In the centuries following the first expeditions down the great rivers
of northern Russia by Viking traders and adventurers, the foundations
for a new state were laid. Many influences combined in this colourful
culture which grew up first around the great cities of Kiev and
Novgorod - Scandinavian, Finnish, Slav, steppe Turkish, Byzantine. By
the time of the Mongol invasions of the 12th century the small enclaves
of the old pagan Rus', tolerated by the Khazar Khans for their
commercial usefulness, had evolved into a Christian nation. Its story is
told here in fascinating detail, and illustrated with striking colour
reconstructions of the warriors themselves.