History UsefulNotes / KievanRus

* Common in the various viking sagas though their status as fiction is debatable as many of them were likely not consciously made up on the spot the way a modern fiction writer would(back then it mattered more whether a story was entertaining then whether or not it was true, and most storytellers would just give his own take on a story he liked without bothering to sort). The Rus lands were an exotic haunt that many adventurers went on and came back with stories. Many saga heroes and many protagonists of modern imitations of sagas spent some of their career trading down Russian rivers, or heading to the [[UsefulNotes/ByzantineEmpire Eastern Roman Empire]] to serve as PrivateMilitaryContractors.

* The teen book ''The Last Viking'' by Henry Treece traces the life of Harald Hardrada, including his journey down the Russian rivers to serve as a mercenary. In one part he attends a feast at the hall of the prince of Novgarad and has a sidequest collecting tribute from [[TorchesAndPitchforks rebellious peasants.]]

If we can return to the debate about the origin of the Rus, the clear majority of western historians believe in the Normanist theory. And truthfully, primary sources such as the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annales_Bertiniani#The_Rus.27 annals of St.Bertin]][[note]]Literally spells it out that the Rus were Swedes. Seriously. It says ''"eos gentis esse Sueonum"'' which means ''"These men are Swedes" or "among them are the Swedes"''[[/note]] and [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmad_ibn_Rustah Ahmad ibn Rustah]][[note]]clearly states that the Rus and the Slavs are two completely different peoples, the latter being subservient to the former.[[/note]] seems to support this theory. Since we at TV tropes are not at liberty to discuss these things too vividly thanks to the Administrivia/RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgment, the best thing you can do is go to the library, read up and decide for yourself. [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omeljan_Pritsak Omeljan Pritsak]] and [[http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/961611.W_adys_aw_Duczko Wadyszlaw Duczko]] have written at length about the theory, the former against it and the latter in favor of it.

* Rurik. The presumably Swedish (though frequently identified with the definitely historical Rorik of Dorestad, a ''Danish'' king from the house of Skjöldung) founder of the BigScrewedUpFamily that was the Rurikid dynasty, and of the realm itself.

* Rurik. The presumably Swedish founder of the BigScrewedUpFamily that was the Rurikid dynasty, and of the realm itself.

The theory best known by lay people (usually called "Normanist") says that Kievan Rus was founded by the Scandinavian prince [[note]](At that time, Rusans used one title 'Князь' or 'Knyaz`', and 'Великий' (The great) 'князь' meant ruler of Kiev. The titles were in active use to the end of Russian nobility in early 20th century[[/note]] Rurik and [[UsefulNotes/TheVikingAge his Viking followers]], who migrated south and conquered the backward, almost-tribal Eastern Slavs (ancestors of Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians). The truth is really unknown, and is the grounds for very [[UsefulNotes/MisplacedNationalism hot and politicized debate]].[[note]]Whereas in UsefulNotes/{{Britain}}, the Viking heritage was appropriated and celebrated, thanks to UsefulNotes/{{Norway}} and UsefulNotes/{{Denmark}} being quaint little remote countries in the north, that posed no threat to the British after the Viking age, UsefulNotes/{{Sweden}} and UsefulNotes/{{Russia}} have been deadly enemies ever since the early middle ages to the early 19th century. Even today the relationship between the two countries is mostly formal and cool. He who can lay claim to the Rus, would win a massive propaganda victory.[[/note]][[note]]Although, ironically, the most probab;y historical candidate for the role of legendary Rurik was actually a Dane.[[/note]] Scientific consensus is generally that the Vikings were at a similar level of development to the Slavs, and that their cultures were sufficiently similar for people and nobility to freely mix together. One of the Old Norse words for Ruthenia was "Gardariki" (Realm of [many] towns), which suggests pre-Kievan Rus was already an urbanizing culture. [[note]]Although there's nothing stopping the possibility that these towns were built by Vikings too.[[/note]]

