The Byzantine Empire and Russia 300-1453
The Byzantine Empire Constantine moved Roman capital to Byzantium-4th c. Theological controversy raged among patriarchs (Nicaea) Resulted in Great Schism (1054), splitting Church E-W
Brought Cyrillic alphabet and Orthodox Christianity to the Slavs Faced constant threats from outside forces (Sasanids, Germans, Huns) By 7th c., Muslim conquests reduced Empire’s land area Constantinople fell in 1453-became Istanbul
Cyrillic Alphabet
Hagia Sophia
St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow