Kiev Ukraine Upper or Old Kiev
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The oldest settlement of Kiev city, dating from the sixth to eighth centuries, occupied the north-eastern promontory of Old Kiev Hill. In 1970-1972 archaeologists discovered the remains of a stone palace, which was probably built during the reign of Prince Igor (913-945) or Princess Olga (945-969). Under Prince Sviatoslav Igorevich (969-972) another palace was built in the craftsmen's settlement outside the Kiev city. In the reign of Vladimir Sviatoslavich (980-1015) the fortifications were expanded to take in an area of ten hectares.
Kiev Ukraine Upper or Old Kiev architecture
Kiev Ukraine Upper or Old Kiev views
The old ramparts were leveled to the ground, the moats filled in, and the first metropolitan church - the Church of the Tithes - was erected in the centre of the new citadel in 989-996, after Rus had officially adopted Christianity. The church is so called because Vladimir gave a tenth of its income for its upkeep.
Kiev Ukraine Upper or Old Kiev sceneries
The town was named Vladimir, but later began to be called Upper or Old Kiev. Two further palaces seem to have been built in Vladimir's reign, to the south and to the west of the Church of the Tithes. Their remains have been found by archaeologists, and part of the base of one wall of the southern palace can still be seen nowadays near the Historical Museum in Vladimirskaya Street.
Kiev Ukraine Upper or Old Kiev photos
In the late tenth and early eleventh centuries a large settlement grew up outside Vladimir's town, near the Monastery of St Sophia which was founded in 957 by Princess Olga. The settlement was fortified by Yaroslav the Wise (1019-1054) and brought within the city boundaries. In 1017/19-1030/31 Yaroslav erected a new Metropolitan Church of St Sophia in the centre of the city, with two other churches - of St George and St Irene - in front of it.
Kiev Ukraine Upper or Old Kiev pictures
Another church, not mentioned in the chronicle, was built at the same time (possibly dedicated to St Catherine), and beside it a palace; archaeologists have found remains of these buildings near the junction of Vladimirskaya and Irininskaya Streets.
Kiev Ukraine Upper or Old Kiev views
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