The Slavs, the Khazars and the Arabs called the Vikings Vikings. Dwelt among these people for the Baltic sea, which until the XVIII century was called Norman. On his strong, boats went in neighbouring and distant lands. Through the Gulf of Finland, the Neva river, Ladoga lake and Volkhov - up to the Ilmen lake, Lovat, and the Western Dvina, not fearing the protracted portages, got to the Dnieper river and through it - to the Black sea. This path was named "from the Varangians to the Greeks".

The first mention of the presence of the Vikings in found in "Tale of bygone years". According to the record in the beginning of IX century on the river ways of Russia began to appear, these aliens overseas. Originally for Russians they were merchants and soldiers, going through Russia to Byzantium to serve the Emperor and on the way beneficial to trade. This is exactly the occupation and specifies the value of the Russian word "Varyag" - peddler, petty dealer, "varaity" - trade.

In addition, the Vikings, which had been known as a fearless warriors, were invited in a hired guards to protect trade routes, the convoy of merchant caravans, protection of territories princes and participation in internecine wars with other Nations. It was the Vikings were the core teams. Scandinavians, from childhood trained military art and venerating the father, mother and all ancestors, above all put lood" relationship of brotherhood, that is fellow team avenging the death "brother" to the last drop of blood. Wherefore was an ideal host, clearly observe subordination and discipline. Headed overseas aliens were Kanungu and the Vikings.

Soon realizing their superiority over peaceful neighbors, militant Scandinavians in 859 has imposed a tribute Chud, Mary, Vesi, ilmens Slavs and Krivichi. Tired of the endless extortion Inozemtsev, the Russians, together, expelled insatiable Varyags. But the peaceful coexistence still did not work. Exhausted by endless strife, they turned again to the Varangians: "Come to reign and own us". This circumstance was the beginning of a transition of Vikings from ambitious neighbors rulers. According to one of the existing versions, responded to the call three Varangian chieftain - Rurik, Truvor, and Sineus and began to reign, respectively, in Novgorod, Izborsk and Beloozersk. On the other - only Rurik, but their home ("blue-HUS") and by a true team ("true boring"). Came the Vikings were significant layer of the population, the largest number of them congregate in large trading cities, mingling with the local population and taking their faith.

There is an assumption that, while appearing to Russia, Rurik came to the city on the river Volkhov. Here he lived by himself, and after him - Prince mayors. Under his rule Novgorod reached its heyday. Apparently, so Ryurikov Novgorod and eclipsed already existed here of the city.

Rurik, concentrating all power in their hands, not suit the residents of the controlled territories policies of his reign and the excesses of his wife. There were frequent turmoil. The suppression of one of them - Novgorod, headed by some Vadim, who was killed together with his supporters and advisors kept mentioning in the Chronicles. Many are unhappy with fled from Novgorod and other cities in Kiev. Two man-at-arms of the Rurik, Askold and dir, asked his permission to go to Constantinople, together with their families. In fact, their goal was Kyiv. To hold the keys of Kiev - city, founded tribal Prince-leader glades Kyi, meant to have power over all trading Nations. Quite easily by combining local and came with them Varyags and all escaped from the power of Rurik, Askold and dir subdued the glades. But, having come to Kyiv at the invitation of the tribe, and as conquerors, besides not having sufficient resources, to organize a solid order in the city, they could not.

In the year 869, turning over power to his relative of Oleg and leaving for the care of his infant son Igor, Rurik died. After three years of reign in Novgorod there was Oleg; having gathered an army of Varyags and all subject to him tribes - chudai, ilmens Slavs, Mary, Vesi and Krivichi, moved the March to the South, to subjugate other Nations, and to expand the territorial boundaries of his Principality. When you come to Kiev, he cunning lured of Askold and dir, killed them and established in the city, making it the capital. Rules of the Kiev Prince, with the squad, which was divided into the boyars of counsel and grida - warriors.

As it is at the Kiev was closed Greco-Varangian trading chain, all leading trade of the city was completely dependent on Kyiv's Prince, who was closing down the Dnipro river, completely shut off all connections with Byzantium. This fact allowed Kyiv to make substantial predominance over other Russian cities.

Association of Kiev and Novgorod (conditional date - 882 year) is considered as the time of occurrence of the old Russian state. The Board Oleg lasted from 882 to 912 years and was marked by the subordination of the majority of East Slavic tribes and the significant strengthening of the borders of Russia.