Russia

Abstract

Arguably, the origins of Russia may be derived from a Varangian (Viking) tribe who were known as the Rus1, a name that came to be synonymous with the place in which they settled. They were merchant adventurers, probing eastwards into the lands of the East Slavs and down the main rivers towards the Black Sea and Constantinople in search of trade. In doing so they established permanent settlements on the way. According to the Primary Chronicle of the 12th century, quarrelling Slav tribes invited the Rus to come and restore order and rule over them. In 862 Rurik of Jutland, the eldest of three brothers who led the Rus, founded Novgorod. Twenty years later the Rus capital was moved to the more strategically placed Kiev on the River Dnepr and the state of Kievan Rus was established. Rather than impose a Scandinavian culture, the Rurikids absorbed that of their subjects.