History of Ancient Russia in almost every textbook begins the same way: from the call to the principality of Prophetic Oleg, the Prince of Novgorod, who brought to Kiev descendant of Rurik - Igor.He moved along the way from the Vikings to the Greeks, and then went to the banks of the Dnieper and won Askold and Dir, mounted the throne.But scientists have found in this story a lot of uncertainties, white spots not filled with valid data.Therefore, we try to understand: Vikings - who is this?And where I lay the famous road?
Vikings - storm seas
Who has not heard about the brave Vikings, who on their fragile sudёnyshkah decorated with scary monsters to conquer the sea?These northern soldiers fear of catching up on all the coastal Europe.It is they who, according to legend, the first to discover America.
Robbers from Scandinavia and Denmark had many names: the Normans, Vikings, Scandinavians ... Varyag - is the name of the Russian rulers of the Baltic Sea.By the way, the sea itself in the ancient chronicles referred to not only as a Varangian.
known that pirates eighth-eleventh centuries was not just ethnic group, known as the Vikings.It's more of a gathering of landless people need drove into the wrong country.They then joined the people not only of the northern lands, but also other countries to form a community.Thus, it can be argued that the Vikings - a representative of the group, or if you want a profession.
Vikings in Russia
In the glorious city of Veliky Novgorod Vikings were divided into several categories.Basically ethnicity.Differed svei, Goti, Urmans, Angles, Vikings and given Russia.The latter includes the Slavs from the south shore of the Viking sea.And we lived there Wagram, Varna, Vikings, Waranga and Varin (by the way, Vahram and Waranga - is the German pronunciation of the names of the tribes).
Together with Oleg Prophetic Vikings arrived in Novgorod Russia, they are the same to him to take golden-domed Kiev.By the way, even Askold and Dir says former warlords Rurik.Already on the territory of Russia pirates settled down, made her army became full owners of the land.Since they could no longer be called the Vikings (replaced craft), they are simply called - Russia.Hence, apparently, and there was a name of the state.Some of the Normans arrived in Byzantium, where he entered the service of the emperor and formed a Varangian guard, so to speak, a kind of elite, a kind of special forces of the time.
Vikings merchants
Besides the version that the Vikings - a mercenary, a great warrior, who has behind him were the years of wandering the seas, it saves the data that he was a merchant.Merchant ships plied the seas, oceans and rivers on.Armed to the teeth, they could easily repulse the attackers robbers.In the surviving annals (Kiev, Smolensk) states that the territory was divided between Rostislav, who went to the south of Russia (from the Byzantine lands to Kiev) and Izyaslav, which moved north to the Vikings.That is not to say that before the Varangian land as such could not be, and to the territory controlled by the merchants, Vikings.But that's not all.
as evidence that the route from the Vikings to the Greeks mainly served courageous merchants, and can cause the following facts:
- word "varyat" is still used old-timers as the designation of retail delivery trade.Even saying "full varyazhnichat" means that a bargain is no longer appropriate.In Moscow, called the dealer-outsider hodebschika (peddler, peddler).
- in 1188-1190 years between the Vikings and Novgorod was hostility.The fact that the residents of Novgorod merchants detained and imprisoned, stubbornly shows that the Vikings were among those engaged in trade.In addition to the detention of the Vikings, the townspeople did not let his people across the sea, and then drove off.
- In 1205 recorded another quarrel with the inhabitants of Rus Vikings.The latter agreed to all conditions Rusich, if only they were allowed to trade in these lands.
brave defenders
Trade - Craft difficult.But apart from profits it promises and the risk of being left with nothing, because the sea routes controlled by pirates.And the route from the Vikings to the Greeks was dangerous: on the banks of the river settled the robbers, who were called Polanica.Travelers not only consuming goods, but they are often paid with life.That is why trade is in need of defenders - brave, courageous, skilled warrior who is not afraid to go into danger.And if you add to these qualities also a good knowledge of maritime affairs, shipping and navigation, it is equal to the Vikings did not exist.Vikings just hired to escort and accompanied by merchants in their way.
ancient trade route
the territory of Russia ran the famous path of merchants - from the Vikings to the Greeks.He is not just connected the northern lands with the richest Constantinople (Byzantine Empire) - it was an important trade artery, the road on which nations share knowledge, achievements, inventions, cultural values.Furthermore, it is the rivers, which came into the system messages based major cities of Russia, which immediately became the centers of economic and cultural life.Rich finds from these lands can tell a lot.Archaeologists have found there are many coins of gold and silver, minted by Europeans, Africans and Arabs, but also, brooches, masks, tools, jewelery, weapons.Considerable interest for historians mounds.
