on Saturday I FINALLY had the opportunity to go through the Kremlin walls, and see all the cathedrals and the Armoury. and, WOW. Russian culture has SO much history! Unlike America, its history dates back to the TWELVE CENTURY!
Every Wednesday I have been taking a Russian history class, and have been blown away.. There has been so much that has happened in Russia's history, that it almost seems as if Russia was born and raised in an entirely different world. Since my Russian classes began, I have been meaning to write some of its history to share with you, and also remember for myself. Obviously, I have yet to do so. But, after my astonishing visit to the Kremlin, I shall begin to do so. Which means.. we have to start at the very beginning... :)
First a bit of background about Moscow:
Moscows first settelers were Slaves from Eastern Europe. Gathering in small isolated villages along the rivers. Eventually coming into contact with the vikings who navigated their water ways to trade fair skinned slaves, amber, and furs.
Eventually battles took place with the Slavic tribes, after Rurik, a Varangian (viking) became chief and assumed power. He eventually settled in Novgorod, but his successor Oleg took Kiev and made it his capital. In the year 988 a grand prince, Vladimir I, decendant of Rurik, was baptised into Orthodox Christianity and married the sister of the Byzantine emperor. Vladimir's conversion deeply affected the future of Russia. Which remained an Orthodox country right into the twentieth century!
By the 12-century , Kiev's surpemacy had already been challenged by Russian prinvipalities. As a result, the the fierce Mongols invaded in 1237, the disunited Russians fell victims to the well organized, inhumane, animalistic troops of Batu Khan. These warriors were so attrocious, that after defeating their enemies in a battle, they would pile up the the Russian bodies, dead or alive, lay boads atop them, and have feasts. All while listening to the moaning and groaning of the dying. They thought this showed manly-ness and gave them good luck. ..For the next TWO HUNDRED AND FOURTY years Russian principalities paid an exohbitant yearly tribute to the Khans, though they were left to govern themselves.
Thats all for today; but our next lesson will be; THE RISE OF MOSCOW. :) stay tuned!
Bits of the Kremlin:
