Chapter 10, Student Web Activities, Glencoe World History: The Human Experience: The Early Ages, Glencoe, 2003

Social Studies, Glencoe World History: The Human Experience: The Early Ages

Chapter 10: Byzantines and Slavs
"Vikings in the East"

Introduction
You have read that early Eastern Slavs called on a group of warriors from Scandinavia to protect their trade routes. Not being a warlike people, the Slavs needed these warriors, the Vikings, to provide military aid. However, the Vikings did much more than offer protection—they took over complete control of Russia.

Destination Title: The Vikings in Russia Web site

Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window.
Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for tips.

Directions
Start at The Vikings in Russia Web site.

Scroll down the Web page, reading and analyzing the information about the Vikings.
Answer the following questions.

1. Where did historians learn about the Vikings' entry into Russian territory?

2. Why was Novgorod built where it was?

3. How was Rurik able to extend his rule from Novgorod to other parts of Russia?

4. Considering what you have learned, do you think it was wise for the Eastern Slavs to invite the Vikings to defend their trade routes? Explain your answer.