Rurikids
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The Rurik dynasty, also known as the Rurikid or Riurikid dynasty, as well as simply Rurikids or Riurikids, was a noble lineage allegedly founded by the Varangian prince Rurik, who, according to tradition, established himself at Novgorod in the year 862. The Rurikids were the ruling dynasty of Kievan Rus' and its principalities following its disintegration.
Millennium of Russia monument in Novgorod with Rurik (centre), Vladimir the Great (left), Dmitry Donskoy (right)
Monument to Prince Volodymyr on Volodymyrska Hill in Kyiv
Coat of arms of the families of Monastyrev stock is composed of Smolensk and Belozersk emblems.
Coat of arms of the Gorchakov family
Varangians
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The Varangians were Viking conquerors, traders and settlers, mostly from present-day Sweden. The Varangians settled in the territories of present-day Belarus, Russia and Ukraine from the 8th and 9th centuries, and established the state of Kievan Rus' as well as the principalities of Polotsk and Turov. They also formed the Byzantine Varangian Guard, which later also included Anglo-Saxons.
One of the runic inscriptions in Hagia Sophia, probably carved by members of the Varangian Guard
Piraeus Lion drawing of curved lindworm. The runes on the lion tell of Swedish warriors, most likely Varangians, mercenaries in the service of the Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Emperor.
Nicholas Roerich: Guests from Overseas (1899)
Viktor Vasnetsov, The Invitation of the Varangians: Rurik and his brothers arrive in Staraya Ladoga.