Rus'

Rus' refers to a medieval state that existed in Eastern Europe and is considered a precursor to modern Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. Emerging around the 9th century, it was founded by a group of Norse traders and warriors known as the Varangians, who settled in the region and interacted with local Slavic tribes. The Kievan Rus', centered in Kyiv, became a major political and cultural center until its decline in the 13th century due to invasions and internal strife. The legacy of Rus' is profound, influencing the development of Eastern Slavic nations and their cultures.