The Norse expansion starting in the 9th century is remembered for the so called viking raids along the coasts of Western Europe

But the true riches lay to the South East, in the two great civilisations of the time

To reach them, the "rus", the men who row, used the river systems of the East

They acquired spices, wine, books, silk, glass and jewels

And sold weapons from home, amber from the Baltic and timber, furs and honey they found on the way

They also took over the ancient trade of slavs, the tribes of the East that gave their name to the word slavery

Some settled along the rivers and called the area Garðaríki, the realm of towns

Rurik, the first known ruler of the area, lived in Aldeigjuborg on lake Ladoga. Helge, his brother in law moved the throne to Kœnugarðr. Hence the expression "Kievan Rus" in English.