Why did the early Russian state of Kiev flourish?

If you are looking for a straightforward answer, trade with the Byzantine Empire helped Kiev Russia flourish. The Byzantine desire for slaves and forest products brought great trade between the two nations. Trade with the Byzantines also led to the conversion of Kiev Russia to Orthodox Christianity instead of adopting Catholicism, despite the fact many Russians would remain Pagan. There were very few major cities throughout the state and even Kiev, with a population between 30,000 to 50,000 inhabitants, paled in comparison to the other major metropolises of the time. Other cities only amounted to small fortified trading post, this in turn led to specialization in crafts such as glass making, a skill imported from Byzantium. Rulers would tax trade allowing them to gain large sums of money in order to support their armies allowing Kiev Russia to remain heavily defended from their enemies. Kiev Russia would continue to prosper until the Mongol invasion in 1237 which eventually did them in. Hoped this answer helped.

The early Russian state of Kiev flourished due to several factors:

1. Geographic Location: Kiev was strategically situated along important trade routes between the Baltic Sea and the Byzantine Empire, facilitating trade and commerce.

2. Natural Resources: The region surrounding Kiev was rich in natural resources such as fertile land for agriculture, forests, and rivers, which supported economic activities and provided sustenance for the population.

3. Political Stability: Kiev benefited from relatively stable governance under rulers such as Prince Oleg and Prince Vladimir, which encouraged economic development and cultural growth.

4. Access to Byzantine Culture: Kiev maintained close ties with the Byzantine Empire, adopting elements of Byzantine culture, religion (Christianity), and governance systems, which contributed to its cultural and intellectual advancement.

5. Economic Growth: Trade with Byzantium and other neighboring regions brought wealth and prosperity to Kiev, fostering the growth of cities, artisanal crafts, and a prosperous merchant class.

6. Development of a Feudal System: The emergence of a feudal system in Kiev allowed for the consolidation of power among nobles and the establishment of a hierarchical social structure, which contributed to stability and the efficient organization of labor and resources.

Overall, a combination of favorable geographic location, abundant resources, political stability, cultural exchange, and economic growth contributed to the flourishing of the early Russian state of Kiev.