The routes of the "Silk Road of Europe" on this route: the Baltic Sea - the Gulf of Finland - Neva - Ladoga Lake - the Volkhov River - Lake Ilmen - river Lovat, Cunha, Sergei.Next to the boat dragged over-tighten in a hurry, which had already swam Vikings traveled to the Western Dvina, Kasplya and then dragged back to Katyn.Then there was the Dnieper and the Black Sea.Staying on the islands Berezan, Khortytsya, or Snake, travelers peresnaschivali their ship and moved along the European coast to Constantinople.Through the Azov Sea and the Volga merchants could go to the east, to the Bulgars and Arabs.
decayed trade route along river systems with trails for several reasons.Firstly, to Russia attacked the Mongols, so trade here was no sense: people simply do not have the resources, craft fell into disrepair, and the risk was too great.In addition, it was necessary to obtain a special permit from the Khan.Second, technological advances did his job, shipbuilding developed, so the ship became more and more comfortable, and the sea route - easier and safer.
Merchant goods
reader is probably wondering what goods transported by the famous, which links the north and south of Europe, west and east of the continent.Scandinavian merchants brought ivory, raw iron, ship ropes, leather whale ambergris, arms and armor, art works.A special category of things were looted during sea voyages of the Vikings: jewelry made of precious metals, French wines, batiste and silk, silver dishes and other utensils.From the Byzantine Empire drove traders glassware, gold and silver, precious stones, spices, wine, icons, expensive fabrics and books.Baltic amber is supplied to the market, and items from it.Rus merchants provide such goods as:
- honey, beeswax;
- forged products;
- ceramics;
- linen and fabrics;
- wood;
- resin;
- leather and fur;
- weapons;
- bread;
- slate whorls;
- Arts and Crafts
Varyag and modernity
"Path of the Vikings" today refers to the heavy road full of trials and dangers, and the traveler seems romantic and crazy, which, however, does not take courage.Not surprisingly, the word referred to the ships, and snowmobiles, and the topic of the Vikings constantly turning writers and scriptwriters.For example, "Varyag Taiga", universal sled, is a hit among similar products.Powerful, comfortable, fast and affordable, it helps to travel on snow-covered areas and frozen rivers.After all, there are no barriers for the Vikings!
most famous ship
The ship, named after an ancient warrior from the north, also had an unusual fate."Varyag" - a cruiser, which was built in the late nineteenth century in the shipyards of Philadelphia.Solemnly Launched in November 1899, he was supposed to strengthen the Russian fleet.The miracle of art was beautiful, but had many shortcomings, why constantly stood on repairs.Location Service - the waters of the Far East - it took in 1902.In 1904 the Japanese, believing the best ship in the Russian fleet, blocked it in the bay Chemulpo.There, giving heroic battle and not wanting to surrender to the enemy, I went to the bottom of the legendary "Varyag".Then she lifted the Japanese cruiser and renamed "Soyyu" included in its fleet.Then the boat returned again Russia and after the October Revolution, on board the British flag was raised.In 1920, it decommissioned and dismantled for scrap.
Vikings and art
cruiser "Varyag", which was discussed above, took an unequal battle during the Russian-Japanese war.Locked in a bay Chemulpo ship with gunboat "Korean" was attacked by six cruisers and eight destroyers.The proud "Varyag" was seriously damaged, but in order not to surrender, was sunk by its own crew.Blasted Russian sailors also gunboat.Sailors and officers met with military honors at home, and the royal court even awarded him the honorary title.
feat of Russian sailors inspired Austrian writer Rudolf Greyntsa who wrote poems about the "Varyag", praising the courage of the team.Very soon the text was translated into Russian language and put to music.The song of the proud ship that does not surrender to the enemy, was very popular in the country, especially during the First World War.However, not without censorship from it threw verse of the yellow-faced features, as the Japanese at the time were the allies of the empire, and the authorship of the German suppressed.But be that as it may, it has reached our days, and especially his beloved navy.
Alexander Mazin."Varyag»
And many, and few came to our knowledge about these people.Many mysteries about them is fraught with history.Varyag - this is an unusual man, the son of his age.His life - is the story of the exploits and fight not only with their own kind of people, but also with nature.Valiant Vikings defied the elements and weather, conquering them with his skill and courage.It is they who sat in the small-ship shells from scrap sails, went hiking, despite the raging storm.Severe cold, snow and land unsuitable for agriculture, making them hardy and strong.Inspired by the power of the spirit of an ancient warrior, his book about them written by Alexander Mazin."Varyag" - a story about Sergei Duhareve - a former paratrooper, whose strange circumstances have thrown in the tenth century.While in Kiev Rules Prince Igor, and stretches around the primeval forests.Neighbors Rus Vikings were warlike and nomadic Pechenegs, who disturb the peace of the state.It was then the hero, accustomed to the benefits of civilization, becomes happy.It finds its place under the sun, deserves the respect of Viking finds love.The popularity of the book has forced the author to continue the story and create a series of stories about that time.Instead of an epilogue
can safely say that the Vikings (Vikings, Normans) - is not just part of the story.It is its creators, because without them the effect of the world would be quite different.This is a mystery that has yet to solve the next generation.
