Slavs and Vikings: Medieval Russia and the Origins of the Kievan Rus

[@KingsandGenerals]

We know that we start too many series, but this is the last new one for some time - decided to finish the ongoing ones and then start the new series.

[@anzaca1]

Don't apologise. A new series from you guys is always welcome! I'm especially looking forward to more videos on the Japanese invasion of Korea. Edit: First! (Sorry, I had to.)

[@solomonthefoolish]

I don't know that any of us really minds to be honest. History (like your videos) isn't linear in the development of civilizations. So random videos are just loved in general lol. I particularly love the soundtracks y'all use. Who does the music? Where can I find MORE??

[@KingsandGenerals]

@Nom Nom, thanks! We use envato+epidemicsound.

[@solomonthefoolish]

@@KingsandGenerals thank you! Im going to look into them now :)

[@Τζει-ε5δ]

Wait, Devin has a game. COOL

[@napoleonibonaparte7198]

Slavs: Avoided high ground Kenobi:

[@evvec1490]

still feel "weird" when talking about Slav by Napoleon himself but okay.. I guess

[@bobcell22]

Kiev is literally build on top of the few hills! lol

[@enesakhan4032]

"you were the choosen one" screams intensifies :D

[@Vitalis94]

Don't know that much about Eastern Slavs, but Western ones defenitelly built their settlements on the hills.

[@SMiki55]

@@Vitalis94 hills yes, but we avoided mountains for long time.

[@umiddey8714]

Voiceover: "This video was sponsored by... me!" *Uno reverse card intensifies*

[@HobRarrison]

Yeah, and the game looks really good tbf

[@umiddey8714]

@@HobRarrison It does. God I didn't want any distraction with my sem finals coming up. :\

[@umiddey8714]

@thunderstar86 :(

[@SGT676]

@@umiddey8714 I wish you look

[@unifieddynasty]

"What a twist!" - M. Night Shyamalan

[@daca8395]

Law of hospitality is still upheld in all slavic lands!

[@saiien2]

As a Slav I can confirm it ;)

[@tomislavobrovac9313]

Indeed it is.

[@thedude9024]

Agree! When a guest is in the house, God is in the house.

[@adamfrazer5150]

I've much respect for the people that continue this noble and admirable practice - it's a law that the rest of the world should study and adopt 👍

[@mateuszjokiel2813]

Aye, and let it remain so

[@OfficiallyDevin]

Best sponsor ever, thanks to K&G for helping my little pet project! And, as always, a sensational video! Time to record some more 🎙😲 Stay safe out there folks!

[@Τζει-ε5δ]

Can't believe about this man. Congrats!

[@evvec1490]

honestly the Game Really interesting just by look of it.. just feel "original" or "old school" which is great thing for me looking forward to buy it

[@nerobernardino88]

How to avoid being sponsored by bad companies? Sponsor thyself. If it happens that thyself is a bad company, then boi oh boi

[@saitama4128]

I love u mens))

[@thresh86]

I was wondering who would be the narrator in your game 😆 Godspeed to your game Devin and to the channel, K&G

[@universalpage9591]

The animation in Kings and Generals has improved so much straight 10/10 unbelievable you guys have become the best channel about history by far respect by an old fan

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thank you :-)

[@alansalas1880]

IDK if the best, but it is in the top for sure.

[@roflol100]

@@emperorpalpatine5751 i love them all tbh, history marche, bazz battles, invicta, ww2 with indy naidel... im sure i forgot couple more but they make youtube best place for history fans

[@darrenbutler9819]

@@roflol100 The Armchair Historian also is great

[@Jesse__H]

Historia Civilis is my pick, but K&G is up there.

[@danielgarbin4378]

In Poland they say: Gość w dom, Bóg w dom (a guest at home is god at home).

[@kekeke8988]

Dom? Just like classic Latin domus.

[@dobermorgan]

Гость в дом, бог в дом. Хоть где то с поляками сходство.

[@ondras5241]

Same in Czech! Host do domu, bůh do domu

[@barik3350]

Same in India : Guest is like God.

[@zhidokabra]

Гость в дом, Бог в дом )

[@thehazewatcher9424]

The artwork just keeps getting better

[@vladimirskala]

Law of hospitality reminds me of an old Slovak saying: Host do domu, Boh do domu (Guest in the house, God in the house).

[@dominikbradvica9406]

Its the same as Croatian :"Gost u domu, Bog u domu"

[@Hektor951]

The same in Poland: Gość w dom, Bóg w dom

[@ქართველიშვილი-წ6ჯ]

Here in Georgia 🇬🇪 too, we have saying "Every guest is gift from God".

[@radziwill7193]

This proves that the Western Slavs professed Islam.

[@MrManio1000]

Polish say this as well: Gość w domu, Bóg w domu

[@ДианаВоробец-з2о]

The term "Kievan Rus" appeared only in the 19th century, as a designation of the time period when Kyiv was the capital of the country. So was Ladoga Rus (approximately 859-862), Novgorod Rus (862-882), Vladimir Rus (1243-1389), then Moscow Rus (1389-1547 (or 1478)). It was just Rus'. We don't say "Moscow Russia" or "Petersburg Russia", no, we don't.

[@SCHMALLZZZ]

Ruthenia is what the Latins called it

[@Nataly79797]

Вы правы! Это историк так назвал для наглядности изложения истории

[@GoonGooner]

😂 Вы занимаетесь тем же. Нет никакой Ладожской, Новгородской, Донецкой и тем более Киевской Руси. Почему Киевская Русь? Потому что "Русьская земля" это Среднее Поднепровье. Странно но почему то Нестор не назвал Ладогу - Ладожской Русью. Этот термин чётко на в границах современной территории Украины. Не нравится? Земля пухом!

[@Reichsritter]

​​@@SCHMALLZZZexactly, Russia and Ruthenia are the same thing. One is Greek and one is Latin

[@Capcarap333]

Ładoga was no capital ever, don’t spread legends and Russian propaganda. Rus Ruthenis is now days Ukraine. Rossia stole or Peter 1 adopted Greek name Rossia as to falsely imply that Moscovia is the Slavic Rus and not descendants of Golden Orda.

