Kiev - What's in a name?
Artikel auf Russisch (Übersetzung in Arbeit).
The story behind the name “Kyiv” goes back hundreds of years to the mythical foundation of the city. According to legend, the city was founded in the 5th century by three brothers, and a sister, the oldest brother being named Prince Kyi.
The other legend says that St.Andrew came to the hills overlooking the Dnipro River on his way to Rome. According to this legend he blessed this place and predicted a grand future for this up and coming town.
Although many stories about these founders and protectors of the city are recent fabrications, as with all legends they may contain some truth. Archaeological finds indicate that what is today Kyiv has been inhabited for about 17,000 years, however there is no evidence of an organized, permanent settlement until the foundation of a citadel on the steep Right Bank approximately at the same area where the legend places the mythical foundations of the city. This fortification was built to defend against marauding Slavs and invading peoples from Asia, and certainly would have required the administration of a warrior-leader.
The Kyiv Rus state was established by descendents of a Viking-like people called Varengians, who migrated from Scandinavia mainly by ship. They served in administrative and mercenary capacities throughout far-Eastern Europe, and composed much of the warrior and ruling classes.