The early Russian State

The history of the Early Russian state dates back to the 9-th century. Kiev, Novgorod and Vladimir formed the centre of ancient Russia. It bypassed the stage of slavery and developed according to the laws of feudal society. After the baptism of Russia in 988 churches and monasteries were built there. Russia became a powerful and progressive Christian state.

Soon however, it began to fall apart into separate principalities. The rulers of some states took advantage of it. Russia fell under the power of the Golden Horde. The German crusaders attacked the north-west of the country. Russia's strength was decreasing. To throw off the yoke of the Golden Horde, revive economy and culture and recover the lost territories, it was necessary to restore the unity of the principal Russian lands. Moscow had no rival among the Russian principalities. It consolidated the Russian lands to become the capital of the powerful state.