[@firstconsul7286]

5:20 "They tended to avoid the high ground" [Disappointed Obi-Wan noises]

[@MrAlexkyra]

Hello there

[@henrimourant9855]

Wow that was a very interesting episode.

[@henrimourant9855]

@@musicc5024 Ha ha yeah I should thought of something more creative I was half asleep when I sent it lol.

[@musicc5024]

@@henrimourant9855 nothing to worry about that was kinda nice

[@sholahverassa8582]

​@Русс град Sarmats? Definitely Iranian.

[@pouyagym9168]

Русс град Sarmatian were Iranian. What is your source?

[@danielerusso_1589]

I really appreciate the fact that you represent clothing, religion and old cultures in an historically accurate way. The traditional clothing of the people you represent in your videos is always on point!

[@anubisd613]

"This video is sponsored by... Me" A surprize, to be shore, but a welcoming one

[@aleembaksh1880]

I don't want to be that guy but someone has to do it... *sure

[@shadowrealm8014]

@@Napoleonic_S he a pimp

[@apollo268]

Aleem Baksh and surprise

[@adamcal4257]

@@Napoleonic_S I think they could have done it for free for him :)

[@td9250]

You guys are slaughtering television... keep it up!

[@mejlaification]

that's not that hard though these days, is it? :-)

[@alansalas1880]

@Loredan i stopped watching tv like 10 years ago or something like that.

[@toktok9999]

mejlaification if its not, can u do it?

[@philandeswilliams1975]

Thanks to whoever started this channel and the patreon supporters who helped it grow to this point! Kudos!

[@xhuang101]

2:23 "Enjoying the pleasures of psychoactive herbs and undiluted wines." I wouldn't mind going back in time and partying with them.

[@maxmuller8633]

@Jim lastname I rather not, I don't want to wake up with a knife on my chest and a Rus man looting my room

[@v5in88]

I mean raids are pretty common back then soooooo..... yeah

[@rexmundi3108]

Well...I've partied with bikers (1%rs). I imagine it would be a similar experience: have fun but be verrrry careful of what you say...

[@sholahverassa8582]

Inventing a time machine and goinng back into antiquity only to share some dope with nomadic tribes.. that's pure dedication if I've ever seen one.

[@Voice_of_Rambol]

Make me your Slav king and I will make it so, for the glory of Perun and Veles.

[@hebl47]

The production value of these videos is just insane! Also, great and very interesting topic, thanks.

[@ismailsafavi1611]

The animation is well done and the period is very interesting

[@mohamadmurad4401]

@Muhammad Alghiffary so ???

[@tasinal-hassan8268]

Shia Iranians are somewhat based I think. They enforce the Hijab on both men and women,and keep sexual degeneracy at bay.

[@saminfardin5334]

@Muhammad Alghiffary What does that even have to do with the original comment?

[@friedlemons5201]

I know right? How do they even do these so quickly?

[@Kyan66]

Muhammad Alghiffary Are you the wahabi police or what? Who cares what picture he has?

[@KingofEuropa07]

Can't wait for Olga, sviataslav, and Vladimir

[@KingsandGenerals]

Oh yeah, that is a wild story, we finished the script yesterday.

[@BorisTheBlade08]

@@KingsandGenerals yeeees!!! My bachelor's degree subject was about the political and economic rise of the Kievean Rus in this period and i'm so happy to see an episode about this.

[@williamgill_esq.6487]

Hazard McGee Yes, and all Ukrainians.

[@nimkati5627]

@@williamgill_esq.6487 They would have been surprised to hear they were Ukrainians.

[@williamgill_esq.6487]

Nim Kati The people of the Kievan Rus lands were predecessors and ancestors of Ukrainians. That is a fact.

[@thebasileus4793]

I'm trying to make a fantasy novel in a world based off of medieval eastern Europe and this video was very helpful to help me learn the history of the land, thank you.

[@Parkunas]

As a russian slavian who learn english and a huge fan of fantasy medieval stories I would love to read your novel so I could also practice my english reading skills, you can send me your work when its finished or even a part of it. I and my slavic bros who also learn english would be grateful for your work

[@Erix442]

Wow, it's cool. I would like to see your novel. Is it a book, comics, or game? What is it?

[@neonpirych1566]

Let’s go man!

[@Smashman012]

inspired by the witcher ?

[@Parkunas]

@@عليياسر-ذ5ب it's Odin the Wanderer when he traveled the world of mortals and actually Loki is not his nephew. There are two most wide spread versions: 1)Odin adopted Loki after he killed his Jotun father; 2)Loki was a dark counterpart for Odin who was destined to be his main enemy.

[@aegystierone8505]

Never knew how much the Scandinavians have such firm influence on European history.

[@GeneralBlackNorway]

Also people tend to be taught that the Greeks invented democracy and the Romans brought it to the world. However, the British isles did not receive it's democratic roots from roman settlers who by that time were an empire. Scandinavians generally lived by the law that was decided by the thing, a collective gathering of the local peoples. Power came from bottom up, and it was later with influence from feudal societies in the south that vikings brought concentrated power invested in kings back to the north. Scandinavian settlers brought their tradition of public gatherings to the British which would eventually evolve into parliamentarism.

[@zizouace4890]

@@GeneralBlackNorway public or tribal gatherings was in almost all independent tribes in the whole world. this is not a special invention of anyone. all independent tribes who ruled a village had such a governmental system.

[@Pentagathusosaurus]

@@GeneralBlackNorway iirc Saxons had something like a precursor to parliament before the Danes had any major influence in England, but then our societies weren't so very different. I know the popular myth among liberals during the late middle ages and renaissance era was that we had ancient Saxon liberties before the Normans conquered us but of course popular myth are often not accurate.

[@algo8082]

That's because they never had such influence:) No one scandinavian saga mentions "great conquests" of vikings in eastern Europe. First contacts of scandinavians with Rus principalities according to sagas had happend after Vladimir the Great (end of 10th century), when some norsemen were hired by princes as a mercenaries. Earlier contacts are just pan-germanic fairy tales written in the last two centuries. As a proof, there are very tiny genetic traces of scandinavians in russian population including nobility in comparison with England and north-western Europe.

