We arrive to the post-classical period with vikings moving into slavic land and setting the basis for the city of Novgorod in 862, which would later be seen as the beginning of the Russian Empire.
A mixture of greek, slavic and viking cultures shaped Russia in its origins. Princess Olga from Kiev, as well as her grandson Vladimir, had great influence in <u>the conversion and unification of the population under Christianity</u>. This had tremendous impact in the early development and caused church and state to be extremely tightly linked together from the beginning.
<u>Geographical location</u> was a particularly defining element to the start of the Russian history. They were surrounded by waterways which made trading and transportation very easy early on. Being in permanent contact with byzantinum, viking, slavic and greek culture, pushed Russia to absorb all the diversity that made them culturally stronger. However, these very same circumstances made them extremely vulnerable to invasions due to easy access on water.
<u>Around 1240, the mongols invaded a prosperous Russia and managed to control them for over 2 centuries</u>. Eventually, Moscow's church gained enough power and allies to allow Prince Ivan to lead a successful army and begin an independent empire, breaking free from the mongols.
Hope this helps!
