Kiev
Slavs migrated into
Russia (probably from
Poland) around the
400’s. And settled in the
region of Novgorod.
Around 900 – 1000’s the second wave of invaders known as
the Vikings arrived. (invaded or invited?) This conquering
Scandinavian tribe was known as the Varangian Russes.
Their leader, Rurik declared the region “the land of Rus” and
this is where we get the name Russia.
A second region of power was in Kiev, today’s Ukraine.
The center of Russian power shifted to Kiev during
the eighth and ninth centuries. Prince Vladimir of
Kiev held a delegation of religious leaders to choose
a religion for the Russians.
Islam with it’s restrictions on alcohol and Judaism
with it’s dietary restrictions and strict guidelines did
not appeal to him.
Orthodoxy became the religion of choice and
created another bond with the Byzantine empire
already known for it’s commercial ties and wealth.
Mongol Rule 1243 - 1480
Also known as the Tatars, the
fierce warriors from Central
Asia swept into Russia and
ended the dominance of Kiev.
They took control of Russian
lands but established their own
capital of Sarai to the south.
As long as the Russian princes
paid tribute to the “Golden
Horde” the segment of their
empire in Russia, they were left
alone.
Thanks to their far flung trade, the
Mongolians brought most of Russia
greater peace and prosperity than they
enjoyed before.
The Nevski’s
Alexander Nevski, prince of Novgorod faced threats from the west and east in
the early 1200’s.
Teutonic (German) knights from the west were threatening Novgorod and the
constant threat from the south and east were the Mongols.
Not having enough resources to fight both he must make a decision to repel
one of these groups.
He chooses to fight the Teutonic knights, because the Mongols allowed self
rule as long as the tribute was paid.
This is important because this decision can be seen as turning toward the east
and away from the west. (Peter I will want to westernize later)
Ivan III – the Great
Doubled the size of the Russia
Laid the foundation for Russia as a
national state.
Complete the defeat of the Tatars
Married the niece of the last Byzantine
empire (Sophia Palaeologus) and
brought artists, architects who helped
build the walled palace – Kremlin.
With this, Moscow becomes the “Third
Rome”.
Began to use the title tsar (czar),
derived from Caesar.
reign 1462 - 1505
Ivan IV – the terrible 1547 – 1584)
Destroyed the city of
Novgorod, suspicious of
treason by boyars (aristocrats).
Killed his gifted eldest son and
heir to the throne.
Arrested, tortured and
murdered hundreds of
aristocrats convinced that they
were plotting against him.
Had the architect of St. Basil’s
eyes scooped out with spoons.
Despite all the horrors of his reign, there were some positive
accomplishments.
St. Basil’s Cathedral
is one of the most
famous buildings in
the world.
Created a new code
of laws.
Reformed the morals
of the clergy.
Financed and
encouraged pioneers
to push beyond the
Urals and settle new
lands.
TIME OF TROUBLES
After the death of Ivan the terrible, a period of civil
wars over succession and resurgence of the power of
the nobility begins.
There were five different rulers none of which was
able to gain complete control.
The time of troubles finally comes to an end with the
ascension of Ivan IV’s grand nephew, Michael
Romanov. He takes the throne in 1613 and the last
Romanov falls in 1917 with the Russian Revolution.