 The establishment of the first East Slavic states in the 9th century coincided with the arrival of Varangians, the traders, warriors and settlers from the Baltic Sea region.Primarily they were Vikings of Scandinavian origin, who ventured along the waterways extending from the eastern Baltic to the Black and Caspian Seas.According to the "Primary Chronicle", a Varangian from Rus' people, named Rurik, was elected ruler of Novgorod in 862.