The Scandinavian Infiltration into Early Russia
S. H. Cross
IN Scandinavia, and particularly in Sweden, the period from 750 to 800 was marked by pronounced activity organization conquest. Toward beginning of century, Ivarr ViIfaImi Denmark had built up an extensive confederacy including southern Sweden portions continental Baltic coast. His grandson Harold Hlildit6nn later restored widespread realm which intervening generation dissipated, but ended his career battle Bravellir (sometime between 770), a rival king, Sigurd Hring, vindicated secession Dano-Swedish combination set independent central Swedish kingdom.' In one earliest Old Norse genealogical lays, Ynglingatal, there is evidence that even seventh century king controlled certain property on Courland coast,2 where prevalence contacts this area corroborated archaeological discoveries ornaments dating at least 800.3 During ninth interest commerce developed rapidly, as indicated development Birka (Bj6rk6) important trading center Lake Malar, west modern Stockholm and, coincidentally with rise trade, we discover Russian soil abundant traces infiltration. first half settlers appeared southeastern shore Ladoga. About 900, settlement founded Gnezdovo, near Smolensk, immigration reached headwaters rivers Volga Oka former provinces Yaroslav Vladimir. Ancient objects origin belonging especially tenth early eleventh centuries have been found Russia, along courses Dvina, Dnieper, Lakes Ladoga Ilmen. The existence genuine colonists proved frequent discovery fibulae type worn pairs women, circumstance demonstrates presence colonists' families. Finds objets d'art northern watercourses, those provide easy route Volga, indicate lively Oriental amply appearance itself post-Sassanid century. simultaneous occurrence similar characteristic reniform plaques both vicinity Malar also Russia (but no intermediate region except Finland) points opening Swedes new trade via
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