Ragnar Lothbrok and the Rus: Viking Origins of the Kievan State

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the tangled history of the Rus—the Scandinavian warriors and traders who gave their name to Russia. Drawing on the Rus' Primary Chronicle, Ibn Fadlan's eyewitness account, and archaeological evidence from Staraya Ladoga and Gnezdovo, they trace how Swedish Vikings, possibly connected to Ragnar Lothbrok's world, founded the first East Slavic state. The discussion covers the legendary Rurik, the debate over Normanist vs. anti-Normanist theories, and the cultural fusion that created Kievan Rus. A fresh angle on Ragnar's legacy—not his sons in the West, but their kin in the East. #RagnarLothbrok #Rus #KievanRus #Rurik #Varangians #IbnFadlan #Vikings #EasternEurope #StarayaLadoga #Gnezdovo #PrimaryChronicle #NormanistTheory #SlavicHistory #NorseTrade #VolgaTradeRoute #DnieperTradeRoute #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo