e fall of the Varangian rule. Many experts though are skeptical about the socioeconomic changes. What actually caused these changes? Why did it come at this time? These questions exhibit the credibility of the Anti-Norman theory.The Soviet Union had taken down the force of the bolder Normanist claims, but has not come close to overtaking the Norman theory. Both theories have major flaws, and have been widely discredited by different historians. Both the Norman and Anti-Norman Theories have provoked an ongoing intensive investigation of the remote period that is over 1000 year old.Regardless of how the empire had been established, almost no one disagrees that the beginning of the State was in 862 CE. Since there are so many theories due to the lack of resources about the first two hundred years of Russia, we will talk about the most largely recognized theory. During the year 862, Rurik, a Varangian prince came to rule Kievan Russia (Russia). First, the Slavs took him to Novogorod, where he was declared prince. The importance of the city of Novogorod was huge. Being in the northwest corner of Russia, trade from the Scandinavian countries came through the city, while it also established a firm stronghold for the northern part of the empire. Here Rurik placed his palace. Novogorod is the true city in which the Russian dynasty was created.Though Novogorod was an important city, Russia had to gain ground in the south. Two of Rurik’s loyal followers, Askold and Dir, departed southwards to the city of Kiev. The successfully subdued Slavic tribes and gained control of Kiev. After Rurik died, Oleg, his successor murdered Askold and his partner in 880 to gain control of the city. From that point on, Kiev was the principal political center in Russia.Contrary to belief, it was not Rurik who actually united Russia. Though he created the Russian State, the tribes were not all unified; that assignment was left to his successor O...