The theory best known by lay people (usually called "Normanist") says that Kievan Rus was founded by the Scandinavian prince [[note]](At that time, Rusans used one title 'Князь' or 'Knyaz`', and 'Великий' (The great) 'князь' meant ruler of Kiev. The titles were in active use to the end of Russian nobility in early 20th century[[/note]] Rurik and [[UsefulNotes/TheVikingAge his Viking followers]], who migrated south and conquered the backward, almost-tribal Eastern Slavs (ancestors of Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians). The truth is really unknown, and is the grounds for very [[UsefulNotes/MisplacedNationalism hot and politicized debate]].[[note]]Whereas in UsefulNotes/{{Britain}}, the Viking heritage was appropriated and celebrated, thanks to UsefulNotes/{{Norway}} and UsefulNotes/{{Denmark}} being quaint little remote countries in the north, that posed no threat to the British after the Viking age, UsefulNotes/{{Sweden}} and UsefulNotes/{{Russia}} have been deadly enemies ever since the early middle ages to the early 19th century. Even today the relationship between the two countries is mostly formal and cool. He who can lay claim to the Rus, would win a massive propaganda victory.[[/note]] Scientific consensus is generally that the Vikings were at a similar level of development to the Slavs, and that their cultures were sufficiently similar for people and nobility to freely mix together. One of the Old Norse words for Ruthenia was "Gardariki" (Realm of [many] towns), which suggests pre-Kievan Rus was already an urbanizing culture. [[note]]Although there's nothing stopping the possibility that these towns were built by Vikings too.[[/note]]

* Anne, daughter of Yaroslav the Wise. As queen of France and wife of Henry I between 1051 and 1060 (Henry's death),she's the ancestor of the rest of the [[UsefulNotes/LEtatCestMoi Capetian dynasty]], up to the current monarchist pretenders in France, as well as the related families (notably, the current Spanish royal family).

* A series of Russian animated features based on the lives of [[Myth/RussianMythologyAndTales the three bogatyrs]] by studio Melnitsa mix folklore characters with real life historical characters like Prince Vladimir the Bright Sun.

The term "Kievan Rus'" was coined in the 19th century in Rusian historiography to refer to its period of history when the centre was in Kyiv and ruling Rurik dynasty sat there. During its actual existence in IX-XIII centuries the state was known simply as "Rus'" or "land of Rus'". From translation of Rusian historiography the term entered the international historiography.

The theory best known by lay people (usually called "Normanist") says that Kievan Rus was founded by the Scandinavian prince [[note]](At that time, Rusians used one title 'Князь' or 'Knyaz`', and 'Великий' (The great) 'князь' meant ruler of Kiev. The titles were in active use to the end of Russian nobility in early 20th century[[/note]] Rurik and [[UsefulNotes/TheVikingAge his Viking followers]], who migrated south and conquered the backward, almost-tribal Eastern Slavs (ancestors of Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians). The truth is really unknown, and is the grounds for very [[UsefulNotes/MisplacedNationalism hot and politicized debate]].[[note]]Whereas in UsefulNotes/{{Britain}}, the Viking heritage was appropriated and celebrated, thanks to UsefulNotes/{{Norway}} and UsefulNotes/{{Denmark}} being quaint little remote countries in the north, that posed no threat to the British after the Viking age, UsefulNotes/{{Sweden}} and UsefulNotes/{{Russia}} have been deadly enemies ever since the early middle ages to the early 19th century. Even today the relationship between the two countries is mostly formal and cool. He who can lay claim to the Rus, would win a massive propaganda victory.[[/note]] Scientific consensus is generally that the Vikings were at a similar level of development to the Slavs, and that their cultures were sufficiently similar for people and nobility to freely mix together. One of the Old Norse words for Ruthenia was "Gardariki" (Realm of [many] towns), which suggests pre-Kievan Rus was already an urbanizing culture. [[note]]Although there's nothing stopping the possibility that these towns were built by Vikings too.[[/note]]

* Semyon Olelkovych. The last prince (not the grand prince) of Kiev, a vassal of the Grand Duke of Lithuania. He was one of the leaders in defence of the Grand Duchy's borders against Tatars and was thought by many to be the new Grand Duke of Lithuania, Ruthenia and Samogitia. After his death in 1470 the Kievan Principality lost its autonomy and was officially subjugated into the Grand Duchy as Kievan Voievodship.

