« The Slavs»

The first written references to the Slavs

Often the etymology of the self-name is associated with the word "word". In this way, "Slavs" are
people who speak "words" (that is, our way). The first written references to the Slavs date back to
the 6th-7th centuries. One of the earliest sources is the "Gothic Bible", written in the 4th-5th
centuries, which mentions the Slavs as one of the tribes that lived to the east of the Goths.
Another important source is the "Dialogues" of Pope Gregory I the Great, written in the 6th century.
These documents mention the Slavs as a people who spread north of the Danube limes (the border
of the Roman Empire). It is also worth noting the "Crown of the Franks" (lat. "Corona Ferreorum
Anulorum"), written in the 7th century by the Frankish monk Fredegar. In this work, the Slavs are
mentioned as one of the tribes that lived in Eastern Europe. These written references indicate that
the Slavs were already known to other peoples in those ancient times and had their own culture and
territory.
The ancestral homeland of the Slavs is the territory from the Dnieper to the Odra. Until the 5th
century Slavic monuments were part of archaeological cultures along with monuments of other
peoples, for example, on the border of the era — to the Zarubinets and Przeworsk cultures, in the III
century. — to Chernyakhiv culture. Slavic archaeological cultures actually appeared in the V-VI
centuries. N. is.
The first written references to the ancient Slavs (Venedi) belong to Roman historians of the 1st and
2nd centuries. Pliny the Elder, Tacitus and the Alexandrian geographer of the II century. Ptolemy
This information is quite concise, the Gothic historian of the 6th century tells in more detail about
the Slavs. Jordan, calling them also antas and sclavinamn. The name of the people "Slavs" is used
in sources from the 6th century.
Social, economic and spiritual life of the ancient Slavs:
 Slavs lived in tribes led by leaders elected by the community. Slavic tribes united in large
military unions, for example, the Ante union. So, the ancient Slavs in the V-VII centuries.
came close to creating a state. Procopius of Caesarea in the VI century. wrote: "These tribes,
Slavs and Antis, are not subject to one person, but have lived in a democracy since ancient
times, so they think about everything that is useful or harmful for them together";
 The main occupations of the ancient Slavs were arable agriculture and sedentary herding.
Among the crafts, blacksmithing, foundry, and pottery gained special development, crafts and
trade were actively developed;
 Religion — paganism (the gods Dazhbog, Perun, Stribog, Veles), the ministers of the rites —
magi.
Most Slavs are traditionally Christians. Eastern Orthodox Christianity, first introduced by
missionaries from the Byzantine Empire, is practiced by the majority of Slavs. Orthodox Slavs
include Belarusians, Bulgarians, Macedonians, Montenegrins, Serbs, Ukrainians, and Russians, and
are defined by Eastern Orthodox customs and the Cyrillic alphabet (Belarusians, Montenegrins, and
Serbs also use the Latin alphabet on equal terms).
The second most common type of Christianity among the Slavs is Catholicism, introduced by Latin-
speaking missionaries from Western Europe. Catholic Slavs include Croats, Czechs, Kashubians,
Poles, Silesians, Slovaks, Slovenes, and Lusatian Serbs and are defined by their Latin influence,
heritage, and connection to Western Europe. Millions of Slavs also belong to Greek-Catholic
churches — that is, historically Orthodox communities that are now in visible unity with the Holy
See and the Latin Church, forming together the Catholic Church, but retain Byzantine customs,
such as the Ruthenians (in Ukraine, considered an ethnographic group of Ukrainians ), as well as
significant minorities of Ukrainians and Belarusians. There are also significant Protestant,
particularly Lutheran, minorities, especially among Western Slavs, such as the historic Bohemian
(Czech) Hussites.
