Russian Acheivements
By Rachel winnett and Kelly Hyatt
Rurik takes control of Novgorod
Vladimir I converts to Christianity
Married a sister of the byzantine empire, made Orthodox Christianity the religion of the Rus, Began to align his kingdom politically and culturally to the byzantine empire.
~positive~
Reign of Yaroslav the Wise and introduction of the Pravda Russkia
Set up close ties between church and state, Won several military battle, spreading Christianity. ~positive~
Invasion of the Polovtsy
The first clash between the Polovtsy and the Russians took place in 1054. The Polovtsy repeatedly attacked Russian territory, inflicting strong defeats upon the princes of Kiev in 1068, 1092, 1093, and 1096. They also waged campaigns against Hungary (1070, 1091, 1094) and Byzantium (1087, 1095). _negative_
Invasion of the Mongols
Batu led Mongol armies into Russia
Known as Golden Horde because of the color of their tents
1236 -1241
Ruled Russia for more than 150 years
Areas not controlled by Mongols suffered raids from their armies
Brought peace to the land between China and Eastern Europe, benefits from new trade route across the region
Served as model for later Russian rule.
Cut Russia off from contacts with western Europe
_negative_
Moscow becomes the most powerful Russian principality
Princes of Moscow increased their power
City located near river trade routes
Used their positions to subdue neighboring towns
City became capital, political center, and religious center
Princes of Moscow became patriotic defenders of Russia against foreign rule
1380- rallied other Russians and defeated the Golden Horde at battle of Kulikovo
~Positive~
Reign of Ivan the Great
Ivan III
1462-1505
Recovered Russian territory from Lithuania
Built framework for absolute rule
Tried to limit power of the boyars, great landowning nobles
Adopted Byzantine court rituals
Used double headed eagle as symbol
Referred to himself as tsar, Russian for Caesar
~positive~
Reign of Ivan the Terrible
1547-1584
Ivan IV
Grandson of Ivan the Great
Limited privileges of the boyar families
Granted land to nobles in exchange for military
New laws tying Russian serfs to the land
Trusted no one and had violent fits of rage
Killed his own son
Organized oprichniki, agents of terror who enforced his will
Slaughtered rebellious boyars and sacked towns suspected of disloyalty
Saddles decorated with dog’s head and broom, symbolizing their constant watchfulness
_negative_