* Kiev is a "rebel" settlement instead of a proper faction in ''VideoGame/MedievalIITotalWar'', but the ''Stainless Steel'' GameMod makes the Kievan Rus properly playable. The Grand Duchy of Kiev starts with a decent capital and has some quality heavy cavalry and horse archers, but not much in the way of professional infantry, and true to history, the Mongols will be heading their way at some point...

* Anne, daughter of Yaroslav the Wise. As queen of France and wife of Henry I between 1051 and 1060 (Henry's death),she's the ancestor of the rest of the [[UsefulNotes/LEtatCestMoi Capetian dynasty]], up to the current monarchist pretenders in France, as well as the related family (notably, the current Spanish royal family).

* In ''Franchise/TombRaider Chronicles'', the demon Verdilet claims to have once served under Alexander Nevsky in his war against Sweden, back when he was a human.
* The teen book, ''The Last Viking'' by Henry Treece traces the life of Harald Hardrada including his journey down the Russian rivers to serve as a mercenary. In one part he attends a feast at the hall of the prince of Novgarad and has a sidequest collecting tribute from [[TorchesAndPitchforks rebellious peasants.]]
* Some time is spent there in ''Mother of Kings'' by Creator/PoulAnderson; specifically Eric Bloodaxe going on an expedition through the rivers before meeting his wife, the title character.
* Common in the various viking sagas though their status as fiction is debatable as many of them were likely not consciously made up on the spot the way a modern fiction writer would(back then it mattered more whether a story was entertaining then whether or not it was true, and most storytellers would just give his own take on a story he liked without bothering to sort). The Rus lands were an exotic haunt that many adventurers went on and came back with stories. Many saga heroes and many protagonists of modern imitations of sagas spent some of their career trading down Russian rivers, or heading to the [[UsefulNotes/ByzantineEmpire Eastern Roman Empire]] to serve as PrivateMilitaryContractors.
** The same debatable state of fiction can be applied to the medieval Swedish [[Literature/TheChronicleOfDukeErik Chronicle of Duke Eric]] wherein the Novgorodians feature prominently as enemies to the Swedish knights, jarls and kings.
* TabletopGame/{{Gurps}} ''Russia'' and to a lesser extent ''Vikings''.

* Series of Russian animated features based on lives of [[Myth/RussianMythologyAndTales three bogatyrs]] by studio Melnitsa mix folklore characters with real life historical characters like prince Vladimir The Bright Sun.

* A frequent location in Literature/TheOathsworn books.
* The 2008 Russian film ''Aleksandr. Nevskaya bitva'' concerns [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Neva the battle of the Neva.]]
* Unsurprisingly, Literature/CascaTheEternalMercenary has been here many times, sometimes fighting against the Rus and sometimes with them.
* ComicBook/{{Northlanders}}: The Plague Widow, is set in a Swedish trading settlement in 11th century Rus. It's beset by [[CrapsackWorld freezing cold, racism and mistrust between the Vikings and the Slavs, rampant galloping corruption among the warrior caste tasked with defending the settlement, and a nice little plague to top it off.]]
* The second part of Literature/TheLongShips is (mostly) set here.
* Literature/EatersOfTheDead is partially based on Ibn Fadlans account of a Rus funeral, but is otherwise pure SpeculativeFiction.
* Season 6 of Series/Vikings features Oleg the prophet and the Rus as the season's primary antagonists.

* Literature/EatersOfTheDead is partially based on Ibn Fadlans account of a Rus funeral, but is otherwise pure SpeculativeFiction.

The term "Kievan Rus'" was coined in the 19th century in Russian historiography to refer to its period of history when the centre was in Kiev and ruling Rurik dynasty sat there. During its actual existence in IX-XIII centuries the state was known simply as "Rus'" or "land of Rus'". From translation of Russian historiography the term entered the international historiography.

