The beginning of the Rurik dynasty coincides with the beginning of the history of the Russian state, but this period and the identity of the Varangian Rurik are shrouded in legend. Modern scholarship finds it difficult to answer the question of who Rurik really was, but his descendants—princes and tsars—ruled the country for more than 7 centuries. During this time, the state they created became the largest in Europe, covering an area of 5.4 million square kilometers.
Among Rurik’s descendants, who played important roles in Russian history, were very different people: warriors, saints, poets, robbers, fratricides, and lawmakers. Throughout its long history, the dynasty faced devastating wars, treacherous conspiracies, political conflicts, intrigues, and significant geopolitical victories.
We invite everyone interested in national history to watch the captivating documentary Series «Rurikids» online.
