Slavic ancestors of today's so-called ancient Slavs, stood out from the vast Indo-European group inhabits the whole territory of Eurasia.Over time, the tribes close of the management, social structure and language, united in the Slavic group.The first mention of them is found in the Byzantine documents of the 6th century.
in 4-6 centuries BCancient Slavs took part in the Great Migration - the largest migration process, with the result that they have occupied the vast territory of Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe.Gradually, they were divided into three branches: East, West and South Slavs.
Thanks chronicler Nestor, we know the main Eastern Slavic tribes and places of their settlements: in the upper reaches of the Volga, Dnieper, Western Dvina and up to the north lived krivichi;from Volkhov Ilmen were up and Slovenia;Dregovichi inhabited land Polesye from Pripyat to the Berezina;radzimichy lived between Iput and Gomel;about Desna northerners were to be found;from the upper reaches of the Oka and downstream land stretched Vyatichi;in the region of the Middle Dnieper and Kiev were clearing;drevlyans lived along the river Grouse and certainly;Duleby (or Volhynians, buzhans) settled in Volyn;Croats occupied the slopes of the Carpathians;Ulichi Tivertsy tribes and settled on the lower reaches of the Dnieper, the Bug to the mouth of the Danube.
life of the ancient Slavs, their customs and beliefs clarified in numerous archaeological excavations.Thus, it became known that for a long time they did not depart from the patriarchal culture: each tribe was divided into several genera, the genus consists of a number of families who all lived together and owned common property.Managed childbirth and tribal elders.To solve the important issues convened Chamber - a meeting of the elders.
Gradually economic activity obosoblivalas families, and generic device replaced the neighboring communities (cords).
Ancient Slavs were sedentary farmers who cultivated useful plants, breeding livestock, engaged in hunting and fishing, they knew some handicraft.When beginning to develop trade, the city began to emerge.Glade built Kiev, northerners - Chernihiv, radzimichy - Ljubech krivichi - Smolensk, Ilmen Slavs - Novgorod.Slavic warriors squads created to protect their cities, and led teams became princes - mainly Vikings.Gradually princes seize power itself and actually become the masters of the land.
same chronicler Nestor tells us that such principality founded by the Vikings Askold and Dir in Kiev, Rurik - in Novgorod, Rogvold - in Polotsk.
ancient Slavs settled mainly in the settlement - towns near the rivers and lakes.River not only helps to reach neighboring communities, but also to feed the locals.However, the main occupation of the Slavs was agriculture.They plow plowing with oxen or horses.
Cattle was also important in the economy, but because of the climatic conditions were not too developed.Much ancient Slavs actively engaged in hunting and apiculture - prey wild honey and wax.
In their belief, these were pagan tribes - they worshiped nature and dead ancestors.The sky god they called Svarog, and all celestial phenomena were considered children of God - Svarozhich.For example, Svarozhich Perun Slavs especially revered because he sends thunder and lightning, and gave his patronage families during the war.
Fire and Sun is a destructive or beneficial effect, and according to their kind represented Dazhdbog giving life-giving light and warmth, Horse or evil, the nature of heat and burning fires.Stribog was considered the god of the storm and wind.
ancient Slavs attributed to the will of the gods any natural phenomena and changes in the nature.They tried in every way to appease their various festivals and sacrifices.I wonder what could sacrifice to anyone who wanted to do it.But in every tribe had its sorcerer-Sage or magician who could learn changeable will of the gods.
Ancient Slavs did not build temples, and a long time to create images of the gods.Only later they started making idols - roughly made wooden figures.With the adoption of Christianity, paganism and idolatry gradually eradicated.Nevertheless, the religion of our ancestors survived to this day in the form of people's will and agricultural natural holidays.