[@VikingsRBloodyAwsome]

@@algo8082 the archaeological evidence of Scandinavian presence is vast in Eastern Europe. The sagas you mention were written by Icelandic monks hundreds of years after the actual events, the fact that they focus less on Eastern Europe is logical. And they do mention, mainly Swedish, influence in the East. But the influence wasn't as clear as it was in the west since the Swedes were not as christianized as their Danish contemporaries which means that the power wasn't segmented in the same way; it was more focus on controlling people(local leaders) rather than the land itself.

[@jojoslasthamon5120]

There was a slight mistake in your story concerning Oleg’s conquest of Kiev I would like to point out. The story went like this: Rurik had a son named Igor, but he was but a boy at the time, with Oleg being his regent all this time. When Oleg went to Kiev, he brought Igor with him. Deciding to take the city by cunning, he pretended to be a merchant and invited Askold and Dir to the shore. He showed them Igor and declared that that was the true prince. His warriors came out of hiding and slaughtered the princes and their guards. Other than this, it is an excellent work!

[@yao199]

it's Kyiv though

[@jojoslasthamon5120]

yao199 In ukranian, yes. But I am not a ukranian

[@yao199]

@@jojoslasthamon5120 Exactly my point. How the hell is it supposed to transliterate then if not from ukrainian

[@jojoslasthamon5120]

yao199 Who says anything about transliteration? In german their country is Deutschland. No one apart from them calls them like that.

[@dmytropuzhay6532]

@@OCTAVIANVS_AVGVSTVS_CAESAR It's not enough for you to poison people all over the world with Novichok, so you try to poison them with russian pseudohistorical propaganda, or you are just not educated and don't know that originally it was written as Кыѥвъ - much closer to Kyiv that russian neologism.

[@Numba003]

Well, this Slavic history series is inspiring me to subscribe at long last. Thank you for the very fascinating video series! Stay well out there everybody, and God bless you friends! :)

[@tomurg]

Everyone knows that prince Oleg invaded Scandinavia together with Ivar the Boneless 😂😂😂

[@ქართველიშვილი-წ6ჯ]

And Kievan Rus wearing like Mongols 😂😂😂

[@Byracrazir]

@@fedorevdokimenko3978 I am from the Balkans, and I don't look like an Arab. Nor does anyone I know.

[@cmox1830]

Byracrazir he was talking about the actors that played the rus warriors in the vikings tv show looked arab and wore mongol clothing, which is totally inaccurate

[@Byracrazir]

@@cmox1830 Which part of my reply gave rise to the idea I didn't understand what he said?

[@levsharus5899]

Exactly! Lol

[@ianirungu3659]

This is the beginning of one hell of a journey!

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thank you!

[@cjthegood]

And I am willing to go all the way 👍

[@Wharbuckz7]

Im 7% Southern, Central Slavic. Great video.

[@marekhavrlik9851]

As a university student of history I have to admit, that it was really nice episode. For 15 min. you summarised it very well.

[@marekhavrlik9851]

@@PraiseworthyNobleman Well, I would like to know that too

[@batchestheeverskink293]

Interesting to note is that the modern Finnish word for Russia and its people seems based on the description of Tacitus, citing the name Venedi- the country is called Venäjä, while the people are called Venäläiset.

[@noahdeist7434]

Venäläiset.

[@batchestheeverskink293]

@@noahdeist7434 Thanks for the correction.

[@eksiarvamus]

Same for the Estonian name _vene_ .

[@YummYakitori]

And the Finnish word for Sweden is Ruotsi

[@avatarion]

Wends were the original Slavs.

[@matiasmattera6650]

As a reenactor of medieval history, I must say that the quality of the summary about the people I interpret is of excellent quality. I will share this video with all my acquaintances and I look forward to the rest! Very good work.

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thanks!

[@MLaserHistory]

Interesting ... it seems like K&G decided to go with the Venetic theory for early Slavic history. I am not saying it's wrong ... it's just interesting.

[@KingsandGenerals]

From what I have read, it was the mainstream, but I am open to being dissuaded. :-)

[@ShadowSumac]

There is not much going to other theories, sadly.

[@sljemic]

@@KingsandGenerals M. Laser History did an analysis on the Venetic-Slav connection a while back. Would recommend to anyone interested.

[@ivayloyurukov6202]

I was also surprised, but the more you search, the more you find this to be most "universally" accepted theory.

[@MLaserHistory]

@@ivayloyurukov6202 By sheer volume of work that is true but actually most 21st century books on the topic are starting to question the validity of the theory. In the end there's just not enough evidence to really prove the theory true or wrong as stated in my video but some very good facts have been presented against it recently.

[@NYCfrankie]

This was interesting one of the areas of history I don't know alot about ive read ibn fadlans account of the Rus but never knew much else i found this episode amazing

[@oscardelafuente8649]

My good sir , which edition of ibn's book did you read?

[@Ahris22]

I remember this specific bit of history being suppressed by Russia/Soviet union for a long time for political reasons as they didn't want to associate their origin or name with scandinavia, their disputes could be why it's hardly ever mentioned. While it's been many years since i last heard about it, I think they still dispute it to this day. :)

[@NYCfrankie]

@@oscardelafuente8649 audiobook the penguin classics

[@NYCfrankie]

@@dairyskeptic7428 funny I've actually been trying to find a link to that online I want 2 c it

[@Lelik_208]

@@Ahris22 in fact, the dispute about the origin of the Varangians has been going on since the beginning of the 18th century. "Russian" historians argued about this with the authors of this hypothesis - invited German historians. The Soviet Union followed the Scandinavian theory.

[@MotherLand17]

Rurik had left a son when he died. Oleg took care of the son and gave him the throne.

[@JohnnyMaczeta]

Wait a second so all Slavs are originating from the area around Vistula river ? I live in the heart of Slavistan !

[@noahdeist7434]

Yes, that's the mostly accepted theory among historians that is supported by archeological findings. Modern Eastern Poland and Western Belarus.

[@noahdeist7434]

And before that the Slavs passed through the Steppes region. And before that we all originated from Africa.

