The history of the dynasty began simultaneously with the history of the state. However, the beginning is hidden in the thick fog of legends. We will never know who the legendary Varangian Rurik really was or whether he was a real historical figure. But we know who his descendants were. Among them were poets and warriors, saints and robbers, legislators and fratricide. Some ascended to the throne by birthright, others by invitation, others by the corpses of their brothers, but their very belonging
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