Vladimir the Great

Vladimir converted to Christianity and married Anna, sister of Byzantine Emperor Basil II, after capturing Chersonesus. He was baptized in Chersonesus, adopting the name Basil, and initiated the Christianization of Kievan Rus.

Vladimir ordered the mass baptism of the people of Kiev in the Dnieper River. Pagan idols were destroyed, and churches were built. This event established Christianity as the state religion of Kievan Rus.

Vladimir led a military campaign against the White Croats in the Carpathian region, expanding Kievan Rus' territory westward. This campaign secured control over important trade routes and tributary tribes.

Vladimir built the Church of the Tithes (Desyatynna Church) in Kiev, the first stone church in Kievan Rus. He dedicated a tenth of his income to its maintenance, symbolizing the institutionalization of Christianity.