Princes of Kiev

The Princes of Kiev were rulers of Kievan Rus', a powerful medieval state in Eastern Europe from the 9th to the 13th centuries. This federation included various Slavic tribes and extended across parts of modern Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus. The most notable prince, Volodymyr the Great, adopted Christianity, significantly influencing the region's culture and religion. The princes often fought to expand their territory and authority, grappling with internal divisions and external threats, notably from the Mongols. Their legacy shaped the political and cultural landscape of Eastern Europe, laying the groundwork for the development of Russia and Ukraine.