E European History

Posted by Kerry Kubilius

Though it appears it hasn't been updated recently, the website Travels in Southeastern Europe is a viable web resource for research into the Balkans. It makes available full texts of historical writings about the region, many dating to around 1900. (Though a later treatment of the subject, recall Rebecca West's Black Lamb and Grey Falcon.)

Posted by Kerry Kubilius

The movie Mongol is the first in a trilogy about the 13th century leader, Genghis Khan, who marched his army into Europe to frighten the populace and demand monetary tribute. If you have no desire to see the movie, you can read the review by Dana Stevens at Slate.com. She complains that this movie shows a Genghis Khan that may be too soft and sentimental to be an accurate representation of the fierce warrior who commanded armies that slaughtered peasants an villagers in its path of destruction.

Russia's relationship with the Golden Horde was long and fraught with struggle. In order to free itself from Mongol subjugation, Russia had to wait for the Golden Horde's strength to weaken.

Posted by Kerry Kubilius

If you're looking for a good resource for viewing art by the Kandinsky, Artcyclopedia has compiled a sizeable list of locations where artwork by Kandinsky can be viewed. Or, if you're in the market for an original work by Kandinsky, there is also a link to galleries/online retailers selling woodcuts, prints, serigraphs, lithographs, and prints.

For more information about Kandinsky's life and art, trace his career through Europe: Russia, Munich, and Paris.

Posted by Kerry Kubilius

If you're a fan of Tolstoy or his novel Anna Karenina, you might find Slate.com's audio discussion to be of interest. However, if you aren't a fan, it's better to pass. These critics, according to the preview of the discussion, are bonkers over it. How Anna Karenina can be anyone's "favorite" book is beyond me. Russian literature of the 19th century has other must-read masterpieces that discuss the human condition, social circumstances, psychology, philosophy, and Russian history . . . masterpieces that say quite a bit more in fewer pages. For example, Crime and Punishment.

Posted by Kerry Kubilius

Ivan IV, "Ivan Grozny" in Russian, ruled with insight during the first part of his reign, and ruled with cruelty during the last part. Youthful enthusiasm, education, love for wife and family, and a desire to reach out to other parts of the world encouraged Ivan to help Russia advance in areas of foreign policy, trade, and military might. While Ivan might not have been exactly happy in the early years of his rule, this segment of his life was marked with wise rule, skill in governance, and interest in increasing Russia's social, economic, and military power.

Death of four children and the death of his wife, Anastasia, added to the internal instability from which Ivan IV suffered since his childhood, when he was orphaned, neglected, and abused by those who ruled until he came of age. Ivan's behavior became increasingly strange as well as fearsome. Torture and murder became commonplace in 16th century Russia. When Ivan died, he left behind a country that was just as tormented as the one in which he had been born.

Posted by Kerry Kubilius

The web site of the Metropolitan Museum of Art features art pieces from Prague created during the reign of Rudolph II. Rudolph was a patron of the arts and art enthusiast, and under his guidance, Prague's art scene rose to prominence in Europe as painters and sculptors flocked to the Bohemian capital to exercise their talents.

The webpage gives a brief description of this period of art history in Prague, then allows viewers to click on significant examples for more information and larger photos. Included is a portrait of Rudolph II himself.

Posted by Kerry Kubilius

When the Mongols came to Eastern Europe, pillaging and murdering, residents of Russian cities could do nothing but be slaughtered or bow to the demand for money that was to be paid as tribute to the khan. Alexander Nevsky was one grand prince who understood that bloodshed would only come with resistance, and encouraged the people of Novgorod to accept the terms of the Golden Horde. Alexander Nevsky became a legend through careful negotiation with the Mongols as well as by using military prowess against Russia's enemies.

By Ivan the Great's time, the Mongol Horde had weakend, and Ivan decided to test the waters by refusing to send tribute or gifts to the khan. While this outraged the khan, they were no longer powerful enough to retaliate as they once had. Ivan the Great finally won freedom from the Mongols and increased Russia's standing in the eyes of western nations.

Posted by Kerry Kubilius

Ancientweb.org's page about Romania offers readers a basic summary of the people of ancient Romania. Learn about Dacian society, the mythology of ancient Romania, fierce Thracians, and the Roman influence in the area of what is now Romania. The information is easy to understand, and the site layout is easy on the eyes - which is not always the case in regards to websites about ancient history.

Posted by Kerry Kubilius

Reading about Poland's history is one thing, but visiting Poland with a history student's perspective is quite another. It's possible to put down a book, or close a webpage, or turn off a documentary or historically accurate film. When you visit Poland, the history is inescapable. You may walk historic streets, dine in restaurants established in the 19th century, or stay in former palaces. Medieval churches beckon, castles loom large over the cities' oldest districts, and monuments memorialize those perished in uprisings or wars.

If you're intent on finding Poland's history, Warsaw, Krakow, or Gdansk are good places to begin. These cities' respective Old Towns hold the most significant landmarks and reveal Poland through the centuries. While Gdansk and Warsaw are largely rebuilt, Krakow remains largely unscathed from WWII.

Posted by Kerry Kubilius

The memory of WWII is still alive in Ukraine, Russia, and elsewhere in Eastern Europe. This war cost the region millions of lives. Despite Ukraine's laws stating that positive Nazi images are forbidden, a doll in the image of Adolph Hitler is now available for sale.

The doll includes amazing details and is complete with a change of clothes. Miniature shoes, belt, and jacket (complete with swastika armband) are packaged neatly with the doll. Unfortunately, the issue of this doll may be a response to increasing neo-Nazi sentiment among some citizens in Ukraine.

Marketing a Hitler children's toy is as bizarre as using Stalin's image as an encouragement to bill payment - and as inappropriate.