The Rise of Russia – The Third Rome Russia grows out of a blending of Slavic and Byzantine cultures and adopts Eastern Orthodox traditions.

Byzantine Missionaries Convert the Slavs Eastern Orthodox missionaries seek to convert the northern peoples known as the Slavs. Eastern Orthodox missionaries seek to convert the northern peoples known as the Slavs. Missionaries create the Cyrillic alphabet—the basis for many Slavic languages. Missionaries create the Cyrillic alphabet—the basis for many Slavic languages. Alphabet enables many groups to read the Bible. Alphabet enables many groups to read the Bible.

Comparison of Alphabets…

Russia’s Birth Emergence of Russian Culture Emergence of Russian Culture Byzantium trades with Slavs—groups living north of the Black Sea.Byzantium trades with Slavs—groups living north of the Black Sea. Eventually Slavic and Greek traditions produce Russian culture.Eventually Slavic and Greek traditions produce Russian culture. Geography of Russia Geography of Russia Russian territory: west of Ural Mountains, and Black Sea to Baltic SeaRussian territory: west of Ural Mountains, and Black Sea to Baltic Sea Forests in north, hilly grasslands in south, three great riversForests in north, hilly grasslands in south, three great rivers

Guests from Overseas, Nicholas Roerich (1899).

Russia’s Birth Slavs and Vikings Slavs and Vikings In the 800s, Vikings called the Rus’ settle among Slavs, and move to KievIn the 800s, Vikings called the Rus’ settle among Slavs, and move to Kiev Viking Rus’ and Slavs mix cultures and become one.Viking Rus’ and Slavs mix cultures and become one.

The Invitation of the Varangians by Viktor Vasnetsov:Varangians Viktor Vasnetsov

The people of Kievan Rus’ are linked to the Byzantines by way of the Dnieper River and the Black Sea

Russia’s Birth Kiev Becomes Orthodox Kiev Becomes Orthodox Princess Olga of Kiev visits Constantinople and converts to ChristianityPrincess Olga of Kiev visits Constantinople and converts to Christianity Her grandson, Vladimir, becomes leader of Kiev around 980Her grandson, Vladimir, becomes leader of Kiev around 980 Vladimir marries daughter of Byzantine EmperorVladimir marries daughter of Byzantine Emperor In 989, Vladimir has all Kiev citizens baptized in the Dnieper RiverIn 989, Vladimir has all Kiev citizens baptized in the Dnieper River Beliefs and traditions of Orthodox Christianity flourish in KievBeliefs and traditions of Orthodox Christianity flourish in Kiev

Why Orthodox Christianity? “The earliest Russian chronicle reports that Vladimir and his advisers decided against Islam as the official religion because of its ban on alcohol and the eating of pork” “The earliest Russian chronicle reports that Vladimir and his advisers decided against Islam as the official religion because of its ban on alcohol and the eating of pork” Earth and Its Peoples, third ed., page Earth and Its Peoples, third ed., page It is said they chose Christianity over Judaism because the Jews lost control of Jerusalem to Muslims, making them seem weak It is said they chose Christianity over Judaism because the Jews lost control of Jerusalem to Muslims, making them seem weak They found Catholic churches dull and depressing and were very impressed by Orthodox churches and ritual They found Catholic churches dull and depressing and were very impressed by Orthodox churches and ritual

Baptism of Saint Prince Vladimir, by Viktor Vasnetsov Icon of Vladimir

Kiev’s Power and Decline Kievan Russia Kievan Russia Vladimir expands Russia into Poland, and north to the Baltic Sea.Vladimir expands Russia into Poland, and north to the Baltic Sea. Vladimir’s son, Yaroslav the Wise, rules Kiev in 1019.Vladimir’s son, Yaroslav the Wise, rules Kiev in Forges alliances, creates legal code based on the Justinian Code, and builds churches.Forges alliances, creates legal code based on the Justinian Code, and builds churches. The only contemporary image of Yaroslav the Wise. It is from his seal.

Monument to Yaroslav in Kiev

Kiev’s Power and Decline Kiev’s Decline Kiev’s Decline Yaroslav divides realm between his sons, which causes a civil war.Yaroslav divides realm between his sons, which causes a civil war. Kiev’s commerce is further weakened by the Crusades (War tends to slow foreign trade, especially since they were trading with Constantinople).Kiev’s commerce is further weakened by the Crusades (War tends to slow foreign trade, especially since they were trading with Constantinople). The Crusades are a clash between Christians and Muslims over control of the Holy Land. The Crusades are a clash between Christians and Muslims over control of the Holy Land.

The Mongol Invasions The Mongols The Mongols Mongols, nomads from central Asia, begin conquests in the early 1200s.Mongols, nomads from central Asia, begin conquests in the early 1200s. Kiev falls in 1240 to Genghis Khan’s grandson, Batu Khan.Kiev falls in 1240 to Genghis Khan’s grandson, Batu Khan. Mongols rule much of Russia for the next 200 years.Mongols rule much of Russia for the next 200 years.

Russia Under Mongol Rule: “The Golden Horde”

Flag of the Golden Horde

The Mongol Invasions Mongol Rule in Russia Mongol Rule in Russia Mongols give Russians many freedoms, but demand obedience and tribute.Mongols give Russians many freedoms, but demand obedience and tribute. Russian nobles such as Alexander Nevsky support the Mongols.Russian nobles such as Alexander Nevsky support the Mongols. Mongol rule isolates Russia from the rest of Europe.Mongol rule isolates Russia from the rest of Europe. Nevsky defended Russia from invasion from Sweden and Germany while collaborating with the powerful Golden Horde.Nevsky defended Russia from invasion from Sweden and Germany while collaborating with the powerful Golden Horde. Icon of Alexander Nevsky. He is venerated as a saint of the Russian Orthodox Church

Russia Breaks Free The Rise of Moscow The Rise of Moscow Moscow is founded in the 1100s, located near Russia’s three main rivers.Moscow is founded in the 1100s, located near Russia’s three main rivers. Moscow’s Powerful Princes Moscow’s Powerful Princes Moscow's princes grow strong under Mongol rule throughout the 1300s.Moscow's princes grow strong under Mongol rule throughout the 1300s. Both the flag and coat of arms of Moscow uses the emblem of Saint George and the Dragon. This legend seems to be symbolic of Moscow throwing off its Mongol rulers.

Russia Breaks Free An Empire Emerges An Empire Emerges Late in the 1400s, Ivan III becomes prince of Moscow and challenges Mongol rule.Late in the 1400s, Ivan III becomes prince of Moscow and challenges Mongol rule. Marries niece of the last Byzantine EmperorMarries niece of the last Byzantine Emperor He takes the name “tsar,” Russian for “Caesar,” and vows to restore Russia.He takes the name “tsar,” Russian for “Caesar,” and vows to restore Russia. Russian and Mongol armies face off at Ugra River in 1480.Russian and Mongol armies face off at Ugra River in Both armies retreat and Russia gains freedom from Mongol rule.Both armies retreat and Russia gains freedom from Mongol rule.