Date of Award

Spring 8-1-2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

History

First Advisor

Donald Layton

Second Advisor

Dana Rabin

Third Advisor

Robert Clouse

Abstract

The development of Bulgaria and Ukraine can be traced to the middle ages. During this time period the migrant groups of Bulgars and Varangians settled into those regions and began to create homogenous states that still stand to this day. But the question remains, how did these two nomadic tribal groups pull together a state out of a patchwork of indigenous tribes and ethnic groups? The answer can be found in examining the role of another well established state in the Balkans, the empire of Byzantium. But just how far did the Byzantine Greeks go 1n influencing the development of Bulgaria and Kievan Rus? In what ways did Byzantium alter the cultures of Bulgaria and Kievan Rus? This study aims to answer both of those questions. This study utilizes both primary and secondary sources. Among the most conspicuous primary sources are De Administrando Imperio by Constantine Porphyrogenitus and The Russian Primary Chronicle whose author has been lost to history. Also used were The Strategikon by Maurice and The Chronographia of Michael Psellus. Among the secondary sources used were Sir Steven Runciman, Robert Browning, Michael Florinsky, V.O. Kluchevsky, Cyril Mango, and iv Dimitri Obolensky. Several conclusions are made in this study regarding the nature and impact of Byzantine culture on the development of Bulgaria and Kievan Rus. First, while both groups had valid and somewhat developed societies before the Byzantines entered the picture, the Byzantine Greeks radically shaped those societies. The introduction of Christianity was the first important step towards development. The adoption of Christianity by the Bulgarians and the Russians opened the door for further cultural exchange such as written language, literature, political ideology, and economic development.

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