1. Chapter 9 The Middle Ages in Europe The Russians

2. Slavs Largest group  Russians Influenced by the Byzantine Empire

3. Cyril and Methodius Monks Started to preach to the Slavs Helped the Slavs give up their religion – Helped them become Christians

4. Slavs & Writing The Slavs had NO written language Cyrillic Alphabet Cyril & Methodius  translated the Church’s Bible, songs and ceremonies into the Slavic language – NOW, the Slavs could understand

5. So, what was the Problem?? Most of Europe  Roman Catholic Church Slavs  Eastern Orthodox Church Slavs were left out – 300 years  they knew nothing about discoveries and inventions

6. Eastern Orthodox AD 989  Eastern Orthodox became the official religion of Russia – Felt close to the Byzantine Empire How were they close? Vladimir (early Russian King) – Married the sister of the Byzantine Emperor Empire & Russia traded Russians built their churches to look like churches in the Byzantine Empire

7. Russia AD 862  date Russia was founded Prince Rurik became the ruler Capital  Kiev

8. Kiev On the Dnieper River Important!! – Whoever controlled Kiev, controlled trade