The Rise of Russia

Kievan Rus  Begun by invasion of Viking tribes – also known as Slavs – from north of the Baltic.  Both trade partner and sometime enemy of the Byzantine Empire.  First organized territory in Russia.

Alexander Nevsky Battle on the Ice (Neva River) Against the Swedes Teutonic Knight Responsible for beating back the Swedes and founding the city of Kiev. Patron Saint of Russia.

Kievan Rus Kievan Rus

Kievan Rus Kievan Rus   During Roman times, the Slavs expanded into southern Russia. Like the Germanic peoples who pushed into western Europe, the Slavs had a simple political organization divided into clans. They lived in small villages, farmed, and traded along the rivers that ran between the Baltic and the Black seas.   In the 700s and 800s, the Vikings steered their long ships out of Scandinavia. These expert sailors were as much at home on Russian rivers as on the stormy Atlantic. The Vikings, called Varangians by later Russians, worked their way south along the rivers, trading with and collecting tribute from the Slavs. They also conducted a thriving trade with Constantinople.Vikings   Located at the heart of this vital trade network was the city of Kiev. In time, it would become the center of the first Russian state.

Rulers of the Kievan Rus Vladimir I (980) ( 980) Vladimir I ( 980) Vladimir I – Extremely war like ruler of Kiev. Invited missionaries from Judaism, Islam and Christianity to offer reasons for conversion. ( 980) Vladimir I Married the Byzantine emperor’s sister. Brought Christianity and Greco-Roman civilization to Russia. Didn’t like Islam because he couldn’t eat pork & drink, and thought that since the Jews lost Jerusalem to the Muslims, that proved that they were abandoned by God.

Rulers of the Kievan Rus Yaroslav I (1010 – 1054) 1010 – 1054) Yaroslav I 1010 – 1054) Yaroslav I – Created a Russian law code based on Justinian’s Code. (1010 – 1054) Yaroslav I – Created a Russian law code based on Justinian’s Code. (1010 – 1054) Yaroslav I Instituted a Golden Age of Kievan Russia. Built churches and a new capital city. Allied Russia with the rest of Europe by marrying his children to European rulers.

Kiev begins to fall apart  Yaroslav dies. He divided the kingdom among his sons.  His sons tear it apart fighting for power.  This system of dividing among sons continues and further destroys the kingdom.  Then the Crusades disrupt trade.  Finally the Mongols invade. Kiev is demolished. St. Sophia Cathedral, where Yaroslav and his wife Irene are buried

Mongols  They were brutal in their attack.  They held power for 200 years  As long as the Russians did not try to revolt, they could live by their own customs.  The Church acted as a mediator between the Russians and the Mongols.  The Church said the Mongols control over Russia was punishment for their sins.

Mongols continued  Mongols demand 2 things: –Obedience –Regular tributes (money)  The nobles could maintain their titles as long as they collected and delivered the tribute.  The Russians became totally cut off from the rest of the world.

Prince Ivan I  Put down Russian Revolt against Mongols  In return the Mongols made him tax collector of all Slavic lands.  Gave him the title “Great Prince”  He is the most powerful Prince in Russia.  Convinced leading Bishop of Eastern Europe to move to Moscow.  Moscow becomes most important city.

Rulers of the Kievan Rus Ivan the Great ( ) ( ) Ivan III ( ) Ivan III or Ivan the Great – absolute ruler. Took the title of tsar ( ) Ivan III Tsar – Absolute ruler of Russia: from Roman word – Caesar Defeated the Mongols, who had gained control of Russia Mongols and Russians face off at the Ugra River. Neither side wanted to fight, so they just went home. Extended Russian territory

Ivan the Great ( ) Ivan III Tearing the Great Khan’s Letter Requesting More Tribute in So there.

Ivan the Terrible  ( ) Ivan the Terrible - Centralized royal power ( ) Ivan the Terrible ( ) Ivan the Terrible  Introduced new laws that tied Russian serfs to the land  Used agents of terror to consolidate his power  Had thousands of people killed because he suspected a plot.

Ivan the Terrible  Became increasingly insane and paranoid as his reign progressed. He waffled between complete depravity and religious fervor.  The more out of control he got, the more out of control his secret police got – thousands were killed ,000 were killed in the Massacre of Novgorod in a minor dispute.  He beat his daughter-in-law, causing a miscarriage, because of “immodest clothing,” and killed his eldest son in a fit of rage with a cane after he argued with Ivan regarding this.  Recent exhumations show large amounts of mercury, which means he was probably murdered. Ivan the Terrible holding the body of his son, Tsarevich Ivan Ivanivich, after he had killed him.

Russian Territory at the End of Ivan IV