The question of who are now the "true heirs" of the Kievan Rus is often a matter of disagreement between Eastern Slavs, with Russians saying that Moscow's reunification of the northern principalities and Kiev's depopulation by the Tatars and later subjugation by Lithuania (and Novgorod, a distinctly Russian city, being the first capital of Rurik's princedom) make it clear which city inherited the title of the capital of the Rus, while Ukrainians see the Galicia-Lodomeria as the heir to original Rus, and claim that Kiev and the southern principalities stayed as the core of Ruthenian culture, unlike the colonial northern principalities, the people of which were intermingled with Ugro-Finns and Tatars (according to [[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10069400 genetic]] [[http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002929707000250 analyses]], Russians, Ukrainians, and Poles are very close, and the Russian genetic pool shows no Turkish or Mongol impact - most likely for the reason that the Tatar-Mongols rarely had direct contact with Russians, and Russians saw them as invaders with inherently alien culture). Belarusian principalities mostly stayed autonomous from Rus and, being united with Aukštaitija, formed the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which would later unite most of the Ruthenian territories, except for Novgorod and North-Eastern colonies that would become a basis for the future Russia. But since Russians pack the greatest punch of the three most of the time, the Russian-Ruthenian connection is the most well known. This question is complicated even more by the fact that a people called Ruthenians (or Rusyns, or Ruthens) do exist now; they are relatives of Ukrainians living in Transcarpathia (and elsewhere; Creator/AndyWarhol — birth name Andriy Varhola — was Ruthenian American).

* The ''VideoGame/CrusaderKings'' games include the rulers of Novgorod and Kiev (among others) as playable characters. The DLC pack ''The Old Gods'' for the second game even pushes the timeline back to Rurik himself.

Kievan Rus, or Ruthenia, was a feudal state that was the precursor to Tsarist Russia. Its early history is ShroudedInMyth; the first reliable historical records are from the ninth century.

The theory best known by lay people (usually called "Normanist") says that Kievan Rus was founded by the Scandinavian prince [[note]](At that time, Russians used one title 'Князь' or 'Knyaz`', and 'Великий' (The great) 'князь' meant ruler of Kiev. The titles were in active use to the end of Russian nobility in early 20th century[[/note]] Rurik and [[UsefulNotes/TheVikingAge his Viking followers]], who migrated south and conquered the backward, almost-tribal Eastern Slavs (ancestors of Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians). The truth is really unknown, and is the grounds for very [[UsefulNotes/MisplacedNationalism hot and politicized debate]].[[note]]Whereas in UsefulNotes/{{Britain}}, the Viking heritage was appropriated and celebrated, thanks to UsefulNotes/{{Norway}} and UsefulNotes/{{Denmark}} being quaint little remote countries in the north, that posed no threat to the British after the Viking age, UsefulNotes/{{Sweden}} and UsefulNotes/{{Russia}} have been deadly enemies ever since the early middle ages to the early 19th century. Even today the relationship between the two countries is mostly formal and cool. He who can lay claim to the Rus, would win a massive propaganda victory.[[/note]] Scientific consensus is generally that the Vikings were at a similar level of development to the Slavs, and that their cultures were sufficiently similar for people and nobility to freely mix together. One of the Old Norse words for Ruthenia was "Gardariki" (Realm of [many] towns), which suggests pre-Kievan Rus was already an urbanizing culture. [[note]]Although there's nothing stopping the possibility that these towns were built by Vikings too.[[/note]]

If we can return to the debate about the origin of the Rus, the clear majority of western historians believe in the Normanist theory. And truthfully, primary sources such as the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annales_Bertiniani#The_Rus.27 annals of St.Bertin]][[note]]Literally spells it out that the Rus were Swedes. Seriously. It says ''"eos gentis esse Sueonum"'' which means ''"These men are Swedes" or "among them are the Swedes"''[[/note]] and [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmad_ibn_Rustah Ahmad ibn Rustah]][[note]]clearly states that the Rus and the Slavs are two completely different peoples, the latter being subservient to the former.[[/note]] seems to support this theory. Since we at TV tropes are not at liberty to discuss these things too vividly thanks to the RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgement, the best thing you can do is go to the library, read up and decide for yourself. [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omeljan_Pritsak Omeljan Pritsak]] and [[http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/961611.W_adys_aw_Duczko Wadyszlaw Duczko]] have written at length about the theory, the former against it and the latter in favor of it.

