceligator]

Poor Boris :( It's seemingly so rare in history for someone to want to get along with their siblings.

[@rezak2]

I felt so bad for Boris

[@MaycroftCholmsky]

He is actually canonized by Russian Ortodox Church as a marter for relinquishing his life for the stability of the realm. A rare example of church politics actually making sence.

[@Daruliable]

Loved this video, excellent job K&G's

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thanks so much!

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , K&G .

[@kreatywny3606]

I caught three mistakes: 1. Boleslav I wasn't a king of Poland in 1030 - he died in 1025 and his son Mieszko II ascended the throne. 2. For the date of invading Poland it's rather 1031 than 1030. 3. Casimir the Restorer was not a king but a prince of Poland (Poland lost a lot of its power after the 1031 invasion, pagan reaction and Miecław's rebellion).

[@WalkwithRoberto]

Also in 1031 vodka was introduced to Poland. What a coincidence.

[@tajulek]

@@WalkwithRoberto was invented, not introduced

[@kreatywny3606]

@Borat I mean those are not too bad and it makes sense that you do not do such a profound research on secondary things especially with so many videos coming out

[@chanwoochoi3652]

Can you give a source for these? Just wanted to read more stuff about this

[@kreatywny3606]

@@chanwoochoi3652 I'm a Pole so I base on Polish sources, but English Wikipedia article "Polish history during Piast Dynasty" is fine for legit info on that.

[@chrispalmer7291]

Thanks for these episodes. I have lately been attempting to read more about early Russian history, but most texts focus on the Tsarist period. The early Rus are a fascinating people. Great job.

[@idiocrat3744]

He made a trash video but thats even worse than nothing. Most of authors atleast prefer to not record trash and stay away from the part where you should learn fluent russian and churchslavic to do.

[@vredacted3125]

Rus’ *not to be confused with “Russia”, which derives its name from the Rus’ but historically is a completely different state, which almost all its existence was at war with the Rus’. Just like the Holy Roman Empire was actually Germany, Russia is actually Muscovy, despite their best attempts to convince everybody otherwise. Its name “Russia" received only in 1721, when Peter I passed a decree to change Tsardom of Muscovy’s name into the “Russian” Empire (“Russia” originates from Rosia, name used by the Greek Orthodox Clergy in regards to Kyivan Rus') Under the reign of Cathrine II Muscovites where even pushed for continuing to identify as Muscovites, and where forced to call themselves “Russian”. Lands that “Russia” claims were part of the original Rus’, but actually weren't, are Novgorod, Suzdal, and Ryazan, since in historical texts of XI-XII centuries they are mentioned as separate entities from Rus’. They can be considered parts of extended Rus’, although their culture was distinct from main Rus’. In 1493 Moscow prince Ivan III appointed himself to be the Great Ruler of All Rus’. No other kings acknowledged that. From that point on Muscovy started to make false claims on Rus’ ownership. “Russia” is an offshoot of Ukraine and not the other way round, despite what Soviet and “Russian” historians have been trying to say for years. Kiev was a developed cultured capital when Moscow was just another swamp village. Germany used to call itself the Holy Roman Empire, that didn’t mean they became the Romans, and all of a sudden had a right to claim whole of Italy and its history, but yet, that’s exactly what “Russia” did in regards to Rus’-Ukraine.

[@breandank3026]

Loving the new animations!

[@Rogue-A.I.]

this is the best history youtube channel!! The one true succesor of the History Channel when it taught actual history.

[@pmbartoli919]

This is because of Yaroslav's daughter Anne's marriage to King Henri I of France that Philippe / Felipe became an important name in the western realms. Their second son was called Philippe, the first one Hugues died before his father, and so Philippe, wearing this name associated to Eastern Orthodoxy, ascended to the throne. Then the powerful dukes of Burgundy had Philippe as an important name, such as Charles Quint's ancestors, and they brought the name to Spain. This is how there has been 6 Philippe and 6 Felipe as kings of France and Spain.

[@muqadaskhan7143]

you should make a video on the Emu war of Australia

[@robbycanton8803]

Just got your SPQR Hoodie! Super psyched. Thanks for all you do

[@KingsandGenerals]

Awesome, thanks for supporting our channel!

[@vane909090]

Your content is getting better n better.

[@Kadbros]

Despite what critics claim, Christianity has its perks.

