What Is The Relationship Between Byzantium And Russian Civilization

During the 6th and 7th centuries, Russia, known as Kievan Rus’, steadily grew relations with Byzantium. Kiev’s ideal location led it to become a prosperous trading center, from which Russians visited Constantinople. Amidst the trade and cultural diffusion, Orthodox Christianity reached the Russians. Vladimir I converted his kingdom to this form of Christianity. Shortly afterward, priests from Byzantium arrived to educate and train the Russian priesthood. In time, a separate Russian Orthodox church was formed. Many characteristics of Orthodox Christianity infiltrated Russian culture such as the emphasis on almsgiving and monogamy became prevalent. Development of Russian literature occurred when introduced to the Cyrillic alphabet which originates