Rurik, the founder of the first lasting state administration in Russia, was a prince of the Vikings (Varangians) in Scandinavia. He arrived with two brothers and a large group of followers and established his rule in Novgorod.Viking who founded the Rurik dynasty in Russia, d. c. 879.
Rurik, the founder of the first lasting state administration in Russia, was a prince of the Vikings (Varangians) in Scandinavia. He arrived with two brothers and a large group of followers and established his rule in Novgorod.
Historians are unsure about the process that brought Rurik to Russia. The Russian Primary Chronicle, which was compiled at the beginning of the 12th century, reports that the people of Novgorod had grown tired of the continuous fighting between clans. Having heard of the Vikings' strong military and administrative abilities they invited the Varangians in about 862 to establish order and peace and set up a government in their own city.
The report is not accepted as factual by all historians today. Some evidence suggests that Rurik arrived as part of a Viking incursion in about 855 and established a stronghold in the town of Ladoga, on Lake Ladoga, from where he captured Novgorod later. Others believe that Rurik's people were mercenaries, who turned against their employers.
Rurik was the founder of the Rurik dynasty that ruled different parts of the country and eventually a united Russia for 800 years. Kiev, for 300 years the second most important city next to Novgorod, was founded by Rurik's kinsman Oleg. Ingvar (Igor), who is believed to be Rurik's son, became grand prince of Kiev and is often referred to as the real founder of the Rurik dynasty. The Russian Primary Chronicle paints Igor as greedy and incompetent and describes his military adventures as disasters. His attempt to extort high tribute from the east Slavic Drevlyanes led to his assassination.