Thanks for your historical insights. I grew up with the image of Viking ‘rape and pillage.’ Subsequently I learned, as you point out, that the Vikings had a positive influence in such places as Kyiv.
I am reminded of the history of the Crusades, which is different than what I was taught as a youngster. Indeed, the Crusaders frequently acted as ‘barbarians,’ while the Moslems, especially Saladin, acted like ‘Christians.’
It is often difficult to correct early historical misconceptions, especially in our current ‘false fact’ environment, including Putin’s revisionist Ukrainian ‘history.’
I've developed an interest in the Khazars since I read "The Gates of Europe" and watched/listened to your lectures. What a pity we know so little about them.
As my tall, blond and blue eyed American mother-in-law told the Swedes when they asked her if she was of Swedish descent: “The Vikings went everywhere!” 🤷♀️
Kirsten I was not aware that Swedes were Vikings. Everything I’ve seen refers to Norwegians. Of course the Swedes had an imperial flutter until about 1632. And when did Norway split from Sweden.
I’m actually Danish, Swedish, Norwegian and American and have lived and worked in all four countries. Vikings lived in Scandinavia. 🇩🇰 🇸🇪 🇳🇴 One of my Norwegian ancestors participated in writing the 1814 constitution, celebrated yearly on May 17.
Denmark and Norway have a very long history together: they were both part of the Kalmar Union between 1397 and 1523, and Norway was in a Union with Denmark between 1524 and 1814.
The Viking Age (800–1050 AD) was characterised by a significant expansion of activity, in Sweden's case largely toward the east. Many Viking expeditions set off from Sweden to both plunder and trade along the Baltic coast and the rivers that stretched deep into present-day Russia.
I am probably late with this but I see you are invited to testify at the Security Council meeting on "Russophobia". You can remind the gathering that inventor of " Russophobia", I. Shafarevich , believed it to be a form of Judaism originating in Tanach and Babylonian Talmud(written long before such thing as Russia came to the world, obviously)
I have often read terse accounts of the "Kiev" state and they gave me little insight. I think I have now acquired some understanding and intend to learn more, essentially from you, Professor Snyder.
Professor Snyder, I’ve been listening to your lectures on YT (The Making of Modern Ukraine) and I think I’m missing a lot by not having the textbook you’ve assigned. Would you mind posting the book title and author so I can buy a copy? Thank you.
The main text for the course is The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine by Serhii Plokhy. There are many texts and articles listed in the syllabus for the class. You can find the syllabus on Thinking About or by googling it.
Thanks for your historical insights. I grew up with the image of Viking ‘rape and pillage.’ Subsequently I learned, as you point out, that the Vikings had a positive influence in such places as Kyiv.
I am reminded of the history of the Crusades, which is different than what I was taught as a youngster. Indeed, the Crusaders frequently acted as ‘barbarians,’ while the Moslems, especially Saladin, acted like ‘Christians.’
It is often difficult to correct early historical misconceptions, especially in our current ‘false fact’ environment, including Putin’s revisionist Ukrainian ‘history.’
I've developed an interest in the Khazars since I read "The Gates of Europe" and watched/listened to your lectures. What a pity we know so little about them.
As my tall, blond and blue eyed American mother-in-law told the Swedes when they asked her if she was of Swedish descent: “The Vikings went everywhere!” 🤷♀️
Kirsten I was not aware that Swedes were Vikings. Everything I’ve seen refers to Norwegians. Of course the Swedes had an imperial flutter until about 1632. And when did Norway split from Sweden.
I’m actually Danish, Swedish, Norwegian and American and have lived and worked in all four countries. Vikings lived in Scandinavia. 🇩🇰 🇸🇪 🇳🇴 One of my Norwegian ancestors participated in writing the 1814 constitution, celebrated yearly on May 17.
Denmark and Norway have a very long history together: they were both part of the Kalmar Union between 1397 and 1523, and Norway was in a Union with Denmark between 1524 and 1814.
The Viking Age (800–1050 AD) was characterised by a significant expansion of activity, in Sweden's case largely toward the east. Many Viking expeditions set off from Sweden to both plunder and trade along the Baltic coast and the rivers that stretched deep into present-day Russia.
Dear Professor Snyder,
I am probably late with this but I see you are invited to testify at the Security Council meeting on "Russophobia". You can remind the gathering that inventor of " Russophobia", I. Shafarevich , believed it to be a form of Judaism originating in Tanach and Babylonian Talmud(written long before such thing as Russia came to the world, obviously)
I have often read terse accounts of the "Kiev" state and they gave me little insight. I think I have now acquired some understanding and intend to learn more, essentially from you, Professor Snyder.
Professor Snyder, I’ve been listening to your lectures on YT (The Making of Modern Ukraine) and I think I’m missing a lot by not having the textbook you’ve assigned. Would you mind posting the book title and author so I can buy a copy? Thank you.
Gary Niblock: I researched and this may be the title of the book: The Reconstruction of Nations: Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus 1569-1999
Thanks Barbara!👍🏼
The main text for the course is The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine by Serhii Plokhy. There are many texts and articles listed in the syllabus for the class. You can find the syllabus on Thinking About or by googling it.
Thank you!