the first russian state: kiev rus’. theories on the origins of kiev rus’ “norman theory”...
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THE FIRST RUSSIAN STATE: KIEV RUS’
THEORIES ON THE ORIGINS OF KIEV RUS’
“NORMAN THEORY”
• Source = Russian PRIMARY CHRONICLE
• Written by monks Nestor & Sylvester
• VARANGIAN (Viking) tribe called RUS invited by Slavs to establish state
• Leader = RURIK
THE FIRST RUSSIAN STATE: KIEV RUS’
St. Nestor the Chronicler
THEORIES ON THE ORIGINS OF KIEV RUS’
SOVIET HISTORIANS’ THEORY
• Rely on archeological evidence & other written sources
• Preconditions for statehood
social & economic
political
THE FIRST RUSSIAN STATE: KIEV RUS’
COMPROMISE THEORY
• Varangians present in Russian lands at time (evidence in “Haraldsaga” & on Viking runestones)
• Primary Chronicle exaggerates, but still good source
• Varangians probably played some role
THE FIRST RUSSIAN STATE: KIEV RUS’
THEORIES ON THE ORIGINS OF KIEV RUS’
ESTABLISHMENT OF STATE
First ruler = RURIK (862-879)
• Centered around Novgorod – on major trade route
Trade Route: “From the Varangians to the Greeks”
THE FIRST RUSSIAN STATE: KIEV RUS’
ESTABLISHMENT OF STATE
First ruler = RURIK (862-879)
• Centered around Novgorod – on major trade route
OLEG = regent until 912
• Expanded south & east
• Occupied Kiev & built it up as cultural & economic center
THE FIRST RUSSIAN STATE: KIEV RUS’
THE RURIKID DYNASTY
IGOR (r. 913-945)
• Continued expansion
• Strengthened state
OLGA (Regent, 945-962)
• Reformed administration
• Converted to Christianity, 955
SVIATOSLAV (r. 962-972)
• Continued expansion
• Overthrew Khazar Khanate
• Killed by Pechenegs, 972
THE FIRST RUSSIAN STATE: KIEV RUS’
THE RURIKID DYNASTY
VLADIMIR (r. 980-1015)
• Converted Kievan state to Christianity
• EXTREMELY SIGNIFICANT EVENT:
brought Russia into Christian world
closer ties with Greek/Byzantine world
set Russia apart from West
introduction of written language: Church Slavonic
THE FIRST RUSSIAN STATE: KIEV RUS’
THE RURIKID DYNASTY
Civil war, 1015
SVIATOPOLK THE DAMNED
• Killed brothers Boris & Gleb
IAROSLAV
• Defeated Sviatopolk, 1019
• Split realm with MSTISLAV
• Became Grand Prince, 1036
THE FIRST RUSSIAN STATE: KIEV RUS’
THE RURIKID DYNASTY
IAROSLAV THE WISE (1036-1054)
• High point of Kievan culture & society
• Promulgated PRAVDA RUSSKAIA
• Defeated external enemies
THE FIRST RUSSIAN STATE: KIEV RUS’