Timeline: Early Russian History
From legendary warrior Rurik to Ivan the Great

by David Johnson
862 882 988 1169 1237 1271 1380 1462 Next Timeline
Circa 862
Rurik, a semi-legendary Scandinavian warrior, establishes "Russ" or "Rhos" state at Novgorod
882
Oleg moves capital to Kiev, in present-day Ukraine
988-9
Grand Duke Vladimir I becomes Eastern Orthodox
1169
Prince Andrei Bogolubski moves capital to Vladimir, near Moscow
1237-1240
The Mongols (Tatars) under Batu Khan, invade, devastate Russia
Circa 1271
Moscow becomes capital of Grand Duchy of Suzdal-Vladimir
1380
Dmitri Donskoi defeats Tatars; takes title Grand Duke of Moscow
1462-1505
Ivan III (the Great) begins annexing surrounding areas, builds autocratic state; religious leaders proclaim Moscow "the third Rome"—heir to Rome, Constantinople

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    		•  More Resources
    Academic, university:
    Boston University Institute for the Study of Conflict, Ideology and Policy
    Harvard University, Davis Center

    Academic, K-12:
    TeacherVision.com, Russia

    Government:
    Embassy of the Russian Federation to U.S.
    CIA World Factbook, Russia

    News:
    Moscow Times
    Russia Today
    St. Petersburg Times

    Nuclear/Environment:
    Bellona Foundation

    Religion:
    Russian Orthodox Church (official)

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