History 260

Spring 2008

The Conversion of the Rus

January 18, 2008

I. Vladimir’s conversion story

A. Who was Vladimir?

B. Religious options in 10^th century Rus

1. Islam

2. Judaism

3. Latin Christianity

4. Byzantine Christianity

II. Significance of Christianity in Russian culture

A. Dual faith

B. Kenoticism (Saints Boris and Gleb)

C. Holy Fools

D. Literacy and literary sources

III. Kievan state and society