Rurik, a legendary figure often associated with the founding of the Kievan Rus, is said to have been a Scandinavian chieftain, though his exact origins remain unclear. According to the Primary Chronicle, Rurik was invited to rule the region of Novgorod, located in present-day Russia. He and his successors, including his relative Oleg of Novgorod, e
The History of the Kievan Rus: Who Were They and What Was Their Connection to the Vikings?
The Kievan Rus is a term that refers to a medieval state that existed from the 9th to the 13th centuries in Eastern Europe. This state, often seen as a precursor to modern-day Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, played a significant role in the history of Eastern Europe, with its emergence marking the beginning of Slavic civilization in the region. The K
The Viking Legacy: Exploration, Trade, and the End of the Viking Age
As the Viking Age drew to a close in the 11th century, the Vikings had left an indelible mark on the world. Their voyages of exploration were among the most remarkable of the medieval period. Viking explorers, such as Leif Erikson, are credited with discovering North America long before Christopher Columbus, establishing settlements in places like
The Vikings and the Anglo-Saxons: A Complex Relationship
The Viking Raids: Fact vs. Fiction Popular media often portrays Viking raids as brutal and unprovoked attacks on defenseless monasteries and villages. While it is true that the Vikings were skilled raiders who often struck fear into the hearts of their enemies, their raids were not entirely random acts of savagery. Many of the raids were strategic