988 became a significant year in the history of Rus'. This year, Grand Duke Vladimir Svyatoslavich baptized the people of Kiev. He marked the beginning of a further and comprehensive process of Christianization of all Russian lands. The adoption of Christianity is also associated with the appearance of Slavic writing, Christian liturgical books, and the birth of the education system; Architecture, icon painting, literature and sacred music begin to develop, that is, the formation of the traditional culture of Rus' takes place. Since that time, Kievan Rus, as an equal partner, has been one of the Christian states of Europe.