The Rise of Russia and the Mongols Ch 1 Sec 2 & 3

The Vikings are Coming 800 AD the Vikings from Scandinavia drove into eastern Europe. -- Trade was the main interest of the Vikings. -- The many rivers made it possible for the Vikings to settle into the area.

Kievan Russia Cities of Kiev and Novgorod grew along the trade routes. –Kiev became the main route because of its location from Constantinople. –Kievan Russia was lead by princes, that were advised by a council of boyars or nobles.

Attacks on Kiev Kiev declined because of poor leadership. The Mongols took advantage of Kiev's weakness. –By 1240AD they had conquered every city in Kievan Russia. The Mongols taxed the people heavily. –They were able to keep their own gov. and customs.

The Rise of Moscow In time the Mongols grew weak. Mongols gave power to certain princes. –Ivan the Great ruled as a great prince. He became the first independent leader of Russia. Ivan the Terrible –Came to power when he was three. –He considered himself a true heir to the roman and Byzantines empires Took the title of CZAR or Caesar. Responsible for building the power and authority of Russia.