The Development of Russia
The Kievan Rus state was a Christian state that peaked in the beginning of the 11th century. Boyars, or the noblemen of Russia were the dominant figures in society. There were also many merchants who traded with Scandinavia, the Islamic, and the Byzantine realms. Because of civil wars and the invasion of the Mongols, Russia split into separate parts.In 1169, Russian princes took possession of Kiev. The one thing that rose above the rest and united the state somewhat was the church. It was very strict in terms of following doctrine. Because of the similarities between the Russian church and the Byzantine church, their civilizations were close as well. Once the Mongols took over, they settled near the Volga, north of the Caspian and Black seas, all the way up to Kiev. The princes then had to pay the Mongol lords. Alexander Nevsky, however, showed that he was capable of leadership. He conquered the Germans at Lake Peipus in 1242. He also got along with the Mongols, which meant that they crowned him grand-prince, and this meant his descendants would eventually become leaders of Russia.