I. Chronology of rise and fall.

A. Consolidation around Kiev under Prince Vladimir I (970s-1015).
B. The apogee under Iaroslav "the Wise" (mid-11th century).
C. Decline in the 12th century.

II. The political "system."

A. Role of the ruling clan: the "Riurikids."
B. Principles of succession.
C. The role of local communities; the veche and verv'.
D. Minimal administration.

1. The evidence of the Chronicle.
2. Princely administration; Russkaia Pravda.
3. Emphasis on oral procedure and traditional methods of conflict resolution.
4. The role of the Church.

E. Centripetal tendencies: Kiev as a federation.