Byzantine and Russia Timeline
Eriel Coston
Rurik takes control of novgorod
was a Varangian chieftain who gained control of Ladoga in 862, built the Holmgrad settlement near Novgorod, and founded the Rurik Dynasty, which ruled Kievan Rus until the 17th Century. There was a debate over how Rurik came to control Ladoga and Novgorod. Rurik remained in power until his death in 879. His successor the Rurik Dynasty, but he before he died he moved the capitol to Kiev and founded the state of Kievan Rus' which persisted until the Mongol Invasion in 1240. A number of extant princely families are Patrilinealy descended from Rurik. Rurik had a monument built to celebrate Rurik's arrival in Novgorod
Vladimir 1 converts to Christianity
The primary Chronicles reports that in the year 987, after consultation with his boyars, Vladimir the Great sent envoys to study the religions of the various neighboring nations whose representatives had been urging him to embrace their respective faiths. The result is described by the Chronicle Nestor. He also reported that Islam was undesirable do to its taboo against alcoholic beverages and pork. Vladimir consulting with Jewish envoys and questioning them about their religion but ultimately rejecting it as well, saying that their loss of Jerusalem was evidence that they had been abandoned by God. Vladimir settled on Orthodox Christianity
Reign of Yaroslav the Wise and introduction of Russkia
A son of the Viking. Grand prince Vladimir the Great, he was vice-regent of Novgorod at the time of his father's death in 1015. Subsequently, his eldest surviving brother, Svyatopolk the Accursed, killed three of his brothers and seized power in Kiev. Yaroslav with the active support of the Novgorodians and the help of Varangian mercenaries defeated Svyatopolk and became Grand Prince of Kiev in 1019.
Invasion of the Polovsty
nomadic people who were used to conquer the Mongols but also attracted Russian princes. Many princes married Polovtsy women to keep peace .
Invasions of the Mongols
Batu, the grandson of Genhis, raided Russia. Mongols let the princes rule as long as they paid heavy tribute, extended trade between China and Eastern Europe and Russia, but cut Russia off from the west
Moscow becomes the most powerful principality
Ivan the third moved the capital of Moscow to Kiev.
Reign of Ivan the Great
Ivan brought much of northern Russia under his rule, recovered Russian territory, became absolute ruler and limited the landowning noble's power, married a niece of the last Byzantine court rituals to try and get an heir to the empire. Used the double-headed eagle as his symbol and the name tsar.
Reign of Ivan the Terrible
first real tsar of Russia, centralized royal power by limiting the old ruling families and granting land to nobles in exchange for military or other services. Became unstable, killed his own son, secret police carried out his wises. He died in 1584 and Russia was in rebellion but set up the traditon of extreme absolute power.