Some Slavic ethnic groups traditionally adhere to Islam. Muslim-majority Slavic ethnic groups
include Bosniaks, Pomaks (Bulgarian Muslims), Horans, Torbesh (Macedonian Muslims) and
ethnic Muslims. Among the ethnic Serbs, Montenegrins, Croats, Slovenes[3] and self-identified
Yugoslavs are also Muslim minorities, as well as a growing community of converts among ethnic
Russians. Contemporary Slavic nations and ethnic groups are vastly diverse both genetically and
culturally, and relations between them—even within individual groups—range from "ethnic
solidarity to mutual feelings of hostility."
Spread of the Slavs
The spread of the Slavs is the process of spreading the Slavic people and their culture on the
territory of Eastern and Central Europe.
From the very beginning of their history, the Slavs occupied a large territory that included modern
Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and other
countries. They gradually expanded their settlements and entered into contact with other peoples.
One of the important stages of the spread of the Slavic people occurred in the 6th-7th centuries,
when the Slavs actively migrated to the west. They inhabited new territories, mastered them and
came into contact with other peoples, such as Goths, Franks and others.
This process of the spread of the Slavs was accompanied by the formation of new state entities. In
the 9th and 10th centuries, such Slavic states as Kievan Rus, Poland, the Czech Republic, and others
arose on the territory of Eastern Europe. They had their own culture, language and traditions.
The spread of the Slavs also occurred through trade and cultural exchange with other peoples.
Slavs actively interacted with Byzantium, Arabia, Western Europe and other civilizations. This
contributed to the exchange of knowledge, the spread of new technologies and the development of
culture.
As a result of the spread of the Slavic people, various Slavic groups were formed, which had their
own peculiarities in language, culture and traditions. For example, Western Slavs (Poles, Czechs,
Slovaks) were more influenced by Western Europe, while Eastern Slavs (Ukrainians, Belarusians,
Russians) were more influenced by Byzantium and the East. The spread of the Slavs had a great
influence on the formation of modern Europe. Slavs have become one of the largest peoples of the
continent, their contribution to culture, language and history is unmatched. They have become an
integral part of the modern world and have a significant impact on its development.
Language groups of Slavs
The Slavic language group is one of the largest and most widespread linguistic groups in the world.
It includes several Eastern, Western and Southern Slavic languages. Eastern Slavic languages
include Ukrainian, Belarusian and Russian. They have many common features and similarities,
since they arose from one source - the ancient language. Ukrainian language is the most common
among the eastern Slavic languages and is the official language of Ukraine. Belarusian is used in
Belarus, and Russian is one of the most common languages in the world. Western Slavic languages
include Polish, Czech and Slovak language. These languages have their own features and differ
from the eastern Slavic languages. Polish is the official language of Poland and is one of the most
common Slavic languages. Czech is used in the Czech Republic, and Slovak language - in Slovakia.
Southern Slavs include Serbian, Croatian, Slovenian and Bulgarian. These languages have their
own peculiarities and differ from other Slavic languages. Serbian and Croatian languages are
mutually mutual and used in Serbia and Croatia. Slovenian is used in Slovenia, and Bulgarian
language - in Bulgaria. Each of these languages has its own vocabulary, grammar and phonetics.
However, they have many common features and similarities, which allows you to talk about their
kinship. Slavic languages also have a common origin with other Indo-European languages, such as
Germanic, Romanesque and others. Language groups of Slavs are an important element of Slavic
culture and history. They reflect the wealth and variety of Slavic peoples and contribute to their
identity. These languages are used in literature, music, cinema and other spheres of culture of Slavic
peoples.
International relations of Kyivan Rus
International relations of Kyivan Rus were an important aspect of its history. Kievan Rus, which
existed from the 9th to the 13th century, was a large state entity that included the territory of
modern Ukraine, part of Belarus and Russia.
During its existence, Kyivan Rus established diplomatic relations with other neighboring countries
and empires. The most significant partners of Kievan Rus were the Byzantine Empire, Poland,
Hungary and the Scandinavian countries.
Kievan Rus maintained close relations with the Byzantine Empire. Many princes of Kievan Rus
even married members of the imperial family of Byzantium. This facilitated the exchange of
cultural and economic knowledge between the two states.
