Units of History: The Druzhina - Knights of the Kievan Rus DOCUMENTARY

This Units of History documentary explores the early history of Ukraine and Russia through the lens of the Elite Druzhina of the Kievan Rus. The video begins with the geography of eastern europe and the various peoples of early and late antiquity who came to occupy these lands. Among the most prominent of these were the Slavs who soon merged with the steppe and norse tribes that frequently entered their lands for trade and conquest. We cover the rise of the Kievan Rus under Prince Rurik and how his descendants came to carve out a vast domain with the help of their loyal bodyguards. It is these men who would eventually become the Druzhina that both served as the military and administrative backbone of the realm. The documentary next covers the equipment, organization, tactics, and service history of these Kievan Rus knights. Notable examples of their campaigns invovled the siege of Constantinople against the Byzantines, the Battle of Alta River agains the Pechenegs, and the Battle on the Ice against the Tutonic Order.

Stay tuned for more episodes on the history of the Kievan Rus as a part of our ongoing exploration of the history of Ukraine and the history of Russia.

What Units of History should we cover next?

THE BYZANTINES

THE HELLENISTIC WORLD

THE ROMANS

THE NORTHMEN

THE AFRICANS

THE NEAR EAST

Sources and Suggested Reading:
The Rus Primary Chronicle
Armies of Medieval Russia by Osprey Publishing

Credits:
Research = Sophia Ware
Writing = Sophia Ware
Narration = Guy Michaels
Artwork = Penta Limited

#History
#Ukraine
#Documentary

[BrainDancer]

Love that Slavic armor aesthetic. Cool blend of viking, turcomongol and byzantine

[hiddensalami]

I really enjoyed this documentary about Vaegir Knights, everyone always wants to talk about the Swadians but Vaegirs have knights too. Also the theme from Viking Conquest was a nice touch. If I had to offer a critique I would say next time less talking and more raiding.

[BlackQback]

Druzhina is pronounced with a "ž" sound, like "je (suis)" in French. Being a native Serbo-croatian speaker, no translation of any of original terms needed. "Družina" or its synonym "družba" is still a word in Serbo-croatian, Slovenian (and, most likely, other Slavic languages) meaning a group or a band of friends. At least the word retained its original meaning - though a battle unit is gone.

[ancientsitesgirl]

Drużyna (in Polish) was also a formation of the army of the first Piasts - the dynasty that created and Christianized Poland in the 10th century!🇵🇱

[klakier]

Speaking a slavic tongue, it is an odd, but very satisfying feeling to fully understand every single Rus' word mentioned (despite pronounciation).

[samiamrg]

Interesting how Voevodo was a title of a general in some times/places and the title of a region’s ruler in others. Kind of like how the Roman Dux was basically a general, but later evolved into Dukes who were powerful landed noblemen. (same goes for Comes becoming Counts; once officers underneath a Dux but later became landed nobles of a lower rank than a Duke)

[helkarangory]

Despite current political situation i think its important to know that Kievan Rus is not "Ancient Ukraine" or something. This is not even a national state, it was a bunch of fragmented feodal territories.

[skylerbowling]

I would really love to see a video on the Irish Gallowglass

[jonathannilsson]

I approve of the background music in the intro. For those that don't know it, it's the main theme for the Viking Conquest expansion for Mount & Blade: Warband.

[MrPobeditell]

As a Bulgarian, I like what have happened with the north-east Brothers; and hear/see terms/words that are common. Great job Invicta!

[silentsnow]

I really love how you describe history repeating itself as "They often Rhyme" and "Historical Rhythms" - I think that there's no other phrasing that can accurately describe the phenomenon. Good one!

[johnypsilantis]

The clash of the Rus Druzhina and the Byzantine Immortals was, in my opinion, the most epic clash of elite armored warriors in Medieval history

[paulglandorf]

Thank you SO MUCH for this video, i was trying so hard to find a video where they would show POSSIBLE choices of clothing, for everyday purposes, as well as war/combat. And you did exactly that, and on top of that mentioned all the different weapons. I love it. Also now i rest assured that my recent purchases of gear are indeed historically correct :) You have helped me alot sir, thank you.

[RWNetworkEX]

Historical armor looks so cool. Put these is more games, devs!

[steven_]

I recommended this topic a while back, thanks a lot! :)
Amazing artwork as always!

[ThomasTheLukeEngine]

Bravo! I have been fascinated with the old Rus' for years and you really did their warriors justice in this video. 10/10!

[nagamata]

That description of Prince Igor’s retinue is like something straight from a legend. What a quote

[StoicHistorian]

Great video, it’s awesome to see you guys expanding from usually doing Rome videos

[MrLuisfrossi]

Loved the documentary, stellar work as always!
I'd love an episode on either the English Longbowmen or Genoese Crossbowmen, some of my favorite units in history

[DirtCobaine]

As someone who really has no formal education in history I seriously love the YouTube history community. It’s by far the wealthiest source of information and different perspectives of said information. I was a kid who loved to watch the history channel back when it wasn’t just pawn stars lol but I can never get enough