Origins of Russia

Origins of Russia examines the formative era of Kievan Rus', a medieval state that laid the foundation for modern Russia. It explores how the interconnected trading posts and warring principalities transformed over time. The book highlights the significant impact of the Byzantine Empire on the nascent Slavic state, and the vital role of river trade routes, like the Volga and Dnieper, in connecting disparate territories. These trade routes served as arteries of commerce, linking Scandinavia and the Baltic with the Black Sea and the Byzantine Empire. The book progresses chronologically, starting with the arrival of the Varangians and the adoption of Orthodox Christianity, culminating with the Mongol invasion in the 13th century. The narrative emphasizes the dynamic interplay between internal political fragmentation and external cultural influences. By exploring the political landscape and cultural exchanges, Origins of Russia reveals how Kievan Rus' was shaped by its internal contradictions and strategic position in the broader Eurasian world.