Understanding the historical foundation of nations is crucial for interpreting contemporary events.
The evolution of Slavic languages and the transition to Christianity played significant roles in shaping Eastern European identities.
Deep dives
Origins of History and Concepts
The importance of understanding history before delving into specific subjects is emphasized to grasp the significance of events. The speaker underlines the influence of historical perceptions on present decisions, stressing that studying history can prevent future surprises.
Creation of a European Identity
Discussion shifts to exploring the concept of Europe and its formation, tracing back to the era before Europe was clearly defined. The narrative delves into the predecessor states and societies, such as Kievan Rus, hinting at the evolving definitions of Europe.
Impact of Language and Culture on Identity
Language's crucial role in shaping identities and narratives is examined, particularly focusing on the development of Slavic languages and their significance. The influence of historical figures like Cyril and Methodius in establishing written language and the Cyrillic alphabet is highlighted.
Transition from Paganism to Christianity
The transition of Slavic pagan beliefs to Christianity is explored, revealing how missionaries like Cyril and Methodius introduced Christianity through a written language. The arrival of Christianity and the adoption of the Cyrillic alphabet as tools for conversion are depicted as pivotal moments in Slavic history.
Do you speak the language or does the language speak you? In Class 4 Professor Timothy Snyder maps out the landscape ‘Before Europe.’
Timothy Snyder is the Richard C. Levin Professor of History at Yale University and a permanent fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna. He speaks five and reads ten European languages.
Ukraine must have existed as a society and polity on 23 February 2022, else Ukrainians would not have collectively resisted Russian invasion the next day. What does it mean for a nation to exist? Is this a matter of structures, actions, or both? Why has the existence of Ukraine occasioned such controversy? In what ways are Polish, Russian, and Jewish self-understanding dependent upon experiences in Ukraine? Just how and when did a modern Ukrainian nation emerge? For that matter, how does any modern nation emerge? Why some and not others? Can nations be chosen, and can choices be decisive? If so, whose, and how? Ukraine was the country most touched by Soviet and Nazi terror: what can we learn about those systems, then, from Ukraine? Is the post-colonial, multilingual Ukrainian nation a holdover from the past, or does it hold some promise for the future?
Course reading list
Video version of this course available on YouTube.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