* Ivan I Kalita (Ivan the Moneybag). One of the first princes of the Moscow Rus, he was a cunning politician, a ManipulativeBastard, and a [[TheQuisling panderer to the Golden Horde]]. By pandering, he ensured the Horde's protection over his small principality, and made Moscow into an important city. It also made him an unpopular character in Russian history.

The Mongols left most of the political system intact, but now the Grand Prince had to be formally recognized as such by his Mongol lieges, who chose the most obedient ones. The Novgorod Rus was spared of the Mongol invasion by being too far north, and its princes and council being such {{Magnificent Bastard}}s (Novgorod was a republic, its prince being only the hired military leader, who could be deposed by the parliament and the city council), but had to deal with other enemies, such as [[UsefulNotes/{{Sweden}} Swedes]] and UsefulNotes/TheTeutonicKnights.

* Yaroslav the Wise, son of Vladimir. Initially known as [[NonIndicativeName The Lame]], he was such a MagnificentBastard that he remains remembered even now. In his time, feudal disintegration of the Rus began. He made the first Russian code of laws, the Russkaya Pravda.

The term "Kievan Rus'" was coined in the 19th century in Russian historiography to refer to its period of history when the centre was in Kiev and ruling Rurik dynasty sat there. During its actual existance in IX-XIII centuries the state was known simply as "Rus'" or "land of Rus'". From translation of Russian historiography the term entered the international historiography.

The theory best known by lay people (usually called "Normanist") says that Kievan Rus was founded by the Scandinavian prince [[note]](At that time, Russians used one title 'Князь' or 'Knyaz`', and 'Великий' (The great) 'князь' meant ruler of Kiev. The titles were in active use to the end of Russian nobility in early 20th century[[/note]] Rurik and [[UsefulNotes/TheVikingAge his Viking followers]], who migrated south and conquered the backward, almost-tribal Eastern Slavs (ancestors of Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians). The truth is really unknown, and is the grounds for very [[MisplacedNationalism hot and politicized debate]].[[note]]Whereas in UsefulNotes/{{Britain}}, the Viking heritage was appropriated and celebrated, thanks to UsefulNotes/{{Norway}} and UsefulNotes/{{Denmark}} being quaint little remote countries in the north, that posed no threat to the British after the Viking age, UsefulNotes/{{Sweden}} and UsefulNotes/{{Russia}} have been deadly enemies ever since the early middle ages to the early 19th century. Even today the relationship between the two countries is mostly formal and cool. He who can lay claim to the Rus, would win a massive propaganda victory.[[/note]] Scientific consensus is generally that the Vikings were at a similar level of development to the Slavs, and that their cultures were sufficiently similar for people and nobility to freely mix together. One of the Old Norse words for Ruthenia was "Gardariki" (Realm of [many] towns), which suggests pre-Kievan Rus was already an urbanizing culture. [[note]]Although there's nothing stopping the possibility that these towns were built by Vikings too.[[/note]]

An official myth dating back to the Imperial era says the Slavs themselves invited the Norse to rule them. Needless to say, it is subject to the same debate, which is generally more about politics than history. Some say that knowing the attitudes and customs of TheDungAges, this is highly unlikely. Others insist that it was actually pretty routine. Just don't try to [[FlameBait bring it up]] in non-scientific circles. The first capital of Rurik's principality was the ancient Northern city of Ladoga (now called ''Old'' Ladoga), but soon moved to Novgorod (another Northern city, founded by the settlers from Ladoga; now called ''Veliky'' ("Great") ''Novgorod'' despite being smaller than [[OtherRussianTownsAndCities the other Novgorod]]; the Norse called it Holmgard). His sons, however, took it south to Kiev.

