In this chapter you will read about the earliest history of the first Russian state in Kiev and about Prince Vladimir, who baptized the Russian people as Orthodox Christians. If you know something about this period of Russian history, try to remember the main facts. When reading the chapter, rely on this knowledge and note new facts and opinions that you might not have considered before. Specifically, consider the following questions:
Have you heard any legends about the founding of the Russian state or the Russians’ choice to select Orthodox Christianity (rather than Western Christianity, Judaism or Islam, the other religions of the region)?
Where was the famous Greek city of Constantinople? (What city now stands in that location?) Why was this city important for military and commercial reasons? Why would it have been important for the Kievan state?
Do you know the story of Вещий Олег?
What do you know about the story of the baptism of Russia?
In Russian there is an expression: «Тяжела ты, шапка Мономаха». What do you think it means?
