Varangians in Russian and Byzantine history (From the IXth century to the begining XIIIth century)

The expulsion of the Scandinavians, who were presented as the Varangians from the lands of Northeast Europe by the Slavic and Finno-Ugric peoples in the 9th century and the invitation of the Varangians to these lands after a while is perceived as one of the turning points in the history of Medieval Eastern Europe. Namely, the Varangian-Russians, who replaced the Swedish or Norwegian Varangians who were removed from the aforementioned lands, laid the groundwork for great political and economic changes in the north, south, and east directions. In 862, the Varangian-Russian Prince Rurik laid the foundation of the Rurikovich dynasty in the region of Northeast Europe. By the beginning of the 10th century, Rurik's successors had created a strong state and began to pose a threat to great political forces such as the Khazar Khaganate and the Byzantine Empire. As a result, the Khazar Khaganate was erased from the stage of history by the northern enemy. Until the middle of the 11th century, Byzantium had black and white characterized political relations with the Varangian-Russian principalities. The 10th century is known as the most intense period of Byzantine-Kyiv foreign policy. The Principality of Kyiv began to take part in the political and economic life of Byzantium thanks to the campaigns carried out in 907/911 and 941/944. As a result, the Varangians-Russians, having received important commercial concessions, were able to enter southern trade, also serve in the imperial army as a paid guard. İt is seen that Prince Svyatoslav (967-971) and his successor Prince Vladimir (987-989) took place in Byzantine history as both friend and foe. Especially the period of Vladimir can be considered the culmination of Byzantine-Kyiv relations. Since, by marrying Princess Anna of the Macedonian dynasty, Vladimir was instrumental in forming the first kinship ties between the barbarians in the north and the elite in the south. Beginning in the 11th century, in Byzantine-Kyiv relations began a period that we can call a pale one. İnasmuch as in the mentioned period, the Russian State was dragged into a great civil war that would continue for many years until the Mongol invasion. This civil war negatively affected the social, political, and economic life of Russia and prevented the state from focusing on foreign policy. As a result, after 1046, the Byzantine Empire was liberated from the enemy threat from the north. Key Words: Varangians, Russia, Byzantium, Prince Rurik, Kyiv, Scandinavia, Istanbul, Rurikovich.