Kievan Rus was a medieval political federation that laid the foundation for modern-day Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia. It emerged in the late 9th century and lasted until the mid-13th century, playing a crucial role in the cultural and political development of Eastern Europe.
Origins and Formation
The origins of Kievan Rus are often traced back to the Viking Oleg, who ruled Novgorod from around 879. In 882, Oleg seized Smolensk and Kiev, making the latter the capital of his new state1. This strategic location on the Dnieper River allowed for control over trade routes between Scandinavia and the Byzantine Empire. Continue reading “The History of Kievan Rus”