Russia: 1. Rus’ and the Riurikid dynasty (9th century to c.1240)

Abstract

The dynamics the development of Rus’ differed from those of more conventional empires which enjoyed outbursts of expansion only to fragment once momentum slackened, or to overstretch the capabilities of any single ruler. The very haphazardness of Rus's emergence made possible its resilience long after its inception. At first, a loose superstructure under a grandly titled khagan co‐existed with kaleidoscopic enterprises of fur‐ and slave‐traffickers between the Gulf of Finland, the Middle Danube, and the Black Sea and Caspian. A tighter structure formed under Riurikid princes on the Middle Dnieper in the 10th century. Its frailties showed up after the passing of giants like Princes Vladimir and Iaroslav (instillers of Christianity on Rus’), with the ceaseless proliferation of their offspring. Yet dynastic squabbles usually played out within the “rules of the game,” in which kissing of the Cross and adherence to agreements sealed by this rite played an important role. A political culture promoting Saints Boris and Gleb as both universal models of Christian conduct and warrior‐princes set the Riurikids apart. This collective identity had resonance far beyond the level of elites. Many inhabitants of the urban networks engaged in long‐distance trade that hinged on exchanging furs from the north for deluxe goods and manufactures from the Byzantine world and Western Europe. This made them interdependent, and in need of princes to protect communications and maintain a modicum of order. Gradually, elites and entrepreneurs in forests remote from the main riverways were drawn into the trading nexus. The 12th and 13th centuries saw the consolidation of princely authority and spreading of Christianity far from the Middle Dnieper, notably in Galich to the southwest, and Vladimir‐Suzdal to the northeast. Unlike most empires, Rus’ enjoyed steady internal expansion.