1. Write a quick paragraph, based on the listed vocabulary, that predicts what the next subject of study is going to be about.
Slavs
Vikings
Kiev
Czar
Mongols
Byzantine Empire
Christianity
Moscow

2. The Russian Empire
Objective: Explain the origins of Russian culture, the period of Mongol rule, and the emergence of the Russian Empire.

3. Where is Russia and who was living there during the years of Byzantine Empire?

4. The Area north of Constantinople was inhabited by the Slavs

5. -North of Slavic territory was Viking Land.
-These people were called Varangians, or Rus.
-Thus, the name Russia.

6. Viking invasion routes.
1) Where did the Vikings come from?
2) Which geographical feature did Vikings use to further their invasions?
3) What was the basic direction taken by Vikings in their Eastern European invasions?

7. -Supposedly a Viking chief was invited by the Slavs to come be their king.
-His name was Rurik and he founded the city of Novgorod.
-Eventually his decedents moved to Kiev and the lines blurred between Slavs and Vikings

8. Kiev’s King, Vladimir, converted to Christianity and insisted that all his subjects convert.
Now Kiev was not only linked to the Byzantium Empire by trade but also religion
Plus, Vladimir became supreme ruler of the church. Just like Byzantine’s emperors.
Why might it be important to Vladimir that all of his subjects become Christian?

9. The Mongol Invasion

10. In 1200 the Mongols invaded led by Genghis Khan

11. -The Mongols were ferocious, brutal and savage.
-In 1240, the Mongols attacked and demolished Kiev
-The Mongols ruled southern Russia for the next 200 years
-Mongols tolerated Christianity but they had to pay tribute and be obedient.

12. Emergence of Moscow

13. Moscow was founded in 1100
Starting in 1320 with Prince Ivan, the Muscovites, slowly started to use strategies to escape Mongol rule
By 1480, Ivan’s decedents were able to defeat the Mongols
Ivan III declared himself Czar which means “Caesar” to proclaim his intent on making Russia the third Rome.