1. The Rise of Russia Agenda ► Russian Government, Religion and Economy

2. Geography A Plain from Carpathian Mountains in the West to the Ural Mountains in the East. A Plain from Carpathian Mountains in the West to the Ural Mountains in the East. To the South, the plain is grassy/treeless - steppe To the South, the plain is grassy/treeless - steppe Fertile land good for agriculture. Fertile land good for agriculture. Many rivers that encourage development of trade (Dniester, Dnieper, Don). Many rivers that encourage development of trade (Dniester, Dnieper, Don). Transportation on the Vistula, Neman and Dvina Rivers. Transportation on the Vistula, Neman and Dvina Rivers.

3. People The Geography made the area open to invasion (Avars, Huns, Magyars, Vikings) The Geography made the area open to invasion (Avars, Huns, Magyars, Vikings) Invaders made subjects of the original settlers (Slavs) – origin of the word “slave”. Invaders made subjects of the original settlers (Slavs) – origin of the word “slave”. Vikings were the last invaders – interested in the area for trade purposes. Vikings were the last invaders – interested in the area for trade purposes.

4. Kiev Russia ► Kiev and Novgorod – major cities. ► North of the Black Sea there was a Slavic culture known as “Rus” with capital at Kiev. ► The Leader of the Rus was Rurik. ► The whole region became known as the Rus – named after the people who lived there. ► Rich in grain and natural resources (iron, furs, timber) were important trade partner for Byzantines. ► Kiev is the capital of the region for 300 years.

5. Government Small communities were ruled by princes along with councils of nobles called boyars. Small communities were ruled by princes along with councils of nobles called boyars. At the request of a prince, heads of households would meet in town meetings (veche) to discuss important matters. At the request of a prince, heads of households would meet in town meetings (veche) to discuss important matters. Yaroslav the Wise (1019 to 1054 CE) developed the Pravda Russkia (Russian Justice – a code of law. Yaroslav the Wise (1019 to 1054 CE) developed the Pravda Russkia (Russian Justice – a code of law.

6. BRAIN BREAK! ► Stand up. ► Write the name of an animal in the air with your right elbow. ► Write your best friend’s name in the air with your left elbow. ► Write what you had for breakfast with your right hip. ► Write your favorite dessert with your left hip.

7. Religion Missionaries Cyril and Methodius come from Greece to convert to Christianity in 800s. (created “Cyrillic” alphabet while there) Vladimir I – ordered all Kievans to convert to Christianity Vladimir I – ordered all Kievans to convert to Christianity Liked what he saw in the rituals of the Orthodox Church Liked what he saw in the rituals of the Orthodox Church Wanted to marry the sister of the Byzantine Emperor (Anna) Wanted to marry the sister of the Byzantine Emperor (Anna) Religion is very important in the life of the Russian people – literature, music, art (Icons, mosaics, frescoes) focus on religious themes. Religion is very important in the life of the Russian people – literature, music, art (Icons, mosaics, frescoes) focus on religious themes.

8. Economy ► Trade included agricultural goods, wood, iron, salt, furs, honey and slaves. ► Received wine, silk, spices fruit, jewelry, silver and textiles. ► Social classes emerged:  Princes and boyars  Merchants and artisans  Peasants  Clergy

9. Why is this important? ► Preserve and continue the cultures of Greece and Rome. That way, when Europe is ready, they can rediscover their lost heritage. ► Provide a bridge between Europe and Asia- open to and interested in many things- pass them on to others.