Admin What two cities in the Russian Empire were influenced by the Byzantine Empire?
RUSSIA
- The city of Kiev grew because of trade with the Byzantine Empire.
- Kiev was located on a main water trade route and became a prosperous trading center, and from there many Russians visited Constantinople.
Which city was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire?
Constantinople
Byzantine Empire/Capitals
Modern historians use the term Byzantine Empire to distinguish the state from the western portion of the Roman Empire. The name refers to Byzantium, an ancient Greek colony and transit point that became the location of the Byzantine Empire’s capital city, Constantinople.
How did the Byzantines influence the culture of Russia?
Through Byzantine traders, and more importantly, the Church, Byzantium influenced the art, literature, and architecture of the region. Even the Onion Domes which we associate with Russian buildings were introduced and based on Byzantine architecture.
Why did the Russian rulers choose Orthodox Christianity over Catholicism?
However, in 988, Prince Vladimir was baptized and ordered that the people should be baptized as well. The Russian rulers chose Orthodox Christianity over Catholicism for a number of reasons. First of all, they were physically closer to Constantinople, the center of the Orthodox Church, than they were to Rome.
What are the similarities between Byzantine architecture and Russian architecture?
For instance, the famous Onion Domes that are associated with Russian architecture were based on similar domes present throughout the Byzantine Empire. In fact, the Russian style of church design which focused on a building in the shape of a cross with a dome on top was directly based on the design of Byzantine churches.
How did Russia become a Christian country?
Christianity had been growing among the Russian people for some time, due to Byzantine traders who worked throughout the region, trading for the furs and amber that came from the Baltic coast. However, in 988, Prince Vladimir was baptized and ordered that the people should be baptized as well.