[@ZiraRisasi]

True

[@slavenskazajednica7912]

Biggest perk of christianity is that you dont get separated with your head when Inquisituin comes and that your customs and history is quickly replaced by christian notaries and their church personell.....

[@grillodofus]

Damn, this guy Yarislav had powerfull balls of pure iron and nerves of steel!

[@cjthegood]

I love the new video quality!

[@raajsp9284]

I really love the way you narrate, always wonder how u could get this good war history information.

[@fathfez7991]

Was it just me or that these recent K&G graphics are very smooth?

[@WindFireAllThatKindOfThing]

"The forced union between Vladimir and a Greek Nun" Seen that movie. Was on 8tube.

[@alexanderfurrows7946]

It’s even weirder when you find you that the Greek nun was formerly married to Vladimir’s brother Yaropolk, and that Svaitopolk was born shortly after Yaropolk died - meaning that his parentage was disputed. Not only was Svaitopolk’s mum a nun, but his potential fathers were half-brothers.

[@NuclearGalaxy]

Outstanding quality

[@4uhDamagecase]

The imagery in these docs is of such great quality.

[@LechuZcechu]

Imagine if Rus was't invaded by the Mongols...

[@noname-ml7lm]

Kinda invaded by Tatars from the Mongol Empire who were not really Mongols. Or you can call them Turco-Mongols.

[@aroma13]

@@noname-ml7lm i think what you mean is that the tatars were pushed by the mongols into kievan lands

[@Brandonhayhew]

@@noname-ml7lm can you tell me the information source

[@noname-ml7lm]

@@alpachino7659 naaah Tatars had a Tatar confederation that were conquered by Genghis they became part of the Empire and expanded more after Genghis established the Mongol Empire. Tatars are from Kypchaks and not Mongol. Centuries before the Gokturks mentioned the Tatars in the Orkhon Inscriptions. Tatars moved to Euro Asian lands with the Mongol Empire

[@tententononce2570]

@@noname-ml7lm Great, another turk claiming another countries' successes

[@2vegetto]

Can you make a series on Lithuania? That would be great to watch.

[@maxmontgomery9434]

First time ive seen an upload this early!

[@banvanhelsing5609]

As a history fan, I enjoy every bit of history videos I find. This channel has a nice ammount of information. Keep it up the great work! :D . Heres a question. Any chance of making a documentary about the Illyrian people, their history when the tribes were formed, Roman invasion, west and east rome the Goths and all the way to the foundation of the states of Bosnia Croatia Serbia? Thanks again for this video :)

[@nomad7843]

I am Kypchak myself want to see about Pechenegs and Kuman (Kypchak, Deshti Kypchak)

[@aldrinjosephparilla5278]

The main lesson of the story: AVOID HAVING MORE THAN 1 SON.

[@Blackwatch8800]

But then that one son chokes on his breakfast and you have no king left.

[@chlopakzpolski]

or avoid greek nuns

[@Remonlore]

but u want all the alliances u can get

[@feartheamish9183]

Gavelkind succession is a helluva drug

[@barbiquearea]

Or have a succession policy similar to the Ottoman sultans, that involves executing all the brothers of the heir apparent upon the death of their father.

[@019KADESH]

Can't wait for the next

[@matthewmann8969]

Well put together

[@nataliapetyk8281]

Thanks a lot for your work on this material. It was very interesting to me as Ukrainian.

[@animeyahallo3887]

The last time I was this early, this joke is still new

[@TheChivalricKnight]

Very nice animations!!!

[@TeyvillDost]

Thank you for making videos on history of Eastern Slavic nations. A couple years ago when you were hiring authors for your new videos, I wanted to offer my assistance as well, and the first thing that came to mind was making exactly this, history of Kievan Rus. Unfortunately, the real life got in the way, but I'll be delighted if you start a new round of looking for authors at some point)

[@vredacted3125]

