1. WHI: SOL 7e Byzantine and Russia

2. The Byzantine Empire’s geographic proximity to trade routes allowed diffusion of religion, culture, and goods from the Byzantines to the Slavs, who created Russia. The Slavs adopted Eastern Orthodox Christianity, as did people in much of Eastern Europe. St. Cyril adopted the Greek alphabet for the Slavic languages, and it became known as the Cyrillic alphabet. The people in Eastern Europe and Russia also adopted Byzantine architecture and religious art (icons).

3. Importance of location Steppe provided a natural highway for nomads. Network of rivers provided transportation that led to trade, particularly with the Byzantine Empire. Kiev was located at the center of trade among the Vikings, Slavs, and Byzantines

5. Influence of Byzantine culture Byzantine cultural influence was possible because of trade routes linking the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea. Prince Vladimir adopted Orthodox Christianity, and Russia spread it to much of Eastern Europe. St. Cyril adopted the Greek alphabet to the Slavic language, thus, creating the Cyrillic alphabet, which enabled Slavs to read the Bible.

7. Church architecture and religious art Churches with onion-shaped domes were built, and modification of Byzantine domes occurred. Icons and mosaics were used as decoration for buildings

9. Mongol conquest Golden Horde, led by Ghengis Khan, conquered early Russia. Massive destruction occurred; towns were destroyed and people were killed. Russia was in state of decline and cut off from Western Europe under Mongol rule. Moscow grew in importance after Kiev’s destruction. Church grew more powerful because the Mongols tolerated the Eastern Orthodox Church. Trade routes between China and Eastern Europe opened up.

11. Emergence of Russia Princes gained more power under Mongol rule and adapted the Mongol leadership model of absolute rule. Ivan the Great rejected Mongol rule and united Russia. Moscow became the capital. Russia became known as the “Third Rome.” Ivan the Great took the title czar (Caesar), and vowed to carry on the traditions of Rome and Constantinople.