1. Slavic Tribes: The early ancestors of the Russian people were Slavic tribes who settled in Eastern Europe from the 6th to 8th centuries. These tribes included the Eastern Slavs, who would later form the core of the Russian nation.
2. Vikings (Varangians): In the 9th century, Viking explorers and traders, known as Varangians, arrived in the region and established a trading post at Novgorod. The Varangians played a crucial role in the political and social development of the early Russian state, and their influence can be seen in the name "Rus," which is believed to have originated from the Varangian term "Rus."
3. Kievan Rus': The Varangians founded the state of Kievan Rus' in the 9th century, which became the first major political entity of the Slavic people. Kievan Rus' expanded its territories and established trade routes, becoming a powerful state in Eastern Europe.
4. Mongol Invasion and Tatar Yoke: In the 13th century, Kievan Rus' was invaded by the Mongols, leading to the establishment of the "Tatar Yoke," a period of Mongol domination over the Russian lands. This period lasted for several centuries and had a significant impact on Russian culture, politics, and society.
5. Rise of Muscovy: In the 14th century, the Grand Duchy of Moscow emerged as a powerful state in the aftermath of the Mongol invasion. Moscow gradually expanded its territories and consolidated its power, becoming the center of the Russian state.
6. Russian Empire: In the 18th century, under the rule of Peter the Great, the Russian Empire was established. The Russian Empire expanded its territories significantly, becoming a major power in Europe and Asia.
Throughout history, the Russian people have assimilated various ethnic groups, including Finnic peoples, Turkic peoples, and others, contributing to the cultural and ethnic diversity of the Russian nation.
In summary, the origins of the Russian people can be traced back to the Slavic tribes, with significant influences from the Vikings, the Mongol invasion, and the rise of Moscow, leading to the formation of the Russian Empire and the diverse ethnic makeup of the Russian nation today.