Most Russian historians divide the Russian culture into several periods:

Contents

1 The culture of Ancient Rus (989-1480) 2 The culture of Muscovy (1480-1703) 3 Russian culture in the 18th century (1703-1801) 4 Russian culture in the 19th century (1801-1914) 5 Russian avant garde (1914-1932) 6 The Stalinist period (1932–1953) 7 Post-stalinist period (1953-1991) 8 Post-Soviet period (1991-present)

The culture of Ancient Rus (989-1480)

Main Article: Culture of Ancient Rus

The Middle Ages for Russia lasted longer than in Europe starting with the adoption of Christianity in 989 and was influenced by the period up to the early 19th century. Byzantine heavily influenced Russian culture with the construction of cathedrals but because of its size it took several centuries for Russia to shake its pagan roots in rebellious principalities. The conversion brought with it translated literature which created a renaissance in Russian writing traditions. It also led to closer ties to European countries and the Roman empire which began influencing Russian architecture in the 11th century creating a synthesis of ideas and styles.

After an invasion by Batu Khan which brought in an authoritarian rule it took until the late 13th century to recover and implement local parliamentarian rule. The early 14th century brought the northeastern lands under the leadership of a Vladimirian border fortress called Moscow which was in competition with Tver for another century. The mid-15th century was dominated by civil war for the position of Grand Prince in Moscow. Ivan III united Russia around Moscow and defeated the Golden Horde at the Great standing on the Ugra river in 1480 to give rise to the sovereign Russian state.

The culture of Muscovy (1480-1703)

Russian culture in the 18th century (1703-1801)

Russian culture in the 19th century (1801-1914)

Russian avant garde (1914-1932)

The Stalinist period (1932–1953)

Post-stalinist period (1953-1991)

With the death of Stalin, there was a new sense of optimism in the Soviet Union with a brief flowering of a more liberal, open culture.

Post-Soviet period (1991-present)

The Culture of Russia includes:

• List of famous Russians
• Music of Russia
• Russian humour
• Russian literature
  • List of Russian language poets
  • Russian formalism
• Russian folklore

Cinema of Russia

• Soviet art
• Russian cuisine