The Gates of Europe by Serhii Plokhy

As I delve into research for my upcoming book, which examines the history of Ukraine through the lens of its football badges, a recent book on Ukraine's extensive historical journey offers invaluable insights. This review will unpack the book's chapters, each of which sheds light on different eras that have not only shaped Ukraine but have also influenced its sporting and cultural symbols.

Chapter 1: The Founding of Kyiv

The story kicks off with the legendary foundation of Kyiv, a city born out of the migrations and turmoil following the Hunnic invasions which displaced the Vandals and Goths. The narrative paints a vivid picture of the Slavs who settled the region, and the emergence of the Kyivan Rus, bolstered by enterprising Vikings who saw the potential in the city’s riparian locale. These Norse adventurers, who morphed into the princes of Kyivan Rus, introduced the name "Rus" which interestingly means "Those that row"—a perfect tag for a budding riverine city.

The transformation under Vladimir the Great, who adopted Christianity, dramatically changed the cultural landscape. His mass baptism in the Dnipro River wasn't just about faith; it was a strategic masterstroke to align Kyiv more closely with the powerful Byzantines, who'd been trying to Christianise the region to reduce Viking raids. His son, Yaroslav the Wise, took this a notch higher, literally building Kyiv's reputation with structures like the Saint Sophia Cathedral, inspired by Constantinople’s Hagia Sophia.

Chapter 2: The Volhynian Princes

Post-Kyivan Rus, the narrative does not lose steam. It introduces the Volhynian Princes, lords of the fragmented realms that arose phoenix-like from the ashes of Mongol devastations. Particularly, the Kingdom of Galicia centred around Lviv, presents a tapestry of medieval East European politics, where local dynasties like the Volhynian Princes jostled for autonomy and influence amidst larger predatory powers.

Chapter 3: The Lithuanian-Polish Commonwealth

The Union of Lublin in 1569 birthed the Lithuanian-Polish Commonwealth, a major evolution of the Kyivan Rus heritage. This was not merely a political union but a cultural and military alliance against common foes, especially the Muscovite expansion under Ivan the Terrible. This era introduced figures like Konstanty Ostrogski, whose military exploits against Muscovy are legendary, even influencing modern Ukrainian football club emblems.

Chapter 4: The Rise of the Cossacks

The emergence of the Cossacks as a formidable force against Tatar raids transforms the narrative into a thrilling saga of defiance and resilience. The Cossacks, originating as bands of warriors defending their lands, eventually became pivotal in the region's politics. The story of Dmytro Vyshnevetsky, who established the first Cossack Sich, is particularly gripping, showcasing the blend of fierce independence and shrewd political manoeuvring that characterized Cossack leadership.

Chapter 5: The Great Revolt

The alignment with Muscovy through the Treaty of Pereyaslav in 1654 is a critical junction in Ukrainian history. The book effectively captures the complex interplay of Cossack ambitions and the broader European power struggles, culminating in the disillusionment and eventual betrayal felt by the Cossacks. This period, rife with intrigue and alliances, mirrors the oft-contentious relationships in sports, where loyalty and strategy collide dramatically.

Chapter 6: Religion and Cultural Identity

The religious landscapes of Ukraine, marked by the tensions between the Orthodox and Catholic churches, provide a deep dive into the cultural conflicts and compromises that have shaped Ukrainian identity. The establishment of the Kyiv Mohyla Academy as a hub of Orthodox learning underscores the region’s intellectual resilience and its attempts to preserve its religious and cultural heritage.

Chapter 7: The Era of Partitions and Foreign Rule

The book then navigates through the murky waters of the 1667 Treaty of Andrusovo, which saw Ukraine partitioned between Russia and Poland. This era is depicted with a keen eye on how cultural and administrative policies under both empires attempted to dilute Ukrainian distinctiveness, often at the cost of local traditions and autonomy. This mirrors the struggles in football, where clubs often resist external influences to retain their unique identities.

In weaving through these chapters, the book not only offers a historical narrative but also reflects on how these tumultuous times have influenced Ukraine’s cultural and sporting symbols, including football badges which carry deep historical significance. Each chapter, rich with detail and drama, provides not just historical facts but stories of resilience, ambition, and identity that resonate deeply with the themes I am exploring in my own book.

In essence, this book serves as both a historical resource and a narrative inspiration, offering a window into the past that helps explain the present and possibly, the future, of Ukraine’s rich cultural and sporting heritage. Whether it’s the strategic depths of medieval politics or the fierce independence of the Cossacks, there’s a direct line to the fierce pride displayed in Ukrainian football today.