[@vaevictis2789]

No, Vistula region isn't a homeland of slavs. Dniepr and Polesie are

[@WitcherDAD]

@@vaevictis2789 all depends of sources which you are using .

[@vaevictis2789]

@@WitcherDADnah, its just modern archeology, nothing more

[@milovantolic8821]

This episode come at perfect moment as I just participated continuation of those fine Scythian traditions. Much love for K&G. Greetings from South Slav.

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thanks for watching

[@arunarya8131]

Your country ?state? or oblast?

[@milovantolic8821]

@@arunarya8131 Serbia Oblast : Šumadija(Шумадија) Шумадија means something like Woodland.

[@kyrgyzsanjar]

I just can't get enough of this channel. EVERYTHING you guys do is just pure gold!

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thank you :-)

[@theconquerorspodcast3290]

Every K&G listener: K&G won't have a new series this week! K&G: Challenge accepted...

[@giannisg3387]

The artwork is getting better by the episode, keep up the good work! Also, best of luck with your game Devin!

[@moisesjimenez4391]

I didn’t even know about the origins of the Russians until I decided to do a report on Russia about a year ago and I’m glad to finally see a KZbin historian cover it.

[@Anwwoo]

Now, I see how vikings and slavic peoples met. Slava!

[@emermage]

Ukraini

[@aokiaoki4238]

They didn't, Slavs created from Vikings

[@SonoftheSteppes]

@@aokiaoki4238 Slavs don't come from Vikings,but Scythians.

[@davidkhrystenko]

@@aokiaoki4238 The Varangians had a large impact on the formation of the Kievan Rus, but still the Slavs and the Scandinavians were two distinct people groups. You can't say one came from the other. Also, Vikings weren't a nationality, more of a job.

[@davidkhrystenko]

@@SonoftheSteppes Actually they didn't, while both Slavs and Scythians lived on the territory of what is modern day Ukraine, the Scythians were Asiatic tribes. The Slavs, specifically the Eastern Slavs, came from the Antes and Sclaveni people.

[@johndoe-qj2kt]

They say the vikings called our land "Gardarika" which means land of cities/towns/settlements. Thx for the video

[@beninwarrior4579]

@@FuckGoogle2 The trading post in their land were in the major cities/towns/settlements along the major rivers.

[@sirseigan]

Gardr means "enclosure". It both come to mean the enclosing of a homstead (gård, compare to English yard) and later synonym to the homestead it self, as well as a enclosed space containing cattle (gärde). It could be just a fence but it could also be a fortification. It do not need to mean a city or town, it is the enclosure that determine if it is a gardr or not. Riki means realm and is part of a political landscape that goes from aett (kinship) through byggd (local settled area) and herad (local district), land (land/state) up to tjod (people/tribe/nation equal to Latin -iones) and then you have allies to that "nation". Sweden for example was called Svitjod (the Svi-people). However the Rikki was all the subjects to a king of a tjod, but they did not need to be part of that said tjod. It also included peoples that more or less voluntarily swore fealty to the king, pay tribute and put up men in wartime. The Swedish word for Sweden, Sverige, originates from the work Sviariki, the realm of the Svi . The next step out was the valdi that included, beside the riki, areas that was controlled and subjugated by violence and that was regularly "taxed by fire" (yes that was a term) by the warriors of the riki, in a kind grand protection racket kind of scheme. If someone unfortunately was considered ti be part of two different valdi then they had to pay up twice or be burned down. This happened to Gotland and then therefor chose to go into confederation with the Swedes to get protection from the Danes, hence transitioned from being part of the "valdi" to become part of the "riki". Gardariki might therefore mean the "enclosed realm", "fenced off realm" or "realm of enclosures". However a closely related word that is very similar is rikr, meaning rich. That might give the meaning the "rich enclosures" or the land "rich in enclosures/fences" (as in having many of them).

[@vesy19791979]

Rather, it was meant-not the "land of cities", but the "land of fences" (posts, protective fences, villages).

[@johndoe-qj2kt]

@@vesy19791979 u guys r getting way to technical here.... What do u usually build a fence or fortification around? answers is :some sort off settlement. Judging by ur name u also speak Russian and u should know that translating word to word doesnt always make sense. Try to translate some off the Russian swear words word to word into English or most of other languages and u will realize that its not the best way of doing it.

[@vesy19791979]

@@johndoe-qj2kt It is possible to agree with the settlements. Because the first cities (in the full sense of the term) were formed in Russia under the rule of the Scandinavian elite on the trade route to the Dnieper River: Novgorod (Holmgarder), Kiev (Kienugarder), Ladoga (Aldegyuborg), Polotsk (Polteskya), Smolensk (Smoleskya), Suzdal (Surdalar), Murom (Moramar), Rostov (Rostofa).

[@crtuneman]

Thanks for this video. I've been trying to find some good books on early Russian history and it's not easy. Most of the books out there focus on the Tsarist period. Everybody wants to read about Rasputin, but no one wants to read about the Rus. I'm trying to get into early Russia. This was really good.

[@hansmeier5536]

i tried to do the same on early Czech /Polish history, it seems like there are things that are known by some but will not get published as hey do not fit the official picture these countries have created about themselves. I own an old Czech history book from the 19th century, where the origin is described as north of the black sea, Scythian country. In later books the origin moves further up north and west as if the historians tried to create a more west European image??

[@slouberiee]

@@hansmeier5536 The old 19th century book was most probably written by a german/austrian writer, so I think there could be a skewed view as well. It always depends on the writer and her/his background. You must take it into account while reading it. What about "A History of the Czech Lands" by Oldřich Tůma? It was created by bunch of history sciencists from the Academy of Science so it should be a solid work.

[@ilyachernishov8963]

Tartarian Rus

[@UhtredOfBamburgh]

Try reading "A History of Ukraine: The Land and its Peoples" by Magocsi... There is a reason that Russian history starts very late in the tsarist period - its because Muscovites didn't take over the Kyivans until the tsarist period. Russians (not to be confused with Rus') were disorganized eastern tribes that didnt have any power until after the Mongols slaughtered Kyiv... It is a myth that Ukraine is a younger nation than Russia. Russian imperialist history teaches this myth and truth and purposely puts everything backwards and convoluted to make it all work. The rewriting of history in this region is itself part of the history.

