---
title: The Development of Slavonic Literacy & the Cyrillic Alphabet: The Cultural Transformation of Eastern Europe, c. 863-900
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18316/the-development-of-slavonic-literacy--the-cyrillic/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2026-05-24
---

# The Development of Slavonic Literacy & the Cyrillic Alphabet: The Cultural Transformation of Eastern Europe, c. 863-900

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

## Image File

[![The Development of Slavonic Literacy & the Cyrillic Alphabet: The Cultural Transformation of Eastern Europe, c. 863-900](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/18316.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/18316.png)

## Image Caption

The missions of Saints Cyril and Methodius transformed the religious and cultural development of Central and Eastern [Europe](https://www.worldhistory.org/europe/) during the 9th century. Sent by [Michael III](https://www.worldhistory.org/Michael_III/) (reign 842-867) from the [Eastern Roman Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Empire/) (*“Byzantine [Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/)”*) to evangelize the Slavic populations of Great Moravia, the brothers recognized that the spread of [Christianity](https://www.worldhistory.org/christianity/) required a liturgical and literary tradition accessible in the local Slavonic language. Around 862-863, [Constantine](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Constantine/) (later Cyril) and Methodius developed the Glagolitic [alphabet](https://www.worldhistory.org/alphabet/), enabling the translation of [the Gospels](https://www.worldhistory.org/The_Gospels/), liturgical texts, and ecclesiastical writings from [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) into Old Church Slavonic.

Following the deaths of Cyril (869) and Methodius (885), their disciples continued their work in the First Bulgarian Empire under Boris I of Bulgaria (reign 852–889). Literary centers at Ohrid and Preslav became major hubs of Slavonic scholarship, where a new [script](https://www.worldhistory.org/script/) based largely on Greek uncial forms emerged - later known as the Cyrillic script in association with [Saint Cyril](https://www.worldhistory.org/Saint_Cyril/). Strengthened by the Council of Preslav (893), which elevated Slavonic as a liturgical and administrative language, the Cyrillic tradition spread across Eastern Europe and Eurasia and remains in use today among 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. (2026, May 24). The Development of Slavonic Literacy & the Cyrillic Alphabet: The Cultural Transformation of Eastern Europe, c. 863-900. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18316/the-development-of-slavonic-literacy--the-cyrillic/>
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "The Development of Slavonic Literacy & the Cyrillic Alphabet: The Cultural Transformation of Eastern Europe, c. 863-900." *World History Encyclopedia*, May 24, 2026. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18316/the-development-of-slavonic-literacy--the-cyrillic/>.
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "The Development of Slavonic Literacy & the Cyrillic Alphabet: The Cultural Transformation of Eastern Europe, c. 863-900." *World History Encyclopedia*, 24 May 2026, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18316/the-development-of-slavonic-literacy--the-cyrillic/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 24 May 2026. 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.