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Agenda Russian Government, Religion and Economy. The Rise of Russia. Geography. A Plain from Carpathian Mountains in the West to the Ural Mountains in the East . To the South, the plain is grassy/treeless - steppe Fertile land good for agriculture.
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Agenda Russian Government, Religion and Economy The Rise of Russia
Geography • A Plain from Carpathian Mountains in the West to the Ural Mountains in the East. • To the South, the plain is grassy/treeless - steppe • Fertile land good for agriculture. • Many rivers that encourage development of trade (Dniester, Dnieper, Don). • Transportation on the Vistula, Neman and Dvina Rivers.
People • 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”. • Vikings were the last invaders – interested in the area for trade purposes.
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 Ruswas 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.
Government • 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. • Yaroslav the Wise (1019 to 1054 CE) developed the Pravda Russkia (Russian Justice – a code of law.
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.
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 • Liked what he saw in the rituals of the Orthodox Church • 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.
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
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.