Russia developed differently than western civilizations because of its unique geography. Early Russian life was shaped by three main zones:

Northern forests - provided lumber for fuel and buildings; people hunted fur-bearing animals; poor soil and cold climate prevented farming
Fertile land - farmers settled in southern fertile land; home to Russia's first civilization; includes present-day Ukraine
Steppe - provided pasture for horses and herds of nomadic people; highway along which streams of nomads migrated into Europe

Russia's network of rivers was also very important because not only did it transport people and goods, but it also linked early Russia to the advanced Byzantine Empire.

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World History Unit 2 Project