Early History of Russia

The nation's history began with that of the East Slavs. They emerged as a recognizable group in Europe between the 3rd and 8th centuries AD (Anno Domini). The first East Slavic state was Kievan Rus'. It arose in the 9th century and was founded and ruled by a noble Viking warrior class and their descendant. Kievan Rus' adopted Christianity from the Byzantine Empire in 988. It was the synthesis of Byzantine and Slavic cultures and that defined Russian culture for the next millennium. Kievan Rus' ultimately disintegrated and the lands were divided into many small feudal states. The most powerful successor state to Kievan Rus' was Moscow (or Grand Duchy of Moscow). Moscow served as the main force in the Russian reunification process and independence struggle against the Golden Horde.

Moscow gradually reunified the surrounding Russian principalities and came to dominate the cultural and political legacy of Kievan Rus'. By the 18th century, the nation had greatly expanded through conquest, annexation and exploration to become the Russian Empire. And it was the third largest empire in history, stretching from Poland eastward to the Pacific Ocean and Alaska.

Give the answers to the questions below.

1. When did the East Slavs emerge?

2. What was the first East Slavic state?

3. Who were the founders of Kievan Rus'?

4. What was the source of Russian Christianity?

5. What was the result of Kievan Rus' disintegration?

6. By what time has Russia become the Russian Empire?

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