The Rise of Russia

Geography influences: Russia lies on Eurasian plain Stretched from Europe to China Three different climates: Northern forests- lumber and building Ukraine Steppe- open, treeless grassland.

Russia and the Byzantine Empire Russia’s rivers run north and south- transportation

Kiev Present-day Ukraine Center of the first Russian state Mixing of two distinct people

Slavs and Vikings Slavs- from Poland and Belarus Simple political organization and were part of clans Small villages, farmed and traded Vikings- conducted thriving trade

Byzantine Influence Trade Greek brother: Cyril and Methodius- adapted Greek alphabet so they could translate the Bible Cyrillic alphabet- current written script still used in Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, and Bulgaria Princess Olga converted to Eastern Orthodox Vladimir (Olga’s grandson) spread the religion

Byzantine Influence Byzantine culture: art, music, architecture Domes became part of the Russian architecture

Russian Power Vladimir’s son  Yarslov the Wise Close ties to the church Russian Orthodox Church- pillar of state power Yaroslav had religious texts translated to the Slavic language

The Mongols 1200’s  leaver of Mongol tribe- Genghis Khan Mongols led armies into Russia  known as Golden Horde Mongols burned Kiev and other Russian towns Areas that were not directly controlled by the Mongols suffered destructive raids from Mongol armies.

The Mongols impact on Russia Mongols converted to Islam Hagia Sophia became an Islamic place of worship. Russian princes modeled themselves after the Mongols: strong central power without interference from nobles, clergy, or wealth merchants.

Moscow City was located near important river trade routes Head of the church made Moscow his capital Became the political and religious center for Russia Mongol power decline

Ivan the Great Between he had most of Russia under his rule Recovered territory that had fell under Lithuania Absolute ruler Tried to limit power Adopted Byzantime court rituals Called himself tsar- Russian for Caesar

Ivan the Terrible 1547 First official Russian ruler crowned tsar Centralized royal power Limited privileges of boyar families Didn’t trust anyone Killed his own sun Dressed in black robes Caused rebellions