Geography: Russia Flashcards
How many languages are spoken in Russia and what is the official language?
170;Russian
What are the issues with Russia’s size?
Problems with communication among the various tribes, governance and order, and hard to defend all of the border from enemy attacks
Who was the Bol’shak?
Oldest person in every village who made all the rules, made the punishments, and tested everyone like family
Why is the word slave said to be derived from the Slav?
It was the Russian name given to those who are Slavs meaning these people were the first people to be sold into slavery due to lack of stability
What were the Slavs like?
Nomadic(moved every 3-4 years), used the slash and burning method for farming, wore clothes made for cold weather(never revealed much skin and had thick, long beards), completely illiterate
Who were Saint Cyril and Methodius?
Two missionaries sent to spread faith and civilize the barbaric Slavs(taught them to read and write)
Who where the Varangians and why did they come to Russia?
Vikings from Scandinavia;they came through Russia to reach the southern economies of Eurasia for money. They also wanted and succeeded in building a kingdom by taking land and goods such as honey, timber, wax, and slaves from the Slavs
What was Kievan Rus?
Time period of Viking rule in Russia
Who was the first leader of Russia?
Rurik
Who was the wife of Igor’s and why is she important?
First female ruler and first Christian ruler of Russia
Why is Vladimir the great called “great”?
Converted Russia to Christianity
What is dvoverie?
Blending of two faiths
Why is Iaroslav the Wise so wise?
Married a Greek woman to unify the countries, made the first Russian law code(Russkaia Pravada:Russian Justice) and changed the system of inheritance
What did Vladimir Monomakh cause that was so significant?
His “Crown of Monomakh” became what the czars wore later
What was appanage Russia?
Mongol Yoke: when the moguls controlled Russia until 1480
What was a baskaki?
Tax collector
What is patrimonialism?
Ruler controls everything(created a system of serfdom)
What is mestinichestvo?
System of deciding who’s in power based on how close you sat to the prince
Who was Ivan Kalita? What did his name truly mean?
He bought two things: the Orthodox Churches and land from other principalities(he got money from taxes and said he’d give the money back but never did) this is why they call him “Kalita” which translates to “moneybags”
Who was Ivan the great?
Ends the Mongol yoke by leading Moscow to defeat other Russian cities by unifying the citizens behind his army, and married a Byzantime princess(heritage of greatness-Julius Caesar)
How big is Russia?
11 time zones, 9 mountain ranges, borders 13 seas, 2 oceans, and 14 other countries
What is the boundary between Europe Russia and Asia Russia?
Ural mountains
What is Russia capital?
Moscow
How many people live al no Russia’s north European plain?
75%
