Human Heritage: A World History

"The Moscow Kremlin"

Introduction
As you read in this chapter, Moscow was founded in 1147 and began as a small trading post on the road from Kiev to the forests in the north. Under the princes of Moscow, and later under the czars, Moscow grew to become a center of trade, government, and religion. Today, Moscow remains the center of Russia's culture, and it retains the architectural elements of Russia's princes and czars. In this activity, you will take a closer look at the historical structure of the Kremlin.

Destination Title: The Kremlin Museum: Pages of History

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Directions
Start at the "Kremlin Museum: Pages of History" Web site.

• "Read the information on the page about the history of the Kremlin.
• Click on the bulleted links on the right side of the page, such as "Antiquities of the Kremlin hill" and "Border fortress" to learn more about the Kremlin.
• Click on the "Kremlin Map" link at the top of the page. When the map of the Kremlin appears, click on one of the towers to read more about it. Then click on the bulleted links to the right side of the page to learn about the different towers in the Kremlin.
• Once again, click on the "Kremlin Map" link at the top of the page. Click on one of the palaces or Cathedrals inside the walls and read about it. Then click on the bulleted links to the right side of the page to learn more about the other structures in the Kremlin.
• Answer the questions that follow.

1			Who is considered the founder of Moscow?
2			When did foreigners start calling the Kremlin a castle? Why?
3			Why do you think the Secret Tower got its name?
4			What big events took place at the Assumption Cathedral?
5			Write a letter to a friend describing your impressions of the Kremlin and its buildings. Be sure to include information about the history of the Kremlin.