Lesson 3: Early Russia (Civilizations of Eastern Europe)
π° Early Russia: Civilizations of Eastern Europe
A long time ago, the lands we now call Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus were home to many different tribes. Over time, they grew into strong cities and kingdoms. Their story is full of adventure, battles, and big changes!
ποΈ Why Did the Rus Move Their Capital from Novgorod to Kiev?
At first, the Rus people lived in Novgorod, a city in the north.
But soon, they moved their capital to Kiev, farther south.
Why did they move?
Better Trade: Kiev was on the Dnieper River, a great river for trade with the rich Byzantine Empire.
Warmer Land: Kiev had better weather for farming.
Stronger Control: It was easier to control the land and people from Kiev.
πΆ Fun Story: Traders from Kiev sailed down rivers all the way to Constantinople. They sold fur, honey, and wax β and sometimes even went to war if trade deals didnβt go their way!
π Who Was Prince Ivan III?
Prince Ivan III, also known as Ivan the Great, ruled in Moscow many years later.
He became one of Russiaβs most important leaders.
What did he do?
He ended Mongol rule over Russia.
He grew Moscow into a strong and rich city.
He called himself "Tsar" (meaning "Caesar" like the Roman emperors) to show he was a powerful leader.
π‘οΈ Fun Story: Ivan married the niece of the last Byzantine emperor. People said Moscow became the "Third Rome" β after Rome and Constantinople!
π How Did the Russian Government Change Under the Mongols?
In the 1200s, the Mongols invaded Russia.
They burned cities, took riches, and made Russian princes pay heavy taxes.
Under the Mongols:
Russian princes had to obey the Mongols and collect money for them.
The government became very strict and centralized β power was in the hands of a few leaders.
People learned to live under strong rulers.
π₯ Sad Story: The beautiful city of Kiev was almost destroyed when the Mongols attacked. Afterward, Moscow started to rise in power because it was safer and smarter about dealing with the Mongols.
βοΈ How Did Christianity Spread into Russia?
Christianity came to Russia from the Byzantine Empire.
Prince Vladimir of Kiev wanted a religion for his people.
He sent messengers to study different religions β Islam, Judaism, Western Christianity, and Eastern Christianity.
When his men saw the beauty of the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, they were amazed!
They told Vladimir, "We no longer knew whether we were in heaven or on earth."
So in 988, Prince Vladimir became a Christian and baptized his people.
This made Russia a Christian land, following the Eastern Orthodox Church.
π¦ Fun Story: Thousands of people lined up along the riverbanks in Kiev to be baptized. It was like one giant swimming party β but for a holy purpose!
π€ How Is the Russian Language Different from English?
One big difference is the alphabet.
English uses the Latin alphabet: A, B, C, D...
Russian uses the Cyrillic alphabet: Π, Π, Π, Π...
The Cyrillic alphabet was made by two brothers, Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius, to help people read the Bible in their own language.
π Fun Story: Saint Cyril loved language so much that the new alphabet was named after him β Cyrillic!