This year (2022) Russian history came into the focus of society since Vladimir Putin announced the war (or "special operation") against Ukraine on February 24, justifying it with the intertwined history of the states. This quiz is designed to introduce you all to Russian history from its beginnings.
History of Kievan Rus (1/3)
An important moment for the identity and history of Russia as well as Ukraine is the Christianization of Kievan Rus in 988/989 by the Grand Prince/Grand Duchess...?
History of Kievan Rus (2/3)
Before the Christianization of Kievan Rus, a great many Slavs were of pagan faith. One of the important gods was Perun. What was the function of Perun?
History of Kievan Rus (3/3)
The "Povest' Vremennych Let" (also Primary Chronicle), the oldest Old Russian chronicle written in the 12th century, described a legend of how the baptism of Grand Prince Vladimir I is said to have occurred (note: this is scientifically disputed!). What allegedly led to it?
The conquest of the Crimea by Empress Catherine II.
Crimea was also to play a significant role for Russia in later centuries because of this legend: Empress Catherine II pursued the policy of reviving the Byzantine Empire with Constantinople as its capital from the 1770s onward. This was also the context for the annexation of Crimea in 1783. What did Catherine II call her project?
Events after the baptism of Grand Prince Vladimir I.
According to the Primary Chronicle, after Vladimir's baptism there was a mass baptism in Kiev on the Dnieper. What was first beaten and then thrown into the water?
July 28: Holiday in Ukraine, Memorial Day in Russia
July 28 is a holiday in Ukraine since 2021, and a commemorative day in Russia since 2008. What is celebrated?
Imperial Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg
With the establishment of the Imperial Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg in 1725, there was a gradual professionalization of Russian historiography. Thirty years later, the university was founded in Moscow. Which historiographer was involved in this process?
The Norman Controversy in the 18th Century
In the course of the 18th century a dispute arose among historians Mikhail Lomonosov and Gerhard Friedrich Müller about who founded Kievan Rus. This dispute has gone down in history as the Norman Controversy and continues to have an impact to this day. The question is whether Slavs founded Kievan Rus or...?
Donation of Crimea to Ukraine in 1954
In 1954, Crimea was given to Ukraine by Nikita Khruščëv, the First Secretary of the CPSU. What was the "official" occasion?
T.a.T.u - "All the things she said"
The Russian vocal duo T.a.T.u. was founded in 1999 by the Russian music producer Ivan Shapovalov. What should "T.a.T.u." stand for?
