1. 11.2 The Russian Empire Russia grows out of a blending of Slavic and Byzantine cultures and adopts Eastern Orthodox traditions.

2. 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

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

4. The people of Kievan Rus and linked to the Byzantines by way of the Dnieper River and across the Black Sea

5. 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 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

6. 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…..” “The earliest Russian chronicle reports that Vladimir and his advisers decided against Islam as the official religion because of its ban on alcohol…..” “Why Vladimir chose Orthodox Christianity over the Latin version is not precisely known. The magnificence of Constantinople seems to have been a consideration.” “Why Vladimir chose Orthodox Christianity over the Latin version is not precisely known. The magnificence of Constantinople seems to have been a consideration.” Earth and Its Peoples, third ed., page 233-234 Earth and Its Peoples, third ed., page 233-234

7. 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 1019. Forges alliances, creates legal code, and builds churches.Forges alliances, creates legal code, and builds churches. The only contemporary image of Yaroslav the Wise. It is from his seal.

8. 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 in further weakened by the Crusades (War tends to slow foreign trade, especially since they were trading with Constantinople).Kiev’s commerce in 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 the Holy Land. The Crusades are a clash between Christians and Muslims over the Holy Land.

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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 symbolical of Moscow throwing off its Mongol rulers.

12. 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. He takes the name “czar,” Russian for “Caesar,” and vows to restore Russia.He takes the name “czar,” 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 1480. Both armies retreat and Russia gains freedom from Mongol rule.Both armies retreat and Russia gains freedom from Mongol rule.