[@UhtredOfBamburgh]

@@ЕкатеринаИгуральникова When was Kyiv founded? When was Moskva founded? ...what did you learn from this thought experiment?

[@MordimersChessChannel]

Awesome material, thanks for sharing. There were also a lot of raids from Slavs to Vikings cities before 10th century. Slavs plundered and burned the biggest Jutland cities. Interesting is also the mistery of city of Vineta and what happened to it. But all of these is more about Western Slavs. Also first historically recorded rulers of Poland had Varangian armies of couple of thousand Viking warriors - similar to ones in Constantinople. As we know a lot about the Byzantine-Viking relationship we don't really know much about the ones I mentioned.

[@radziwill7193]

Novgorod pirates, Ushkuyniks, even in the 12th century destroyed the Swedish capital Sigtuna.

[@Vitalis94]

Danes were supposedly afraid of the Rugians, and as soon they saw their black sails, they begun their prayers. At some point southern Denmark was so depopulated, they had to bring more settlers in. Many of them Slavic, Lolland and Fyn islands had a sizeble Slavic minority, there are some Slavic sounding placenames to this day.

[@Vitalis94]

@@radziwill7193 Man, Sigtuna was destroyed so many times... Osselians did it too, supposedly.

[@radziwill7193]

@@Vitalis94 It is unlikely that there were Ossetians. This people is isolated in the mountains. If there is evidence, please show. Ushkuyniks made the first ruin of the city, after which he lost the status of the capital.

[@Kain81023]

The ”slavs” raiding in scandinavia was the Jomsvikings from Jomsborg. Google it, they were scandinavian elite vikings that you could hire. Settled in nort Poland, very close to denmark and sweden. Which means it was vikings attacking other vikings, anything else is wishful thinking on your part. Also the ”ushkuyniks” were viking descendants. And there were no balt or slav vikings other than the ones from scandinavia. This is cope because you want to feel part of the viking heritage.

[@dunsdonjone1537]

"this vid was sponsored.... BY ME" Omg!!! :o **surprised pikachu face**

[@Sandra.Molchanova]

Good summary, carefully balanced over numerous questions surrounding this topic. Well done!

[@napoleonibonaparte7198]

Slavs: kicks out the Norsemen Also Slavs after some time: Uno Reverse Card

[@stevenleslie8557]

Not the first time in history when a ruling class was invited back to reign. King Charles II of Britain comes to mind.

[@alansalas1880]

@@stevenleslie8557 México had a Habsburg as a king.

[@milovantolic8821]

@GoodGirlKate And what is to learn... ;)

[@lyonvensa]

Slavs: Go away you Norsemen! (Norsemen leaves) Slavs: Wait no

[@mk-pp3rw]

Slav prefer with Vikings than Mongols that's why Russian kick the Mongols out for a long time

[@Crizakafrijolito]

I LOVED the sponsor for this videos. Best of luck!

[@minainmunda875]

You guys are my favorite history channel

[@channelbelongtous]

Thanks KnG, the art is great for this episode! Fun fact: the most detailed description of a Viking burial rutial was made by an Arab diplomat who met band of Viking mercenaries in Volga Bulgaria, whilve visiting his fellow Muslims far up North in modern day Russia. If this sounds too much like the movie 13th Warrior, that' because it's exactly what it inspired the book behind the script.

[@anzaca1]

4:30 Amazing animation!

[@tyskbulle]

Ive met many eastern-Slavs who reject this story of events. Although I find it highly compelling. It is likely the vikings had the same impact east as west. As a modern Scandinavian, its a great story that connects the two regions and its peoples. And ironically in typical Norse tradition, they would help create new rivals for their descendants. Even give them their name. In Finnish: "Ruotsi" means Sweden. A variation of an old Norse word "Ro" "to row" or just "row". In northern Sami: "Ruotta" means Sweden and "Ruossa" Russia. In Swedish: "Ryss" means Russian. Borrowed back from the east. It is a new variation of the old Norse word to describe the rowing Varangians. As Russia ended the Swedish Empire, they are still considered to be our rivals. A combination of two words to form "Ryssjävlar" is still popular, meaning Russian-devils. Essentially Rowing-devils! Which would be... Vikings cursing Vikings?... Ha!...

[@tyskbulle]

@bhf fytxrbyf That is because "djävlar" is a different word. With its own origin.

[@dronmusicsound]

Actually this is the most accurate story of events. Slavic + Varangian Princes = Russian people known nowadays

[@dronmusicsound]

Also Rus or Russia had an alternative name given by varangians such as “Gardarika”, which means land of towns

[@tyskbulle]

@@dronmusicsound In modern Swedish, gård means farm/home/homestead and rik means rich/rich of/many of. "Land of Gårdar-rika" equivalents to something like: "Land of many homes/Land of richly homes/Land richly in homes". Rike/Rige/Riki as in German Reich means realm or kingdom. If they ever used a word like Gardar-riki or Gardar-rige they would mean Farmland-Realm. A fitting word for the rich soil of Kiev. But that is speculation.

[@Andrei-ev7du]

@@dronmusicsoundRus=malorussians/ukrainians,russians and belarussians

[@PLAY-jw5su]

An interesting fact for my foreign friends: Novgorod (the first Rurik's capital) may be translated as Newtown because "novy" is new, "gorod" is а town on Russian. I'm from this now not a big town: )

[@milovantolic8821]

Yea. Probably in every Slavic language word for ''a town'' and ''new'' are similar as we say ''grad'' and ''novi''. Greetings from south Slav. a few trivia: Our main city in such literally translation is called ''White city'' and its not the only one called that way. And word ''grad'(city/town)' probably comes from word ''graditi'' which means ''to build'.' After all it was a New City. Built to grow. This episode come at perfect moment as I just participated continuation of those fine Scythian traditions.

[@sodinc]

@@milovantolic8821 we have Белгород in south-west RF

[@yllbardh]

Nygård

[@PLAY-jw5su]

@@milovantolic8821, your verb "graditi"(to build) is very similar to our verb " gradit' "that translated as to build a wall or a fence for proctecting around. There are so many common words in Slavic languages! Unfortunately, the Russians has less similar vocabulary with another one's. P.S. Verb " stroit' " means "to build" on Russian.

