1. The Rise of Russia and Eastern Europe

2. The Geography of Russia  Lies on the Eurasian plain that reaches from Europe to the borders of China  Steppe region offered a great highway for nomads to migrate from Asia to Europe

3. The Growth of Kiev  City of Kiev was located at the heart of a vast trading network  Due to trade, Kiev was largely influenced by the Byzantine Empire Acquired a written language Acquired a written language Religious art Religious art Music Music Architecture Architecture

4. Yaroslav the Wise  Ruler during the Golden Age of Kiev  Translated Greek works into his language  Extended power through arranging marriages between his children and royal families of Western Europe

5. Mongol Conquest  Areas of Russia were looted and burned by the Mongols  Thousands of people were killed  Mongols were tolerant rulers, as long as tribute was paid  Left Mongol influences: Trade routes opened between China and Eastern Europe Trade routes opened between China and Eastern Europe Russia was cut off from Western Europe at an important time Russia was cut off from Western Europe at an important time

6. Ivan the Great  Russia’s first czar- absolute ruler  Brought much of northern Russia under his rule  Built the framework for absolute rule Limited the power of the boyars- landowning nobles Limited the power of the boyars- landowning nobles Adopted Byzantine court rituals to emphasize Russia’s role as the heir to Byzantine power Adopted Byzantine court rituals to emphasize Russia’s role as the heir to Byzantine power

7. Ivan the Terrible  Centralized royal power  Unstable ruler, subject to violent fits of rage Killed his own son Killed his own son  His agents would slaughter rebels and sack towns  Left the legend/tradition of extreme absolute power

8. Geography of Eastern Europe  Much of Eastern Europe borders the steppes of Russia  Trade and travel routes linked the Balkans with the Byzantine Empire  Northern regions forged close ties with Western Europe

9. Diverse Mix of People  Geography of Eastern Europe made it a cultural crossroads  The Balkans Slavs spread from central heartland in Russia Slavs spread from central heartland in Russia  Jewish Settlements Eastern Europe was a refuge for Jewish settlers Eastern Europe was a refuge for Jewish settlers Western European Christians attacked Jews Western European Christians attacked Jews Poland: Policy of toleration toward Jews Poland: Policy of toleration toward Jews

10. Early Kingdoms  Poland Roman Catholic Roman Catholic Had to battle Germany, Russia and Mongols to survive Had to battle Germany, Russia and Mongols to survive Gradually increased the power of its nobles Gradually increased the power of its nobles Without a strong central government, declined Without a strong central government, declined  Hungary Also Roman Catholic Also Roman Catholic Hungarian king abused his power, forced to sign document similar to Magna Carta Hungarian king abused his power, forced to sign document similar to Magna Carta Mongols overran Hungary- killing about ½ population Mongols overran Hungary- killing about ½ population