How did the Byzantine Empire support and help the early development of the Kievan and Rus Empire?
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Answer:
The introduction of Byzantine Church rites and above all the Bible, led to Russia becoming a literate society. There may have been a nascent Russian alphabet prior to the conversion of Vladimir. However, the adoption of Orthodox Christianity was decisive in the development of a literate culture in the Russian lands.The Byzantines traded greatly with Russia. Trade encouraged cultural diffusion. The Russians built their churches to look like Byzantine churches. In addition, the absolute power held by Byzantine emperors became a model for future Russian rulers.The Byzantine Empire was located close to the Slavs of Eastern Europe. As Slavic and Viking culture mixed to form Russia, new trade centers were formed, such as the city of Kiev. This trade helped improve the wealth and power of Russia and led to cultural diffusion with Byzantine culture.