Vladimir I King of WLADYMIROVITCH, GRAND DUKE

                   During the reign of Vladimir (980-1015 political powere apparently was
stabilized along the river trade route, the Orthodox Christinity of Constan-
tinople was adoped 989, and Byzantine institutions and culture was introduced.
Generally, Vladimir gave political and cultural unity to his state and raised
it far above its former pagan lavel.  When Vladimir died he was succeeded
by Yaroslav the Wise (1019-1054), who of his 12 sons, emerged triumphant
after four years of fratricidal strife.