The Kievan Rus was a medieval East Slavic state that emerged in the late 9th century in what is now modern-day Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. The Kievan Rus was founded by a group of Varangians, also known as Vikings, who established the city of Kiev as their capital.
The Kievan Rus was a highly influential state in its time, with a complex political and social structure. The state was ruled by a Grand Prince, who was elected by a council of nobles from among the ruling dynasty. The Grand Prince had significant authority over his subjects, but was also expected to uphold certain traditions and values that were central to the Kievan Rus.
The Kievan Rus was also notable for its religion, which was a blend of Christianity and traditional Slavic beliefs. In 988, the Grand Prince Vladimir the Great converted to Christianity and made it the official religion of the state. The Kievan Rus also had a rich cultural tradition, with architecture, art, and literature that reflected the unique blend of influences that shaped the state.
The Kievan Rus eventually declined in the 12th and 13th centuries, as internal conflict and outside invasion weakened the state. However, it left a lasting impact on the culture and history of the region, and is seen as an important precursor to the modern nations of Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia.