From Eastern Europe Russia became a superpower by developing the vast steppes and forests of Asian Siberia and maintaining relations with its advanced European neighbors upon its western borders. In the 18th and 20th centuries Russia decidedly embraced the heritage of both Asia and Europe creating a unique blend of cultures. The foundations of much of Russian culture comes the Orthodox Church in its unique version of Christianity and the patronage that was once bestowed by the Government upon for the most notable artisans.