The culture of Ancient Russia. 9th – first half of the 13th century

In the 10th–11th centuries Russia experienced a quality leap in the development of culture. On the one hand, the adoption of Christianity in the late 10th century gave powerful boost to the development of Ancient Russia. On the other hand, for the first time appears the culture of the city, which has absorbed new ideas brought from the outside and old, still pagan traditions and beliefs. For centuries, the ancient Russian culture was a result of synthesis of diverse elements, experiencing the Scandinavian, the Byzantine and Oriental influence. However, it maintained its vibrant identity.
Numerous design forms, techniques and decors came to Russia from Byzantium, the most culturally developed state of that time. They were subsequently mastered and processed by local craftsmen. Right after the Christianization Russia starts stone construction. Such outstanding monuments like Kiev and Novgorod St. Sofia cathedrals, Vladimir Assumption and Dmitrievsky cathedrals for a long time remain symbols of the era. Cross-domed composition of temples, borrowed from Byzantium, was enriched by Russian architects with wooden elements.
The written language in Russia is registered even before the adoption of Christianity, but its wide spread is associated with this landmark event. Numerous churches and courts of Princes became sources, that spread "book-learning" and education, the place where the first literature monuments were created. The books were written on parchment by statutory script, decorated with colorful miniatures and headpieces. The translations of works of the "fathers and teachers of the Church" were very popular in Russia, as well as Chronicles, solemn and educational works, and life stories of the saints. A special place is dedicated to chronicles that arose in the 11th century and continued until the end of the 17th century. The great role in its development was played by the Kiev Metropolitan Illarion, the author of the "The word of law and grace", and the Kiev-Pechersky monastery, from the walls of which came out the well — known "Tale of Bygone years" - a set of Chronicles of the ancient past of Russia.
The main source of information about the arts and crafts of Ancient Russia are numerous treasures buried during the invasion of Khan Batu in 1237–1241. All of them are sets of jewellery of the nobility, hidden during the endangered period. "Marvelous pattern" introduces us to different types of jewellery. Casting and forging, and stamping, and blackening and gilding, filigree and enamel cloisonné were well known to Russian craftsmen and allowed them to create amazing samples of highly artistic products.
Many local centres of material and spiritual culture appeared in Russia throughout the 12th – first half of the 13th centuries, the entire period of specific principalities (political fragmentation), being defined by regional peculiarities. At the same time, the culture of the principalities in general remained the same, with remarkably noticeable awareness of the unity of the Russian land.