Origins and Expansion of Russia

Early Tribes and Sources

• Numerous tribes in Eastern Europe during the first millennium
  • No writing system, knowledge from:
    • Archaeological evidence
    • Accounts from Roman Empire and Middle East scholars
    • The Primary Chronicle by Nestor (12th century)
• Common Slavic language and polytheistic religion
  • By 7th century, split into western, southern, and eastern branches

Vikings and the Formation of Kievan Rus

• Tribes subjugated by Vikings (no horned helmets)
• Revolt and expulsion of Vikings
• Internal chaos led tribes to invite Vikings back
  • Rurik and brothers invited to rule
  • Rurik’s son Oleg expanded south to Kiev
  • Formation of Kievan Rus
• "Rus" possibly from Norse for "men who row"

Relations and Religion

• Complex alliances and warfare with Khazar and Byzantine Empires
• Religion pivotal in politics
  • 987: Prince Vladimir I explored other faiths
  • Rejected Islam and Judaism, adopted Orthodox Christianity
  • Deepened ties with Byzantium through marriage and trade
  • Byzantine missionaries created a Slavic alphabet

Flourishing and Decline

• Kievan Rus prospered with rich resources and trade
  • Noble marriages with European rulers
  • Cultural and literacy advancements; some democratic freedoms
• Decline due to:
  • Fratricidal disputes over succession
  • Loss of trade from Fourth Crusade and Constantinople’s decline
  • Threats from Teutonic crusaders

Mongol Invasion

• Ignored rumors of Mongol horde
• 1237: Batu Khan led mounted archers, sacked Kiev
• End of Kievan Rus era, division of its people

Legacy and Development

• Eastern territories (under Mongol rule)
  • Moscow trade post challenged and conquered parts of Mongol empire
  • Reclaimed "Rusya"
• Western regions influenced by Poland and Lithuania
• Former Kievan Rus lands evolved with unique societies, cultures, and languages