History and Legends of the Capital
Throughout its long history, Kiev has always had the status of the capital - the tribe of Polans, Kievan Rus, the Principality of Kyiv, the Ukrainian People's Republic, the Ukrainian People's Republic of Soviets, the Ukrainian State, the Ukrainian SSR, and since 1991 - independent Ukraine. Repeatedly, it was subjected to destruction and enemy raids, but always revived again.
The history of the city spans more than 1500 years. The exact date of the foundation of Kiev is not known, but historians believe that the first settlement on the site of the modern city existed in the 6th century. Legend has it that the city was founded by brothers Kiy, Shchek, and Horiv, along with their sister Lybedya, and it was named in honor of Kiy's older brother.