Kyiv Rus also maintained good relations with Poland and Hungary. Various agreements and
treaties regulating trade and political relations between these countries were concluded.
In addition, Kyivan Rus had contacts with Scandinavian countries, in particular with Norway and
Sweden. Many Scandinavian warriors came to Kievan Rus to participate in its wars and political
affairs.
The international relations of Kyivan Rus were aimed at ensuring security, development of trade
relations and cultural exchange with other peoples. This contributed to the development of Kyivan
Rus as a center of political, economic and cultural life.
The international relations of Kyivan Rus were complex and changed over time. In the 13th
century, Kievan Rus was influenced by the Mongol conquest, which led to a change in the political
landscape of Eastern Europe.
The international relations of Kyivan Rus are of great importance for understanding the history and
culture of the East Slavic peoples. They indicate the important role of Kyivan Rus as a state that
influenced the formation of modern Ukraine, Belarus and Russia.

Culture and daily life of the Slavs

The culture and daily life of the Slavs are extremely diverse and multifaceted. Slavs are a group of
peoples living in Eastern and Central Europe, as well as in the Balkans. They have a rich cultural
heritage that covers areas like language, art, music, dance, cooking and many others.
One of the most important aspects of Slavic culture is language. Slavic languages belong to the
Indo-European language family and are divided into several groups, such as East Slavic (Ukrainian,
Russian, Belarusian), West Slavic (Polish, Czech, Slovak) and South Slavic (Serbian, Croatian,
Slovenian). Each of these languages has its own unique grammar, vocabulary, and phonetics, but
they also share many features that point to their common origins.Art is another important aspect of
Slavic culture. Slavs have a long tradition of folk art, which includes various types of needlework,
embroidery, pottery and other crafts. They are also known for their folk songs and dances, which
are passed down from generation to generation. Nature motifs, religious symbols and folk legends
are often found in Slavic art.Cooking is also important to Slavic culture. Slavs have their own
unique dishes and dishes that are common to all peoples. For example, borscht is a traditional dish
that originates from Ukraine, but it is also popular in Russia, Poland and other Slavic countries. In
addition, Slavs are known for their national drinks, such as vodka, vodka and kravets.The daily life
of the Slavs also has its own characteristics. Slavs traditionally live in villages and small towns
where old houses and streets have been preserved. The family is an important center of Slavic life,
and many traditions are associated with family holidays and rituals. For example, Christmas and
Easter are especially important holidays for Slavs, when the family gathers together for a common
dinner and celebration.All these aspects of Slavic culture and life are important for understanding
their heritage and identity. They reflect the richness and diversity of Slavic culture, as well as its
influence on the modern world.
Paganism is a religious system that was widespread among the Slavs before the adoption of
Christianity. It was based on beliefs in various gods and spirits that controlled various aspects of
life and nature.
Paganism
In paganism, the Slavs believed in polytheism, where each god had his own sphere of influence.
For example, Perun was the god of thunder and lightning, Svarog - the god of fire and
blacksmithing, and Mokosh - the goddess of the earth and women's work. They also believed in
various spirits that inhabited nature, such as foresters, watermen, and housewives.
The central element of paganism was rites and sacrifices. The Slavs performed various ceremonies
to ensure the fertility of the land, harvest and protection from disaster. Sacrifices such as animals,
bread and other foods were used to ensure favorable conditions for the gods and spirits.
Paganism also had its holidays and rituals. For example, Kupala is a festival of summer and
fertility, which was celebrated during the summer solstice. During this holiday, rituals were
performed with fire, water and flowers, as well as parties and dances.
With the adoption of Christianity, paganism was gradually supplanted, but some of its elements
were still preserved in Slavic folk folklore and traditions. For example, some celebrations and
rituals, such as Shrovetide (the last week before Lent), have pagan origins.
Paganism played an important role in the formation of Slavic culture and identity. It influenced the
language, art, rituals and holidays of the Slavs. Although modern Slavs mostly prefer Christianity
or other religions, paganism remains an important part of their cultural heritage and a source of
values and symbols.