New evidence of Norse connections in Kyiv

Walrus ivory carving from Norway

My speculation about the connections between Dublin and Kyiv has been confirmed by the evidence of trade between Norsemen in Greenland and Dublin and Kyiv. A researcher, archaeologist Natalia Khamaiko, digging on a site along the Dnipro found a treasure trove of items belonging to the Viking era of Kyivan Rus. Among those items was a sample of walrus ivory which provided DNA evidence that the ivory originated in Greenland. It happens to be that of a distinct population of walrus that exists only in Greenland and Arctic Canada. So they were trading and travelling between continents - a 4000 km trade route. Amazing!

The study was written up in Science magazine by Andrew Curry. It's a small world and small wonder I feel at home in Ireland. 

Summon the Viking ancestry

Kyi, Shchek, Khoriv and Lybid found the city of Kiev, 482

Both of the capitals of Ukraine and Ireland were founded by Vikings. 

Ukraine by three brothers and their sister who sailed down the rivers until they found the perfect spot to found Kiev and Kievan Rus. It is said to have been established in 482 and Christianity reached it in 988.  

Dublin was founded by Vikings. They founded a new town on the south bank of the Liffey in 841. It was called Dubh Linn, which means black pool. The new town of Dublin was fortified with a ditch and an earth rampart with a wooden palisade on top. The Danes were slowly converted to Christianity and the first Bishop of Dublin was appointed in 1028. 

The Vikings are portrayed as fierce warriors in the western world. But in the Eastern world they are seen as smart, benevolent business people who created centres of trade and excellence. Perhaps Ukrainians have some of both chracteristics -- they want peace and prosperity and are willing to fight for it. 

Read about clinker-built Viking Ships and their routes.