* Vladimir I (Vladimir the Saint, Vladimir the Bright Sun). The guy who made Rus Christian. He was an illegitimate child, and captured the throne by force. He had several wives, then he received the baptism and forced it on all Rus. A saint of the [[UsefulNotes/OrthodoxChristianity Orthodox Church]]. He's also a recurring character in [[Myth/RussianMythology Slavic epics]], his court in Kiev often served as background for knights' tales, like Camelot in [[Myth/KingArthur Arthurian mythos]].

* Series of Russian animated features based on lives of [[RussianMythologyAndTales three bogatyrs]] by studio Melnitsa mix folklore characters with real life historical characters like prince Vladimir The Bright Sun.

Eventually, the Grand Duchy of Vladimir-Suzdal, later known as "of Moscow", ended up as the most important principality. The Muscovite princes cast off the Mongol-Tatar yoke, annexed the Novgorod Republic and united the northern principalities. The principalities under the Grand Duchy of Moscow later formed the [[UsefulNotes/TsaristRussia Muscovite Tsardom]]. Kiev, the original capital of Ruthenia, and the southern principalities were united by the Galician-Volhynian Principality (later renamed the Kingdom of Rus) for a time, until its lands were divided between the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (which had little connection to the ''modern'' Lithuania, and corresponded mostly to the modern Belorussia[[note]]Current Lithuania was more of an AxCrazy cousin kept out of sight, but cared because its pagan population were {{Proud Warrior Race Guy}}s and its princes made fantastic commanders. It was vassal to the then Lithuania and was called Zhemaitia.[[/note]]), another pretender to be the "true heir" of Ruthenia.

The theory best known by lay people (usually called "Normanist") says that Kievan Rus was founded by the Scandinavian prince [[note]](At that time, Russians used one title 'Князь' or 'Knyaz`', and 'Великий' (The great) 'князь' meant ruler of Kiev. The titles were in active use to the end of Russian nobility in early 20th century[[/note]] Rurik and [[UsefulNotes/TheVikingAge his Viking followers]], who migrated south and conquered the backward, almost-tribal Eastern Slavs (ancestors of Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians). The truth is really unknown, and is the grounds for very [[MisplacedNationalism hot and politicized debate]].[[note]]Whereas in UsefulNotes/{{Britain}}, the Viking heritage was appropriated and celebrated, thanks to UsefulNotes/{{Norway}} and UsefulNotes/{{Denmark}} being silly little remote countries in the north, that posed no threat to the British after the Viking age, UsefulNotes/{{Sweden}} and UsefulNotes/{{Russia}} have been deadly enemies ever since the early middle ages to the early 19th century. Even today the relationship between the two countries is mostly formal and cool. He who can lay claim to the Rus, would win a massive propaganda victory.[[/note]] Scientific consensus is generally that the Vikings were at a similar level of development to the Slavs, and that their cultures were sufficiently similar for people and nobility to freely mix together. One of the Old Norse words for Ruthenia was "Gardariki" (Realm of [many] towns), which suggests pre-Kievan Rus was already an urbanizing culture. [[note]]Although there's nothing stopping the possibility that these towns were built by Vikings too.[[/note]]