[@exter9384]

@@PLAY-jw5su Yes, I think that's because we later borrowed a lot of words from the French and Germans. That's also the reason why it's easier for a Russian to understand other Slavic languages than for other Slavs to understand Russian.

[@daneaxe6465]

Interesting. There was a Viking named Rurik/Rorik that had his headquarters at Dorestad in modern day Netherlands. Time was the mid-800's.

[@MemoryOfTheAncestors]

In fact, many modern Russian historians are inclined to believe that Rorik of Dorestad and Rurik from Novgorod is the same person, just different periods of his life. When Rorik disappears from the Western chronicles, he appears in Russian chronicles. Given that he could not find a place in Jutland in any way (he had very ardent or I would even say very "conquering" temper , he was just cramped), he fought with everyone around him, including the Danes, all subsequent events became very logical. In addition, an obvious confirmation of this version is the close correspondence of the archaeological layers of the Jutland town of Ribe and Russian Ladoga (the first capital of Rurik near Novgorod).

[@alexiossauromates7017]

they also found danish and friesian pottery in old ladoga rus first capital

[@chlopakzpolski]

@@MemoryOfTheAncestors Ivan the Terrible, the last crowned descedant of Rurik, annihilated what his ancestor had built - The great city of Novogrod. Terrible irony of history.

[@chlopakzpolski]

@@OCTAVIANVS_AVGVSTVS_CAESAR Great city of Novogrod, almost equal rival city of Moscow, became provincial town after ivan's expedetition. There had not been any riot in the city. It was rumour spread by Ivan;s subbordinates who wanted money, money from Novogrod ppl. Deporting Novogrod citizens without food during winter time (jan-feb 1570) still sounds terrible...

[@avatarion]

There is some DNA evidence that supports the Roslagen, Sweden theory. Rurikid descendants belonged to a specific line of haplogroup that is found in Sweden and neighboring regions.

[@gnot_paul]

Holy cow, the animations are on a whole new level.

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thank you!

[@ezra5788]

Russia is like a Phoenix. It rises slowly until it is extremely powerful and then everything crashes, loses its power and then back to scratch. This has happened A LOT in Russia's history.

[@РусланПерунзаНас]

Russia didn't even exist before 1721, Petr I himself was the last Tsar of Moscow Tsarst

[@nrirtt9226]

Wow that was realy interesting episode. Keep the good work. Also I will be very happy to see more videos about Bulgaria 😁

[@KingsandGenerals]

More on the way!

[@SonoftheSteppes]

@@KingsandGenerals I agree with them, you need to make sure that the Bulgarian monks,who christianized Russia,are mentioned.

[@Richard_is_cool]

Please, more East European history!

[@lucydrop9674]

Yes PLEASE THERE REALLY ISNT ENOUGH OF IT ON KZbin

[@donwarren3253]

When you play as the Sturgians in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord

[@alirezafalamarzi7062]

Don Warren Oh man seriously? It got spoiled for me now :(

[@oguzhangorgun6918]

Yes they are literally kievan rus'

[@rotciv1492]

"You thought it would be sponsored by Shadow Legends... BUT IT WAS ME, DI.... I mean... DEVIN!!!"

[@natalassblaster]

this video has super good production value and looks great! I love the style of the artwork, keep up the good work!

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thank you! Will do!

[@Blalack77]

I could watch these until my eyes fall out. I never understood why people didn't like history in school. It was always my favorite topic. I know you're made to remember a lot of facts and stuff but aside from that, it's basically just listening to stories - I mean, I've always had ADHD and it was a lot worse back then, but I could still manage to pay attention for the most part. I always felt like history class was almost like a break time from all the other stuff.

[@kolawaleojomo6817]

King's and Generals, I love your work. It's very entertaining and educative. I'm from West Africa, a Yoruba man to be exact, and while I do enjoy learning about European warfare and history, it would be great to get something on West African cultures before the arrival of the Europeans. And there ARE records. The fact that a story isn't written down doesn't make it untrue. Take for example the Yoruba-Fulani wars whose results still affect our geopolitics to this day. You could tell the stories of how the Benin rose from the shadow of Yoruba domination and even of how the Oyo empire spread with the use of horses gotten from the Arabs. Please 😁😁🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 thank you. Great video by the way

[@Vitalis94]

Defenitelly! We sure need more African history!

[@steyn1775]

@@Vitalis94 yeah, I rarely hear anything about African history I saw a video about Africans mythology creatures, and i have never heard of them before

[@luisemiliogonzalezberbel2520]

There are some vids on Mali from Extra History for example. Do you have any sources for what you said? Sounds interesting, might give it a look

[@thomasbrown3867]

Ahh yea. I've been trying to see if they could eventually cover the Mahdist war or the Roman Nubian war(or anything from ancient/medieval West/east Africa). I know they'll definitely get to African topics eventually, just a matter of soon. When they do though I know it's going to be awesome.

[@thomasbrown3867]

@manuel hernandez Honestly I feel like there are thousands of videos that discuss the Zulus. I'd really like to cover something from East/west Africa initially beforehand. Tho they are interesting

[@aleckazamproductions8139]

I searched something on KZbin and was hoping this channel would pop up. I was not disappointed.

[@robertmiller9735]

Are there cultures without strong traditions of hospitality? Except for Sentinel Island, of course.

[@Justlookingg]

😆

[@devvv4616]

probably alot of the surviving 'primitive' tribes in the jungles? they wouldn't have preserved their culture and kept to their own for thousands if they were hospitable to potential conquerors lol

[@AS-ug2vq]

@@devvv4616 Read about them, before British kidnapped their people - they were good with guests and even exchanged and offered gifts to visitors.

[@nvanguy6868]

English and west europeans and amerricans

[@robertmiller9735]

@@nvanguy6868That the right wing (i.e. fascists) politicized refugees for their gain doesn't mean the societies as a whole have anti-hospitality traditions.

