980s facts for kids

The 980s were a time of important changes in Europe. During this decade, some groups fought to keep their old traditions, while others adopted new beliefs that shaped their future.

Key Events of the 980s

The West Slavs' Uprising

In the year 983, a group of people called the West Slavs, who lived east of the Elbe River, started a big rebellion. These people followed their traditional beliefs, which are often called "pagan" religions. They were resisting attempts by German groups to convert them to Christianity.

The West Slavs' revolt was very strong. It temporarily stopped the efforts to spread Christianity in their lands. As a result, German churches and religious communities (called monasteries) that had been built in the area had to be abandoned. This event showed how important it was for these people to protect their own culture and beliefs.

Kievan Rus' Adopts a New Faith

Another major event in the 980s happened in Kievan Rus'. This was a large and powerful state in Eastern Europe, which is now parts of modern-day Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus. In this decade, Kievan Rus' officially accepted Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

This decision was a huge turning point for Kievan Rus'. It meant that their ruler and many of their people chose to follow the Christian faith as practiced by the Eastern Orthodox Church. This choice had a lasting impact on their culture, art, architecture, and laws. It also connected them more closely with the Byzantine Empire, which was a major center of Eastern Orthodoxy.