History of Kyiv goes into the depth of ages. Kyiv earth keeps archaeological tracks of ancient men - from hunters of Stone Age to Scythian, Goths, Slavonic and other tribes. Settlements of highly developed Trypillya Culture (dated by III millennium B.C.) are found on the territory of Kyiv. In addition, archaeologists found tracks of Zarubinetska and Tchernyakhivska cultures.

According to the legends, when apostle Andrey Prvozvanny preached christian dogma, he walked up one of the hills on the right bank of the Dnieper and predicted the origin of "large city". Old Russian chronicler Nestor in the Story of Temporal Years told about foundation of the city by three brothers from Polyan tribe: Kye, Schek, Khoriv, and their sister Lybyed. The city was named Kyiv in honor of the elder brother. Fifteen ages passed from that time. For centuries-old history the city had times of ascent and falling, success and defeat, destruction and revival.

In IX century Prince Oleg united north Slavonic lands in mighty state Kyiv Russia with the capital in Kyiv. Christening of Russia that was carried out in 988 in Kyiv by prince Vladimir Svyatoslavovich joined the young state to the circle of Christian countries and resulted in extreme ascent of its culture.

For the years of administration of Prince Yaroslav the Wise (1019-1054), Kyiv Russia reached the greatest prosperity, and Kyiv became the center of its cultural and political life. Yaroslav considerably extended territory of the city and shielded it by a wall and barrage with gates: Gradski Gate from north-east, Golden Gate from south west, Jewish Gates from north west, and Lyadski Gate from south east. On the inside, the city was decorated by numerous majestic constructions. Georgyivsky and Iryninsky monasteries were built (not saved). Sophia Cathedral became a prominent memorial of ancient Kyiv. Beauty and grandeur of the ancient city impressed contemporaries who compared it with Rome and Constantinople. The name of Yaroslav the Wise is connected with the bloom of Old Russian written language, in particular, creation of the first annals, code of Old Russian Laws "Russian Truth" and foundation of the greatest European library in 1037. In 1039 Tithe Church which strongly suffered during a fire in 1017 was updated and consecrated. Many other temples, both in the city and in its outskirts, arose and were renewed thanking to Prince Yaroslav who, according to chroniclers of that time, tried to assimilate "mother of Russian towns" to Byzantium.

In 1240 the city was destroyed by Mongolian conquerors. Kyiv was the first city on the way of Mongols to Western Europe. City defense was led by voevode Dmitriy, because Prince Danylo Galitsky was in Galychina. During the assault, Lyadsky Gate was broken and Tithe Church fortress was destroyed. After this bloody attack of Mongols Christian Kyiv and considerable part of Ukrainian lands were annexed to Lithuania by Prince Olgerd who was at war with crusaders. From 1362 to 1470 Kyiv was the capital of principality of Lithuanian-Russian state. Then, after foundation of Zaporizhska Sich, Cossack Kyiv was exempted from Lithuanian burden. It was exactly the time when epoch of hetman Cossack power begins.

Since 1569 when Zhech Pospolita was founded, Kyiv is under Polish administration. In that time Kyiv becomes the center of fight of Ukrainians for the national and religious self-determination. Administration of Zhech Pospolita on Ukrainian lands, regime of cruel social exploitation and religious oppression led to mighty liberation movement of Ukrainian people.

In 1648 a solemn entrance to Kyiv of war-lord and founder of the Cossack state, Hetman Bogdan Khmelnitsky took place. Kyiv was the place where the new Hetman took decision to fight for new independence of Ukraine.

In 1654 in Pereyaslav negotiations were performed between Ukrainian cossack officers headed by Bogdan Khmelnitsky and Moscow embassy headed by Vasiliy Buturlin. It was concluded Pereyaslav Treaty, according to which Ukraine swore allegiance to Moscow tsar.

A lot of prominent church and public buildings was erected in XVII and XVIII centuries. In 1615 it was started activity of school which went into history as Kyiv brotherly school, founder of Kyiv Mogylyanska Academy. It was founded by Peter Mogyla, metropolitan of Kyiv, Galychina and all Russia.

In 1830 for better strengthening of the city, the new Kyiv fortress was built, and the complex of defensive, military and administrative buildings on Pechersk that was founded at the beginning of XVIII century was named Old Fortress.

Except for Kyiv Mogylyanska Academy, Kyiv, as a great cultural center and abode of historical and architectural legacy, required foundation of other higher educational institutions. In 1833 Russian Emperor Nickolai I signed a decree about foundation of university in Kyiv. In 1834 grand opening of Saint Vladimir University took place.

During XIX century development of Kyiv was characterized by considerable growth of its economy and trade. Kyiv grew into European commercial and industrial center.

At the beginning of XX century Kyiv was already known as historical and scientific center of world importance and abode of Ukrainian national culture. Kyiv concentrated valuable memorials of architecture, history, painting and literature which were created within thousands years and bear countless treasure of all Ukrainian people.

Ideological appeal — to convert Kyiv of petty bourgeoisie and priests into industrial capital of socialistic Ukraine resulted in considerable destructions. Within the period of 1919-1941 about 60 cult constructions were destroyed. Kyiv sustained numerous losses during World War II and in the next period of industrial development. Upon termination of World War II the blasted city was revived getting rich of original specimens of housing and public architecture. The ensemble of rebuilt Khreschatyk became a memorial of that epoch.

14 years passed after proclamation of independence of Ukraine in 1991. It is only an instant for history. However, today one can see real changes in all spheres of life of the country. The appearance of the capital of Ukraine of XXI century formed already today. It carries memorials of the past to the descendants. Inspired by the independence, we believe that our country has great prospects of development and great future as equitable member of the European Community.