The Kievan Rus developed close ties with the Byzantines, leading early Russia to adopt .
Orthodox Christianity and elements of Byzantine culture. The Byzantine Empire served as an important cultural and religious influence on the Kievan Rus, and through trade and diplomatic relations, the Rus developed close ties with the Byzantines.
One of the most significant impacts of this relationship was the adoption of Orthodox Christianity by the Kievan Rus. In 988, Vladimir the Great, the ruler of Kiev, converted to Christianity and made it the official religion of his state. This conversion was largely influenced by the Byzantine Emperor Basil II, who sent missionaries and priests to the Rus to spread Orthodox Christianity. As a result, the Kievan Rus became firmly rooted in the Byzantine Christian tradition, which has had a lasting impact on the religious and cultural identity of Russia.
The adoption of Orthodox Christianity brought with it many aspects of Byzantine culture and civilization. Byzantine art, architecture, and religious practices heavily influenced the Kievan Rus. Byzantine-style churches with their distinctive domes and icons became widespread in the Rus lands. Church liturgy, religious rituals, and even aspects of daily life were shaped by Byzantine traditions.
Furthermore, the Kievan Rus also borrowed political and administrative structures from the Byzantines. The concept of a centralized government, with a strong ruler and an organized bureaucracy, was adopted by the Rus. They also looked to the Byzantines for guidance in matters of law and governance.
The close ties between the Kievan Rus and the Byzantines had a lasting effect on the development of early Russia. The adoption of Orthodox Christianity and Byzantine cultural elements laid the foundation for Russian identity and played a crucial role in shaping the history, art, and religion of Russia for centuries to come.