The True History of Russia: Before and After the Roman Empire

For many, the history of Russia is often shrouded in mystery and confusion. This article aims to shed light on the true roots of the Russian state, from its earliest formations to modern times, and challenge common misconceptions about a built-in mentality of rulership.

Myths vs. History: A Critical Perspective

The narrative often perpetuated by the modern establishment is not always rooted in historical accuracy. It is a common misconception that Russia, as we know it today, is a recent entity, solely defined and controlled by modern oligarchs and gangsters.

It is important to note that the current political and economic structures are not a uniquely modern invention but have a long and complex history. In this context, the idea that “a built-in mentality of those in charge” is a recent phenomenon is a fallacy. Historically, complex political and social structures have existed long before modern times, and the notion of power and control has evolved throughout history.

Until the general population realizes the true nature of the people in charge, from the medieval times to the modern era, significant change is unlikely to occur. Understanding the historical context helps to identify the underlying forces driving modern politics and society.

The Earliest Formation of the Russian State

It is important to understand that the formation of the Russian state predates the Roman Empire by several centuries. The earliest known capital was not in Moscow, as many might believe, but in Old Ladoga. Here, the legendary Prince Rurik and his Rurikid dynasty laid the foundations of what would become the state of Rus'

The official title of the Rurikids in Moscow, when it became the new capital, was "Государь и Великий князь всея Руси," which translates to "Sovereign and Great Prince of all Rus' [Russia]." This title underscores the importance and extensive territorial claims of the Rurikid rulers. Moscow indeed became a major center, but it was not the first or the second, but rather the seventh significant capital of the Russian state.

The Name and Geography of Kievan Rus'

It is often argued that there was no country called Rus' in the Russian sense, but it was rather a generic term for the territory of some principalities where ethnic close nations lived. This raises an important point about the historical terminology used to describe the geographical and political entities of that time.

The common name for the medieval East Slavic state that existed from the late 9th to the mid-13th century was Kievan Rus'. This state was centered around the city of Kiev and encompassed territories in what is now Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. The name "Rus'" is believed to have originated from the early Varangians, or Vikings, who settled in the region, founding the Kievan Rus' state.

Here is the relevant passage in Church Slavonic for clarity:

И сде Олегъ княжа в Киев и рече Олегъ: Се буди мати городом русскымъ. И бша у него словни и варязи и прочии прозвашася русью.

This passage emphasizes that Oleg, a second Rurikid ruler, established Kiev as the capital and declared, "Henceforth, this shall be the city of the Rus'." The term "Russian" was used to describe the language and culture of the region, rather than a modern nation-state.

The Kievan Rus' Legacy

The Kievan Rus' left a significant cultural and political legacy. The rulers of the "Kievan Rus," as the term is now predominantly used in historical contexts, were the Rurikids, who were a large and influential family. This family ruled Novgorod and Kiev simultaneously or sequentially, and both cities were crucial centers of power and influence.

The geographical term "Rus'" was used to denote the central authority, with Ukrainian, Russian, and Belarusian peoples all being considered part of this broader Slavic state. The unification of the northern and southern branches of the East Slavic domain, led by Oleg, was a significant step in the consolidation of Kievan Rus'.

Conclusion: A Reflective Look at History

The history of Russia is a complex narrative that spans centuries. From Old Ladoga to Moscow, the Rurikids to the Kievan Rus', the roots of modern Russia are deeply entangled with the geopolitical and cultural landscape of Eastern Europe. Understanding this history provides valuable insights into the formation of the Russian state and its place in the broader context of Eurasian history.