Capital of Ukraine, industrial centre
(chemicals, clothing, leatherwork) and third
largest city of the USSR, on the confluence
of the Desna and Dnieper rivers; population
(1987) 2,554,000. history founded in the 5th
century by Vikings, Kiev replaced Novgorod as
the capital of Slav-dominated Russia 882 and
was the original centre of the Orthodox
Christian faith 988. The city was occupied by
Germany 1941. The Slav domination of Russia
began with the rise of Kiev (see also under
Vikings), the `mother of Russian cities'.
featuresSt Sophia cathedral (11th century)
and Kiev-Pechersky Monastery (both now
museums) survive, and also remains of the
Golden Gate. The Kiev ballet and opera are
renowned.