Chapter 3: Regional Civilizations "Vikings in the East"

Introduction
Students 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.

Lesson Description
Students will go to The Vikings in Russia Web site. They will then answer four questions about what they have read. Students are then asked to imagine living during the Byzantine Empire and to write a journal entry telling of their experiences.

Instructional Objectives
1. Students will learn about Vikings who moved east.
2. Students will learn how the invitation to the Vikings led to new leadership in the region.

Student Web Activity Answers
1. It was described in the Russian Primary Chronicle, written by Orthodox monks.
2. It was at the crossroads between northern Europe and the Byzantine Empire, making it an important commercial center.
3. Sineus, who settled in Beloozerg, and Truvor, in Izborsk, both died, so Rurik was able to extend his rule to their domains. Later he conquered Kiev, nearly 600 miles away.
4. Students' answers will vary but should include such points as the effectiveness of the Vikings' rule, their integration into Russian life, and the chaos that might have resulted if the Vikings had not come.

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