Russia Flashcards
How many languages are spoken in Russia? What is the official language?
Over 170 languages are spoken; Russian is the official language.
What problems does the size of the country lead to?
Communications, government, and enemies
What is the Bol’shak?
The oldest man in the village, in charge of everything
What was the ethnic name for Russians?
Slavs; ‘slave’ is thought to derive from the word.
What were the Slavs like?
They were nomadic, they used the slash and burn method for farming, and they wore clothes designed for winter (heavy, warm clothes). They were also completely illiterate.
Who were Saint Cyril and Methodius?
Two missionaries sent to spread faith and civilize the barbaric Slavs. They tried to teach them how to read and write as well but it didn’t work.
Why did Vikings come to Russia?
To reach southern economies in Eurasia.
How did the Varangians build a kingdom?
By taking goods (honey, timber, wax, and slaves) from the Slavs
What name did Russia have under Viking rule?
Kievan Rus
Who was Rurik?
The first ruler of Russia
Who was Olga?
The wife of Igor; the first female and Christian ruler of Kievan Rus
Why was Vladimir the Great considered great?
He converted Russia to Christianity.
What is dvoverie?
Blending of two faiths.
What made Iaroslav the Wise so wise?
He married a Greek princess to unify the countries, changed the Russian law code, and changed the system of inheritance.
Whose crown did the tsars wear?
Vladimir Monomakh; “crown of Monomakh”
Who controlled Russia in Appanage Russia?
Mongols, who ruled until 1480
What did the Mongols use to raise money from Russia?
A baskaki (tax collector)
What were the two ways of deciding who’s in power?
Patrimonialism (ruler controls everything); Mestnichestvo (how close one sits to the prince)
Explain Ivan I (Ivan Kalita)
“Johnny Moneybags”
He convinced the Mongols that he should collect all the money at once and then give it to them; instead, he bought the Eastern Orthodox church and land from other principalities, unifying Russia.
Explain Ivan the Great (Ivan III)
He ended the Mongol Yoke and married a Byzantine princess, thus beginning the heritage of greatness from Caesar
Explain just how big Russia is.
Russia covers about 6.6 million square miles; this includes 11 time zones, 9 mountain ranges; borders 13 seas, 2 oceans, and 14 other countries.
What do the Ural mountains mark?
The boundary between Europe and Asia.
What is the capital city of Russia?
Moscow
What is the Caspian Sea doing over time?
Evaporating, becoming more and more salty
What is the deepest supply of freshwater in the world?
Lake Baikal; 20% of freshwater
How much of Russia’s land can support agriculture?
10%
How much do the forests in Russia shrunk by every year?
40m acres
How much softwood does Russia’s taiga hold?
50%
Who invaded Russia in 1812 and why did they fail?
Napoleon’s army of 600k invaded, but Russia’s climate was brutal and only 40k survived.
How do you spell RUSSIA in Russian?
РОССИЯ
