New Books in History Martyn Whittock, "Vikings in the East: From Vladimir the Great to Vladimir Putin – The Origins of a Contested Legacy in Russia and Ukraine" (Biteback, 2025)
Oct 21, 2025
Martyn Whittock, a historian and author, delves into the Vikings’ lesser-known eastern journeys in his compelling work. They explored the origins of the Rus and their cultural assimilation with Slavs, revealing the impact on Russian identity. Whittock highlights the Vikings' roles in state formation and trade routes, including interactions with Byzantium. He explores how these historical narratives have been repurposed by modern leaders, including Putin, to legitimize power. The discussion makes clear how myths shape contemporary politics and identities in Russia and Ukraine.
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Freewheeling Eastern Expansion
- The Viking eastward movement was led mainly by Swedish Norse traders and adventurers, not by later nation-states.
- These were fluid, private ventures that used rivers and winter sledges to connect Scandinavia to Eurasian trade networks.
Rivers Linked Scandinavia To Silk Roads
- From c.800 Norse traders plugged directly into the Islamic Caliphate and Byzantine trade via river systems, reviving silver flows to Scandinavia.
- They adapted boats and used sledges and frozen rivers to traverse vast inland routes to the Caspian and Black Seas.
Founding Myths Of Rurik And Kiev
- The Russian Primary Chronicle tells of Norse leaders like Rurik founding Novgorod and others taking Kiev, blending myth and history.
- By the 10th century princes in Kiev exerted wide influence across a polyfocal Rus polity.
