I propose you to take part in this discussion if you are interested in analysis of different events.It is obvious that in ancient times geographical position of a country determined its development. If you live in an ancient country, it will be great to hear your ideas in this connection.
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Here is the story about my country and my native city.
No doubt, Ukraine is not as old as Armenia. However its territory was already populated many centuries B.C. It was a part of extent Roman Empire as you can see on this map.
Kiev, my native city, is considered to have been the first town founded on this land that gave the beginning to three modern states: Ukraine, Byelorussia and Russia. It is located in the middle flow of the Dnieper River which ancient name was Borysthenes. These terrirories were already known at the times of Herodotus as you can see from his map.
Benefical location of Kiev caused its rapid growth and development because it lay on the intersection of two greatest ancient ways. One was called "From Varangians to Greek", i.e., from Scandinavia to the Mediterranian countries, and the other was known as "The Great Silk Way", i.e., from Oriental countries to Europe. After the collapse of Kiev Russ State and the Mongolian invation Ukraine was formed as a state and got the exit to the Black sea. This fact, together with our unique fertile soiles, made many different countries conquer Ukraine time and again. Some of them still want us back! My country is like a cherry on the cake for those who don't have such soils and exit to the Black sea! Like Armenia, we got our independence in 1991, after the collapse of the USSR and I'd like to believe that we will never give it back despite all our internal problems.
Here is the modern map of Europe for you all to see where I live.
Hi, Ruzan! Thank you for the story about Armenia. As we are almost neighbors I know a little about your ancient history. However, I believe it will be very useful for many people in this Club to learn more from history and geography.
Ruzan said:
Hello Tanya, As you said, geographiacl position of a country determined its development and I agree with you. I'm from Armenia.Armenia is a mountainous country, on the southeastern edge of Europe, and at the gateway to the Middle East, and all of Asia.
This valuable geographical position for potential trade between continents became a curse of sorts for my country. Over the centuries it was invaded and controlled by various empires, including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman.
Armenia gained independence in 1991.Regional fighting with our neighbour(Azerbaijan) bloodied both countries.Our local economy still suffers from the long-term ramifications of war,an Azerbaijan fuel blockade, and a very severe 1988 earthquake that destroyed much of its infrastructure, and killed over 55,000 of its citizens.
The bad thing is that,now we don't have any exit to the sea and we should always keep good realationships with our neighbours,which isn't easy.They can just close their borders.
BTW:In nowdays we are not lucky with our geographical position.
Hello Tanya,
As you said, geographiacl position of a country determined its development and I agree with you.
I'm from Armenia.Armenia is a mountainous country, on the southeastern edge of Europe, and at the gateway to the Middle East, and all of Asia.
This valuable geographical position for potential trade between continents became a curse of sorts for my country. Over the centuries it was invaded and controlled by various empires, including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman.
Armenia gained independence in 1991.Regional fighting with our neighbour(Azerbaijan) bloodied both countries.Our local economy still suffers from the long-term ramifications of war,an Azerbaijan fuel blockade, and a very severe 1988 earthquake that destroyed much of its infrastructure, and killed over 55,000 of its citizens.
The bad thing is that,now we don't have any exit to the sea and we should always keep good realationships with our neighbours,which isn't easy.They can just close their borders.
BTW:In nowdays we are not lucky with our geographical position.
Replies
No doubt, Ukraine is not as old as Armenia. However its territory was already populated many centuries B.C. It was a part of extent Roman Empire as you can see on this map.
Kiev, my native city, is considered to have been the first town founded on this land that gave the beginning to three modern states: Ukraine, Byelorussia and Russia. It is located in the middle flow of the Dnieper River which ancient name was Borysthenes. These terrirories were already known at the times of Herodotus as you can see from his map.
Benefical location of Kiev caused its rapid growth and development because it lay on the intersection of two greatest ancient ways. One was called "From Varangians to Greek", i.e., from Scandinavia to the Mediterranian countries, and the other was known as "The Great Silk Way", i.e., from Oriental countries to Europe. After the collapse of Kiev Russ State and the Mongolian invation Ukraine was formed as a state and got the exit to the Black sea. This fact, together with our unique fertile soiles, made many different countries conquer Ukraine time and again. Some of them still want us back! My country is like a cherry on the cake for those who don't have such soils and exit to the Black sea! Like Armenia, we got our independence in 1991, after the collapse of the USSR and I'd like to believe that we will never give it back despite all our internal problems.
Here is the modern map of Europe for you all to see where I live.
Ruzan said:
As you said, geographiacl position of a country determined its development and I agree with you.
I'm from Armenia.Armenia is a mountainous country, on the southeastern edge of Europe, and at the gateway to the Middle East, and all of Asia.
This valuable geographical position for potential trade between continents became a curse of sorts for my country. Over the centuries it was invaded and controlled by various empires, including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman.
Armenia gained independence in 1991.Regional fighting with our neighbour(Azerbaijan) bloodied both countries.Our local economy still suffers from the long-term ramifications of war,an Azerbaijan fuel blockade, and a very severe 1988 earthquake that destroyed much of its infrastructure, and killed over 55,000 of its citizens.
The bad thing is that,now we don't have any exit to the sea and we should always keep good realationships with our neighbours,which isn't easy.They can just close their borders.
BTW:In nowdays we are not lucky with our geographical position.