The question of who are now the "true heirs" of the Kievan Rus is often a matter of disagreement between Eastern Slavs, with Russians saying that Moscow's reunification of the northern principalities and Kiev's depopulation by the Tatars and later subjugation by Lithuania (and Novgorod, a distinctly Russian city, being the first capital of Rurik's princedom) make it clear which city inherited the title of the capital of the Rus, while Ukrainians see the Galicia-Lodomeria as the heir to original Rus, and claim that Kiev and the southern principalities stayed as the core of Ruthenian culture, unlike the colonial northern principalities, the people of which were intermingled with Ugro-Finns and Tatars (according to [[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10069400 genetic]] [[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22520580 analyses]], some interbreeding with Finno-Ugric nations did indeed happen, while the one with Tatars did not - most likely for the reason that the Tatar-Mongols rarely had direct contact with Russians, and Russians saw them as invaders with inherently alien culture). Belarusian principalities mostly stayed autonomous from Rus and, being united with Aukštaitija, formed the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which would later unite most of the Ruthenian territories, except for Novgorod and North-Eastern colonies that would become a basis for the future Russia. But since Russians pack the greatest punch of the three most of the time, the Russian-Ruthenian connection is the most well known. This question is complicated even more by the fact that a people called Ruthenians (or Rusyns, or Ruthens) do exist now; they are relatives of Ukrainians living in Transcarpathia (and elsewhere; Creator/AndyWarhol — birth name Andriy Varhola — was Ruthenian American).

Eventually, the Grand Duchy of Vladimir-Suzdal, later known as "of Moscow", ended up as the most important principality. The Muscovite princes cast off the Mongol-Tatar yoke, annexed the Novgorod Republic and united the northern principalities. The principalities under the Grand Duchy of Moscow later formed the [[TsaristRussia Muscovite Tsardom]]. Kiev, the original capital of Ruthenia, and the southern principalities were united by the Galician-Volhynian Principality (later renamed the Kingdom of Rus) for a time, until its lands were divided between the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (which had little connection to the ''modern'' Lithuania, and corresponded mostly to the modern Belorussia[[note]]Current Lithuania was more of an AxCrazy cousin kept out of sight, but cared because its pagan population were {{Proud Warrior Race Guy}}s and its princes made fantastic commanders. It was vassal to the then Lithuania and was called Zhemaitia.[[/note]]), another pretender to be the "true heir" of Ruthenia.

* Ivan III. With him, the era ended. He threw off the Mongol yoke, united the northern Ruthenian (now distinctly Russian) principalities and created the Muscovite Tsardom, which eventually became TsaristRussia. No wonder historians called him Ivan the Great. The popular memory was not that grateful, however. Unlike Dmitry or Alexander, Ivan was TheChessmaster, he usually reached his goals through diplomacy and manipulation, and seldom went to war. Centuries later, it made him not interesting to make films, paintings or novels about.

The theory best known by lay people (usually called "Normanist") says that Kievan Rus was founded by the Scandinavian prince [[note]](At that time, Russians used one title 'Князь' or 'Knyaz`', and 'Великий' (The great) 'князь' meant ruler of Kiev. The titles were in active use to the end of Russian nobility in early 20th century[[/note]] Rurik and his Viking followers, who migrated south and conquered the backward, almost-tribal Eastern Slavs (ancestors of Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians). The truth is really unknown, and is the grounds for very [[MisplacedNationalism hot and politicized debate]].[[note]]Whereas in UsefulNotes/{{Britain}}, the Viking heritage was appropriated and celebrated, thanks to UsefulNotes/{{Norway}} and UsefulNotes/{{Denmark}} being silly little remote countries in the north, that posed no threat to the British after the Viking age, UsefulNotes/{{Sweden}} and UsefulNotes/{{Russia}} have been deadly enemies ever since the early middle ages to the early 19th century. Even today the relationship between the two countries is mostly formal and cool. He who can lay claim to the Rus, would win a massive propaganda victory.[[/note]] Scientific consensus is generally that the Vikings were at a similar level of development to the Slavs, and that their cultures were sufficiently similar for people and nobility to freely mix together. One of the Old Norse words for Ruthenia was "Gardariki" (Realm of [many] towns), which suggests pre-Kievan Rus was already an urbanizing culture. [[note]]Although there's nothing stopping the possibility that these towns were built by Vikings too.[[/note]]

Kievan Rus, or Ruthenia, was a feudal state that was the precursor to TsaristRussia. Its early history is ShroudedInMyth; the first reliable historical records are from the ninth century.

The Vikings took over the world!!!!!!