---
title: The Creation of the Cyrillic Alphabet, c. 900
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18316/the-creation-of-the-cyrillic-alphabet-c-900/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2024-01-09
---

# The Creation of the Cyrillic Alphabet, c. 900

_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_

## Image File

[![The Creation of the Cyrillic Alphabet, c. 900](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/18316.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/18316.png)

## Image Caption

A map illustrating the journeys of the brothers Cyril and Methodius, two 9th-century Christian missionaries, that shaped the cultural and linguistic landscape of Central and Eastern [Europe](https://www.worldhistory.org/europe/). Commissioned by the [Byzantine Emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Michael III](https://www.worldhistory.org/Michael_III/) on a mission to evangelize the Slavic peoples, they recognized the crucial need for a written [script](https://www.worldhistory.org/script/) to effectively convey Christian doctrines in the Slavonic (Slavic) languages and devised the Glagolitic [alphabet](https://www.worldhistory.org/alphabet/) (from Old Church Slavonic *"glagolitsa"* - speech) thus enabling the translation of sacred texts into the vernacular. Later, their disciples refined and adapted the script into what is now known as the Cyrillic alphabet (in honor of [Saint Cyril](https://www.worldhistory.org/Saint_Cyril/)). To this day, it remains the [writing](https://www.worldhistory.org/writing/) system for numerous Slavic and non-Slavic languages.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Netchev, S. (2024, January 09). The Creation of the Cyrillic Alphabet, c. 900. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18316/the-creation-of-the-cyrillic-alphabet-c-900/>
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "The Creation of the Cyrillic Alphabet, c. 900." *World History Encyclopedia*, January 09, 2024. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18316/the-creation-of-the-cyrillic-alphabet-c-900/>.
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "The Creation of the Cyrillic Alphabet, c. 900." *World History Encyclopedia*, 09 Jan 2024, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18316/the-creation-of-the-cyrillic-alphabet-c-900/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 09 January 2024. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.