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Early Russia. Russia’s Birth. First originated west of the Ural Mountains in the region that runs from the Black Sea to the Baltic Sea Three great rivers: Volga, Don, and the Dneiper. All run from the forests to the Black Sea or the Caspian Sea.
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Russia’s Birth • First originated west of the Ural Mountains in the region that runs from the Black Sea to the Baltic Sea • Three great rivers: Volga, Don, and the Dneiper. All run from the forests to the Black Sea or the Caspian Sea. • In the 800s a small band of travelers came from the North called the Rus and were most likely Vikings.
Slavs and Vikings • Russian legends say the Slavs inherited the Viking chief Rurik to be its king. • In 862, he founded Norvgood, Russia’s first important city. • Around 880, a nobleman from Norvgod named Oleg, moved south to Kiev (city on the Dneiper River). • Kiev grew into a principality, gradually the Slavs grew into a single society.
Kiev becomes Orthodox • In 957, Princess Olga, paid a visit to Contantinople and publicly converts to Christianity. She governs from 945-964. • Olga’s grandson, Vladimir comes to the throne in 980 and considers a conversion to Christianity. • He sends out a team to observe the three major religions – lukewarm about Islam, Judaism and Western Christianity. He then converts to Byzantine Christianity.
Kiev becomes Orthodox • Vladimir imports teachers to teach people the new faith. All Orthodox Christianity flourishes in Kiev. • Vladimir is known for liking the idea of the emperor as the supreme ruler.
Kievan Russia • Vladimir expands his state west into Poland and north to the Baltic Sea. • In 1019 Vladimir’s son, Yaroslav The Wise comes into power. • Yaroslav strategically marries off his daughter to rulers in the west forging trading alliances. • Also creates a legal code for Kieven commercial culture. (Crimes against property) • Yaroslav builds the first library and by the 12th century, Kiev is home to about 400 churches.
Kiev’s Decline • Start of the decline, starts with the death of Yaroslav the Wise in 1054. • CRUCIAL ERROR: He divides the his rule amongst his sons. Sons then tear the empire up by fighting over the best territories. (Each generation sees new struggles) • The Crusades of 1095 also disrupted trade
Mongol Invasions • Middle of 1200s, a ferocious group from Central Asia invades Russia. Nomadic group led by Genghis Khan • Their savage burning and killing, earned them a reputation for ruthless killing. • At its height, the Mongol Empire extended from Yellow Sea to the Baltic Sea and into Northern Russia
Mongol Invasions • In 1240, the Mongols attacked and demolished Kiev led by Batu Khan (Genghis Khan’s nephew) • Most of the Kiev population was slaughtered • “When we passed through the land, we saw countless heads and bones of dead people.” - Catholic Bishop • Mongols rule all of Southern Russia for 200 years • “Knanate of the Golden Horde.” (Gold – royal color of the Mongols. “Horde” means camp)
Mongols Rule in Russia • Under Mongol rule all of the Russians could follow their usual customs as long as they did not rebel. • Mongols tolerated all religions. Church acts a mediator between the Russian people and the Mongol rulers • Mongols demand two things: 1. Absolute obedience. 2. Massive amounts of tributes (payments). Russian nobles agreed.
Mongols Rule in Russia • Norgood’s prince, Alexander Nevsky advised his princes to cooperate with the Mongols • Russian nobles crush rebellions and collected taxes for the Mongols • Russians are limited due to Mongol rule and can not develop new idea and inventions
Moscow’s Powerful Princes • Moscow’s powerful prince, Ivan I earned the respect of the Mongols by putting down a rebellion • Mongols then appoint Ivan I the tax collector of all of the Slavic lands • Becomes the wealthiest Russian Prince and earns the nickname, “Ivan Moneybags” • Ivan convinces the leading patriarch to move the capital to Moscow – improved city’s prestige and give them an ally, the Church.
Empire Emerges • Russian state would become an empire under Ivan III • Ivan III challenges Mongol Rule • Takes on the name Czar and declares Russia the “Third Rome.” • 1480, refuses to pay tribute • Leads to the Russians facing the Mongols at the Urga River
Empire Emerges • Neither side advances and marches home • Russians declare this retreat by both sides its liberation from the Mongols.