Vikings, Rus, Varangians: The "Varangian Problem" in View of Ethnicity in Archaeology

The Scandinavian activity in Russia during the Viking Age has left traces both archaeological and written material. In 13th century Russian annals, "The Primary Chronicle", a story is told ofhow "Varangians from beyond sea" founded first realm. Varangians have been interpreted as Scandinavians, material connected with this story. This resulted scientific debate, which many cases steered by nationalistic feelings political aims.