Gardarike

Gardarike is a term used in Old Norse sagas and historical accounts to refer to the lands of Kievan Rus' and its neighboring territories. The name is derived from Old Norse "Gardar" meaning "towns" or "cities" and "ríki" meaning "kingdom" or "realm," hence "kingdom of cities." This designation reflects the Norse perception of the region as a collection of urban centers rather than a unified political entity.

The sagas often describe Gardarike as a prosperous and powerful land, a destination for trade and adventure for Norsemen. It is believed that Varangians, Norse merchants and mercenaries, played a significant role in the development and governance of these territories, particularly in the establishment of Kievan Rus' in the 9th century. Rulers like Rurik and Oleg are frequently mentioned in connection with Gardarike, highlighting the Norse influence in its early history.

The exact geographical extent of Gardarike as perceived by the Norse is not precisely defined and likely varied over time and in different sources. It generally encompassed the major river systems of Eastern Europe, including the Dnieper and Volga, and the cities that developed along them, such as Kyiv, Novgorod, and Staraya Ladoga. The term serves as a valuable insight into how medieval Scandinavians viewed and interacted with the Slavic East.