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Volodymyr the Great

Grand prince of Kyiv who ruled from 980 to 1015. His adoption of Christianity and the Christianization of Kyivan Rus in 988 shaped the region's religious and cultural history.

Later artistic depiction of Volodymyr the Great

Later artistic depiction, not a portrait made during his lifetime.

AnonymousUnknown author · Public domain · Image source

Biography

Volodymyr the Great was a son of Sviatoslav and became ruler of Kyiv in 980 after a struggle with his brothers. His early reign involved military campaigns, the consolidation of tribute and territory, and efforts to strengthen the state's religious foundations.

Around 988 he adopted Christianity and married Anna, sister of the Byzantine emperor Basil II. The alliance tied Kyivan Rus more closely to Byzantium. The conversion promoted new churches, religious institutions, written culture, and artistic practices, although Christianization was a continuing process rather than a single event.

Volodymyr is associated with the Church of the Tithes in Kyiv, the support of schools, and traditions of public charity. He died in 1015 and was later venerated as a saint. His rule and the conversion of Rus hold an important place in Ukrainian, Belarusian, and Russian religious and historical traditions, which interpret that shared inheritance in different ways.

  • ODFFU Archive: People Biographies

    Biographical text adapted and translated from the supplied manuscript.

    Consulted 2026-09-14

Biographical sources