[@joepvanderven4882]

I think this is your most beautifully animated episode so far. How far this channel has come since its early days rome total war clips. Cheers to your team of animators! Keep up the great work

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thank you, good sir!

[@alisa6623]

благодаря вашим видео сдала ЕГЭ по истории на 90 баллов

[@williamradke4290]

I'm looking forward to this series, since like a lot of people I don't know much about ancient Russian history so this will be fascinating to watch.

[@KingsandGenerals]

More on the way!

[@РусланПерунзаНас]

Rusyn and Russian are different terms. Rus' is History of Ukraine

[@greenemperor3022]

Great video. Love to see a video on Kievan Rus. Don't see too many good videos on it. Can't wait till you guys talk about the Novogord Republic 🙂

[@Nataly79797]

Нет в истории Киевской Руси

[@Yagod19]

What a fascinating episode on Slavic history!!! Please do more on early Slavic history & expansion into central and southern Europe!

[@georgeteodorescu-n6e]

Muskowia is NOT a Slavic land at all, but a Mongolian & Ugrofinic one ! The Muskals are NOT slavs, but a Turanic : Ugro-finic one mixed 400 years with Turanic Mongols and Turanic Khazars ! Muskal language is the best example of this Turanic mix of populations!

[@ethanschenck9714]

6:32 I don't know about other Slavs, but that sentiment is still strong in Poland. My family and I visited three families whose kids went on exchange in my school district (my mom's the country contact for our area), and they all treated us like kings and even wanted to pay for our groceries for traveling to the next family. They have a saying that translates to "To host a guest is to host God"

[@ondras5241]

Same in Czech Republic. It's basically impossible to go to visit someone without getting million food and stuff

[@locybapsi174]

Same in Serbia

[@karmen1392]

Same in Croatia

[@whatintarnationisthis7863]

This was a really good video! I lived the art and the narration. This is a history I am really interested in, so once your finished doing other series I’d love to see this one.

[@KingsandGenerals]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ahumpierrogue137]

Woah, the visuals of this episode are incredible!

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thank you very much!

[@ShieldThatGuardsTheRealmOfMen]

Thank you so much for finally touching on rich and mysterious history of Slavic people! :)

[@Imperiusism]

I still wait for early history of south slavs

[@PhilipposACosta]

The animations were amazing! Keep up the good work!

[@MarkPelleyTheSnakeHunter]

Great video. Excellent and very informative. Love the narrator. Keep up with these great venues I can't wait for every time one of these kings and Generals videos show up on my KZbin feed

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thank you very much!

[@philtkaswahl2124]

Devin has seized the sponsorship! That was an unexpected assault.

[@dronmusicsound]

Very detailed and quite accurate to the Nestor chronical source’s. Thanks from Russia! Also impressive animation. I appreciate that the imagery is close to the originals such as clothing, landscape, and many details nailed. Good job.

[@victorg2700]

Kievan Rus - created 8-9 century(Ukraine) vs Muscovy union(Russia) was created in 12 century as a Slav and Mongol tatars mix - don't confuse it since then the battle continues until today

[@НесторПетровичСеверов-ь3з]

@@victorg2700 ohh you’re probably Ukrainian right? I like the way you trying to rewrite the history but it seems like no one agrees with you or your Ukraine. The whole world knows the truth. Novgorod was a Russian city and it was the first capital if you didn’t know, also Knyaz came from Novgorod not Kiev. It’s funny that only Ukrainians are the ones who disagrees with the facts. You have nothing, no history, no music, no poets… not even your own soil so thank Russians for allowing you to live on Russian territory. Your people never spilled blood for Crimea or other cities everything you have has been given to you and other Ukrainians for free. So I suggest you to go …. yourself!

[@billyjean3118]

@@victorg2700 russians always had issues understanding that lands around them are not theirs to grab, ruthless pathetic colonizers

[@zyracxes9333]

@@victorg2700 The idea of Ukraine don't exist at the time, the same is the chase of Russia and Belarus. All the vikings created was the Union of most Eastern Slavs under one rule. Don't confuse the medieval structures with the current states which are not the same. If we are going by this, Russia prove to be the continuity after the fall of Kievan Rus, as Muscovy was ruled by the same dynasty that ruled before in Kiev till the death of Ivan the Terrible and of his last son. When Ukraine start to see the day as a spark is most likely started with the Cossacks movements.

[@Varedyan]

​@@victorg2700 Mongol tatars in 12 centuries says everything about your knowledge level.

[@kamskykimann1925]

K&G videos are always informative and fairly presented, more power guys. 🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

[@TheHaNyGa]

WUUUUuUUUUUUuUT??????? Oleg was a regent under Rurick's son - Igor. Why u didn't mentioned this? This is the essence of Kiev Rus history, starting point. He tricked Askold and Dir, saying that he is regular merchant. Then, in front of Ask and Dir he showed a young prince Igor and said: "Азъ єсм Ольгъ кназь . А сє єсть Рюриков Игорь кнажичь" ( I am Oleg the Knyaz(slav version of king) and this is Rurick's Igor the Knyazhich (prince)) He was Rurick's right-hand man

[@kealunleday3948]

Right it was thru olga and svatoslav they came into true power

[@TheHaNyGa]

@پیاده نظام خان Yes. I'm from Kyiv and i know history of my OWN land. This video have alot of misconceptions

[@TheHaNyGa]

@پیاده نظام خان Yes, it does. I quoted text from Nestor's manuscripts which are only one historical record we have about that times. And it's totally debunked that they said at this video. My dad worked as historian at historical museum at Andriivskiy Descent in Kyiv, and you better analyze origin source

[@TheHaNyGa]

@پیاده نظام خان So show me proof I quoted historical record of medieval historian Nestor and where is your data and other histiorian records? Show them or shut up

[@TheHaNyGa]

@پیاده نظام خان И какого хрена они в одном месте придерживаются версии Нестора, а в другой момент полностью ей противоречат? Оо

[@magnajota4341]

I love the art-style, you guys are improving every video

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thank you!

[@antoinemonks4187]

Great video guys; and congrats to OfficiallyDevin. Also: 5:16 'You underestimate my power!'

