3. The Cossacks

5. Catherine The Great & The Age of Enlightenment

Why does Russia insist that Crimea is theirs? Why did they annex it in 2014? And how does it all relate to an Empress who ruled for 36 years during Europe's brightest ages? Join us, as we venture through the Russian Empire at its peak - the 18th Century.

4. The Great Northern War and The Fall of the Cossacks

The dawn of the 18th century brought forth dire consequences for the Cossacks and Ukraine: The Great Northern War. But why did an ambitious Swedish King and a cunning Russian Empire spell disaster for the Cossack regime as we know it? Join us as we journey through the events of the Great Northern War, and the epic Battle of Poltava

3. The Cossacks

After years of exploitation and slavery emerged the Cossacks: A people of the Steppes who answered to no one but themselves, valuing freedom over all. But how did a nomadic society reshape power on Eastern Europe's frontier? Join us as we journey through the rise of the Cossacks - some of the fiercest and boldest warriors Europe has ever seen.

2. The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth

In the wake of the death of the Rus, Mongol overlords, Polish kings, and Lithuanian dukes all sought to claim the region for themselves. Yet none could fully assert control. But why? Join us as we journey through one of Ukraine and Eastern Europe’s most chaotic periods, uncovering epic battles and devious schemes. For longer written essays and deeper historical analysis, you can find my work on Substack: https://substack.com/@agastyamohanty?

1. The Rise and Fall of The Kievan Rus

Vikings, empire, religion and power - how do they connect to the first Slavic state? And why does the answer lie in a Viking trading hub established in Kyiv that grew into a forgotten empire? Join us as we journey back to the birth of the Kievan Rus - the first Slavic state, its rise, its collapse and the formation of Slavic identities as we know them today.