Volodymyr the Great

Volodymyr the Great (Volodymyr I) (956–1015) – Grand Prince of Kyivan Rus'

• Actions:
  • Forged an alliance with Byzantium by providing military support to Emperor Basil II.
  • After being betrayed, launched a war, secured marriage to Basil’s sister, and converted to Eastern Christianity.
  • Led the Christianization of Kyivan Rus', uniting the realm under a single faith.
• Significance:
  • Regarded as the founding figure of Kyivan Rus' Christian culture.
  • Strengthened ties with Byzantium, fostering both cultural and political influence.
  • His reign is claimed as a foundation of historical identity and statehood by both Ukraine and Russia.
• Successor and Legacy:
  • Succeeded by his son Yaroslav the Wise (978–1054)

This is part of the #Significantpersons series.