Rus’ *not to be confused with “Russia”, which derives its name from the Rus’ but historically is a completely different state, which almost all its existence was at war with the Rus’. Just like the Holy Roman Empire was actually Germany, Russia is actually Muscovy, despite their best attempts to convince everybody otherwise. Its name “Russia" received only in 1721, when Peter I passed a decree to change Tsardom of Muscovy’s name into the “Russian” Empire (“Russia” originates from Rosia, name used by the Greek Orthodox Clergy in regards to Kyivan Rus') Under the reign of Cathrine II Muscovites where even pushed for continuing to identify as Muscovites, and where forced to call themselves “Russian”. Lands that “Russia” claims were part of the original Rus’, but actually weren't, are Novgorod, Suzdal, and Ryazan, since in historical texts of XI-XII centuries they are mentioned as separate entities from Rus’. They can be considered parts of extended Rus’, although their culture was distinct from main Rus’. In 1493 Moscow prince Ivan III appointed himself to be the Great Ruler of All Rus’. No other kings acknowledged that. From that point on Muscovy started to make false claims on Rus’ ownership. “Russia” is an offshoot of Ukraine and not the other way round, despite what Soviet and “Russian” historians have been trying to say for years. Kiev was a developed cultured capital when Moscow was just another swamp village. Germany used to call itself the Holy Roman Empire, that didn’t mean they became the Romans, and all of a sudden had a right to claim whole of Italy and its history, but yet, that’s exactly what “Russia” did in regards to Rus’-Ukraine.

[@arghunpride5704]

Nice, Kievan Rus trilogy. 👍 Still waiting videos on your brilliant historical channel about - the Mongols, The Golden Horde, Nogay Horde, Crimean/Kazakh/Kazan/Uzbek Khanates, Khulaguids, Timurids.

[@vredacted3125]

Rus’ *not to be confused with “Russia”, which derives its name from the Rus’ but historically is a completely different state, which almost all its existence was at war with the Rus’. Just like the Holy Roman Empire was actually Germany, Russia is actually Muscovy, despite their best attempts to convince everybody otherwise. Its name “Russia" received only in 1721, when Peter I passed a decree to change Tsardom of Muscovy’s name into the “Russian” Empire (“Russia” originates from Rosia, name used by the Greek Orthodox Clergy in regards to Kyivan Rus') Under the reign of Cathrine II Muscovites where even pushed for continuing to identify as Muscovites, and where forced to call themselves “Russian”. Lands that “Russia” claims were part of the original Rus’, but actually weren't, are Novgorod, Suzdal, and Ryazan, since in historical texts of XI-XII centuries they are mentioned as separate entities from Rus’. They can be considered parts of extended Rus’, although their culture was distinct from main Rus’. In 1493 Moscow prince Ivan III appointed himself to be the Great Ruler of All Rus’. No other kings acknowledged that. From that point on Muscovy started to make false claims on Rus’ ownership. “Russia” is an offshoot of Ukraine and not the other way round, despite what Soviet and “Russian” historians have been trying to say for years. Kiev was a developed cultured capital when Moscow was just another swamp village. Germany used to call itself the Holy Roman Empire, that didn’t mean they became the Romans, and all of a sudden had a right to claim whole of Italy and its history, but yet, that’s exactly what “Russia” did in regards to Rus’-Ukraine.

[@lerneanlion]

And after that episode, would it be a series about the Golden Horde or the episodes about the Golden Horde will also be part of this series as well? Considering that the Duchy of Moscow was nothing but a tributary state to the Khan of the Golden Horde back then after all. And would you a special epsidoe about Oz Beg Khan? He is considered to be the greatest Khan the Mongol and the Tatar peoples ever had.

[@ElBandito]

Yep, the story of the Golden Horde is a lot more interesting.

[@daco9464]

Yes, the Grand Duchy of Moscow was about 200 years "just" a tributary state of the Golden Horde, that raised in this time, becoming very powerful and in the end conquered all the territory of the Horde.

[@lerneanlion]

Well, the time when it was under Iz Beg Khan's rule was definitely an interesting one.

[@ElBandito]

@@lerneanlion As well as the time under Tokhtamysh. And Nogai Khan was straight up badass.

[@daco9464]

@@lerneanlion nobody cares about the golden horde. Russia is the real player.

[@ironwolf2244]

Fascinating video. Would you mind doing a video on the politics and formation of the Norse Kingdoms like Norway and Sweden, or the relationship between the Jomsviking Order and the mainland?

[@hieuphungminh6690]

Beautiful artwork

[@Chikanuk]

First of all - great job. But: 1. Not Halych-Volhynia but Galicia-Volhynia, Галицко-Волынское княжество, Г = G (common mistake). And its become a thing in 1199, Cuz before it was 2 states. 2. Polovtsy was indeed a treat. But in time they become "frenemy", closely related to Russian states. After all - before mongol invasion many russian knyazes was related by blood to cuman khans. And in majority of fights between principalities cumans was on at least one side, sometimes on both. Same about cuman wars. 3. Lestvitsa system\law - Lestvichnoe pravo. And in second half of 12 century its shift to udelnoe pravo. This is *VERY* important and help to understand - why in russian lands was so many states, why they fight so much and why the hell in this time some knyaz rule (for example) Murom, but after 3 years he suddenly become ruler of Chernigov. And he just move peacefuly. For some reason even some decent historians ignore the last one. Its like trying to research HRE and ignore it feudal system completely. Also at this point russian armies shift to cavalry more and more. Again, for some strange reason some people picture russian army as infantry one even in later centuries.

