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Keith Wheelock's avatar

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.’

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Rose Mason's avatar

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.

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Lev Shmukler's avatar

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)

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philippe gratier's avatar

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.

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Gary Niblock's avatar

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.

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Barbara D. Reed's avatar

Gary Niblock: I researched and this may be the title of the book: The Reconstruction of Nations: Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus 1569-1999

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Gary Niblock's avatar

Thanks Barbara!👍🏼

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Susan's avatar

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.

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Gary Niblock's avatar

Thank you!

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Mar 11, 2023
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Keith Wheelock's avatar

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.

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