[@jquick8214]

*declares war in godless tactics* “And that made war inevitable”

[@enderw.1724]

“They tended to avoid the high ground” Obi wan: Shame!

[@thomasbmakaduc]

Guys your animations are awesome ! Thank you for covering this period, such an interesting one.

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thanks for watching!

[@MarkoFTW]

Laws of Hospitality are, even today, one of the most sacred to Slavs, at least to Serbs. (edited for grammar)

[@hesusinoverwatch2087]

Same in Poland bracie.

[@khal7702]

Same in Poland, guests are very welcome n there always is food n vodka is someone stops by.

[@sabcia91]

Kosovo jest Serbia!

[@ironczar8975]

How does this work though? Do you invite complete strangers to your home or is it more for people who you are familiar with?

[@khal7702]

@@ironczar8975 let's say you connecting Internet in a Slavic house, u will be offered food n drink (usually vodka or beer)

[@drpretzel2086]

I’ll give the game a look as my current library of Strategy games is growing thin

[@eldarius237]

Applauds to your narrative, animation and presentation, enjoyed it alot. Wow I didn't know Rurik's first capital was Novgorod. I gotta visit it one day.

[@eldarius237]

I actually visited Novgorod a couple weeks ago. Well, I felt it was kinda boring for such an important historical town. I liked the Kremlin, the churches and the river Volkhov landscape but that's about it. Well one needs to realize that most of the old Rus buildings were wooden and thus burnt down centuries ago.

[@patrykkowalik1156]

@@eldarius237 Thanks for the update. Have you tried any good local food or visited any museums?

[@eldarius237]

@@patrykkowalik1156 I had a tour around many ancient churches, including an active monastery and the Sofia Cathedral. I got to lay my eyes on some frescos and fragments of walls many hundred years old. Most of the buildings were rebuilt at some point in history, of course. I didn't get to try the "gray shchi" and some other local cuisines for the lack of Timex unfortunately. But the food was good overall, I especially enjoyed the local Sbiten (mild alcoholic drink with honey and herbs). Another good thing was a small water trip on the Volkhov river. The views were really good. What slightly disappointed me was the shabbiness of many structures of the town (away from the places of interest), I mean, I saw many old walls and rusty metal fences. I guess, it's better to stick to the sightseeing if you visit Novgorod rather than walk the town streets.

[@patrykkowalik1156]

@@eldarius237 That's great. I guess you tried many types of dumplings which is a staple there. I heard about gluhwein but never tried sbiten. Will give it a shot when I can finally travel there. Hopefully the unrest and problems related to war will cease next year. I'm studying Russian at the moment so it will be good to talk to the locals. Volkhov river looks like a scene from The Witcher - nice sights! As for the rusty fences etc I grew up in a city like that to some degree so it's nothing too shocking for me. Speaking about churches and frescoes you should visit Chapel of the Holy Trinity at Lublin Castle. It is known for its fifteenth-century frescoes in the Byzantine or Orthodox style.

[@eldarius237]

@@patrykkowalik1156 Indeed! Praying for the times to come when all is peaceful and safe again.

[@samuelsafin6564]

Cannot wait until the "Slavic Alexander" Svyatoslav gets his time to shine wrecking the Khazar Empire left right and centre

[@louyht7]

That is punishment for the stupid Khazar betrayed Tengri by converted to Judaism

[@tylerellis9097]

Until He got too big for his britches and Cucked by Byzantine Emperor John Tzimiskes.

[@affentaktik2810]

Samuel Šafin smh he destroyed the first bulgarian empire We still have pstd

[@sklavian6886]

I randomly stumped upon your channel and it is one of the best things to happen in my life for the last couple months. I love the artwork and material so much, I literally make a screenshot every time frame changes because I love this artwork so much. I hope your channel guys will get at least ten times more viewers and subscribers, much love

[@KingsandGenerals]

I am sure you have many good things going for you right now, but we are still grateful, thanks :-)

[@Katapugonn]

the visuals in this video are so amazing

[@Buurba_Jolof]

This artwork is just great

[@jayantasen2406]

It is going to be a very interesting series, I can already feel it :D Keep up the good work people.

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thanks! Indeed, the second episode is a bomb :-)

[@MichaelShafer-td8ew]

Wonderful narrative. The maps are a great help. Fantastic illustration.

[@alexk3529]

This was done so so well. The artwork was beautiful and having the movement in them just sealed the deal...You guys are so amazing!

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thanks!

[@MisterTidster]

Really enjoyed this one! Hopefully this series will cover the conquest of Siberia. I know little about it and it’s glossed over far too often. It’s always like there’s Cossacks and bam Russia is huge.

[@Askhat08]

That's basically what it was. Little to no indigenous people lived there.

[@danielmorales8199]

Oh it's a long story. It all started with the fact that the Siberian Khan killed the Moscow ambassador and began to raid. The owners of these lands, the merchants Stroganovs, asked for help from the Don Cossacks. So Yermak beat the nomads until he drowned in the river. After about 75 years, the first clashes with China began, and after 250 years, an agreement was concluded with Japan. In the course of the advancement of numerous expeditions in which they moved in all directions, including the northern seas, the Cossacks and the conquerors of Siberia built many cities.

[@edvardskalva6575]

this is one of the highest quality history videos ive seen on youtube

[@OOG_IMP]

Can you guys make the animations a little *less amazing* next time? You're making every other history channel look bad :P Seriously unbelievably stunning work though!

[@KingsandGenerals]

Thank you very much!

[@zakaria497]

Very well done! animation is on point. Maybe do one about the Amazigh (berbers) in North Africa, they have a very rich history and some moorish (Muslim berbers) outstanding dynasties like the Almoravids and the Al Mohads. A very overlooked time of the human history

[@iLLeag7e]

Pleased to meet you too, Devin. Kings and Generals is probably my favorite channel these days. The logo is monolithic despite the overused spartan helmet theme it still looks fresh. You should merch yourself up some more diverse merch with that logo & see what sticks. I'd buy a light grey shirt with a 10 inch Kings & Generals logo on the back. Or a hoody. Fuck man everybody loves hoodies.

[@Quetsalcoatvl]

always wanted to know more about the eastern vikings