Summary of Mark Galeotti's A Short History of Russia

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book.

Sample Book Insights:

#1 The painting is typical of Vasnetsov’s work. It is detailed and evocative, and it is quite wrong. It shows Prince Ryurik landing on the shores of Lake Ladoga from his distinctive dragon-prowed Viking longship, along with his brothers and retinue.

#2 The lands of the Slavs were attractive to the Scandinavian traders. They were often invaded and conquered by their neighbors, the Turkic tribes. However, they did not settle in these lands.

#3 The lands of the Rus’ were dominated by Scandinavian tribes who had extracted tribute from the northwestern tribes until the risings in 860 forced them from their timber-walled forts. They moved their capital from northern Novgorod to Kiev, and this would remain the dominant city of the Rus’ for centuries.

#4 The Rus’ were a new nomad power that was rising in the south, and they were constantly being challenged by the Kievans, who were conquerors, pirates, and traders not just for greed but also need.