[@michael_crow]

Well, when it comes to the Halych thing, it is not as simple as that. What they did, was basically to take the modern Ukrainian transcription, which is neither wrong, nor exactly correct. I mean in the old russian language (which is politcorrectly called old east slavic today) there was no hard G sound as we have it today in modern russian. This hard G sound is a newer phenomenon that arose a long time after the Kievan state had fallen in the north-eastern Rus/Russia, basically modern central Russia. Since there was no hard G at all and in every position the sound was rather a fricative more akin to modern greek or ukrainian G, it would indeed make sense to use G in the transcription of the old russian, but since they use H for this sound in modern ukrainian transcription, we have what we have. What I am trying to say, is that it is not necessarily a mistake, but rather a possible option.

[@Chikanuk]

@@michael_crow Yes i know, but its far less common option, as far as i can see. And in such videos its always better to use more common version. For same reason i didnt point what acutally "prince" is wrong, right term here "knyaz". But in modern english world they called princes.

[@chingizzhylkybayev8575]

@@michael_crow actually, fricative G of Ukrainian and Belarussian is a comparatively recent phenomenon. Originally, East Slavic had a hard G.

[@vredacted3125]

Rus’ *not to be confused with “Russia”, which derives its name from the Rus’ but historically is a completely different state, which almost all its existence was at war with the Rus’. Just like the Holy Roman Empire was actually Germany, Russia is actually Muscovy, despite their best attempts to convince everybody otherwise. Its name “Russia" received only in 1721, when Peter I passed a decree to change Tsardom of Muscovy’s name into the “Russian” Empire (“Russia” originates from Rosia, name used by the Greek Orthodox Clergy in regards to Kyivan Rus') Under the reign of Cathrine II Muscovites where even pushed for continuing to identify as Muscovites, and where forced to call themselves “Russian”. Lands that “Russia” claims were part of the original Rus’, but actually weren't, are Novgorod, Suzdal, and Ryazan, since in historical texts of XI-XII centuries they are mentioned as separate entities from Rus’. They can be considered parts of extended Rus’, although their culture was distinct from main Rus’. In 1493 Moscow prince Ivan III appointed himself to be the Great Ruler of All Rus’. No other kings acknowledged that. From that point on Muscovy started to make false claims on Rus’ ownership. “Russia” is an offshoot of Ukraine and not the other way round, despite what Soviet and “Russian” historians have been trying to say for years. Kiev was a developed cultured capital when Moscow was just another swamp village. Germany used to call itself the Holy Roman Empire, that didn’t mean they became the Romans, and all of a sudden had a right to claim whole of Italy and its history, but yet, that’s exactly what “Russia” did in regards to Rus’-Ukraine.

[@Chikanuk]

@@vredacted3125 Hohol detected xD

[@firestorm1088]

Golden ages are always where the seeds of decline are planted.

[@emperoremyhriv4968]

@Gary L We are seeing this in the west right now .

[@rezak2]

This is probably one of the best series

[@-RONNIE]

Good video 👍🏻

[@smokeymoe3977]

There is a great russian cartoon named "Knyaz' (Prince) Vladimir"

[@Daniel_Poirot]

Volodymyr. His original name is Ukrainian.

[@unemiryune9322]

Whoa, you really started to skip a lot of events in the end of the video

[@LeoWarrior14]

Impossible to cover everything unfortunately :(

[@idiocrat3744]

@@LeoWarrior14 Possible. They did roman videos lasting hours, when this video is like a trashcan

[@ducksauce9187]

@@idiocrat3744 this is the 4th 20min~ video part in a series of videos. which is 1h and 20 min. The roman video on caesar in gaul for example is also 1h and 20min. so wtf is ur point? and if u think these videos are trash try making ur own better then?

[@idiocrat3744]

@@ducksauce9187 1. I can try, but a single starting animator and a group of professional, multicultural and multilingual workers that FOCUS on education is different 2. There ain't any other series about golden age of Rus

[@denniscleary7580]

Oh yes a very nice present from Kings on my day off 👍

[@jangkarsuci8885]

Came here because of viking valhalla, just watched one episode , thank you, great video

[@moreoflife1945]

Those 17 dislike are the mongol empire...

[@user-po2zt5le5h]

mostly poles

[@abdulmoeedsohail3635]

Last time i was this early, the Mongols hadn’t razed and sacked Baghdad yet 😢

[@Ryan23332]

😢

[@mahwishehtesham9359]

@Ulimi Ulabi where does ctesiphon fit in the destruction of baghdad??

[@AlphaCrucis]

The music in this series is so epic. Feels like I'm going on a grand quest.

[@flexzible3848]

excelent vid, love the animations much better than using total war gameplay

[@kasiasyper9328]

5:03 Seriously? You're just going to ignore Boleslav's involvement in all this? He was the one who lead that defeated the army of Yaroslav in the Battle of the Bug River (which you also omitted completely) and captured and sacked Kiev. Yaropolk was a puppet in Boleslavs hands that gave him a valid reason for the invasion. This is disappointing.

[@JakubW.]

They didn't even bother to look up borders of Kingdom of Poland at that time so why bother? They put Masovians in Prussia.

[@kamilszadkowski8864]

@@themosticonicscenesinmovie8737 He even considered taking the Kievian Rus for himself. He stayed in Kiev for quite a while and even demanded tribute from the Roman (Byzantine) Emperor. Only after he concluded that holding onto Kiev would take years of military effort he deemed it not worth it and simply sacked Kiev and left Svatopolk at Yaroslav's mercy. Complete lack of any of these detail is weird. Kings&Generals usually produce videos that are well researched while this series looks like dumpster fire by comparison.

[@TihonTheDED]

@@kamilszadkowski8864 oh yes, mighty polish even founded Rome! o, kurwa przprzprzprzprzprzprz!

[@kamilszadkowski8864]

@@themosticonicscenesinmovie8737 True. I threw it in more as a curiosity. Some people are trying to interpret the fragments of Chronicle of Thietmar about Boleslav sending envoys to Byzantium as demand for tribute. Not really believable to be honest as Thietmar doesn't mention anything about the tribute only that Boleslav whished to maintain peaceful relations, and threatened that if attacked he will answer in kind.

[@darthwalrus4740]

@@kamilszadkowski8864 Maybe they lack the sources written by the countries involved? I don't know what languages their researchers speak, might be a language barrier. Also I keep seeing you everywhere on these kind of history channels. :D

[@hopeindarktimes9535]

When westrrners mention Russian history it is about Soviets and tzar family. K&G did for the 1st time medieval history of Russia. A long waited! Well done K&G!

[@pavlo737]

there is no connection between RUS and fucking moscovy or in modern days so called russia

[@universemultiverse3699]

@@pavlo737 Rus and Russia. Russkaya pravda as Russian justice. Yeah "no connection" lol

[@daco9464]

@@pavlo737 there is no connection between Ukraine and Rus’, that’s true :) Russians never called their state "Moscovy". It’s just a Polish propaganda term invented at the first part of the 16th century and became popular in the West. But it was used on a par with terms like "Russia". And maybe you are not very educated, but «Russia» is just the Latin name of the Rus’. The greak term of Rus’ is «Rosia». And Russia is called today «Rossiya». The so called Moscovy is the Grand Duchy of Moscow and is just a principality like there were many in the old Rus’. The progenitor of the Grand Duchy of Moscow was the Vladimir-Suzdal principality, officially called the the «Grand Duchy of Vladimir», a very important part of the Rus’.

[@Daniel_Poirot]

@@daco9464 , they did. Even in the 19th century

[@Daniel_Poirot]

@@universemultiverse3699 , why you call your country "Rossia", but your language - "russkiy"? You just transliterated another spelling. You even didn't know that it's called Rus :) In the Russian Empire, nobody could read the Ruthenians chronicles without help of Ukrainians.

[@andrijavasiljevic2545]

thank you guys for every video/ Really/ Ur not making mainstream history videos, You are giving the westerners lesser known history of us Eastern Europeans to them. Thank you guys. If you can, Try to find something about my country Montenegro and Serbia, if u need help, i am here. Trust me. Its very intersting and fun

[@yannickvagenhende393]

Nice animation !