What role did the Byzantine Empire play in the history of the Slavs?

The Slavic lands were often influenced by the Byzantine Empire in the first stage of the Middle Ages. This situation developed because of their neighboring borders and the presence of a trade route “from the Varangians to the Greeks.” The territories were located on the way from the Scandinavian countries to the Black Sea. Byzantium influenced the political structure of the Slavic tribes and their religion. In the 10th century, following the example of Byzantium, Russia adopted Christianity. Byzantium was a developed state, so Russia strove to establish relations and trade relations with it.