Rurik

From this grew the empire of Russia, which was ruled over by the descendants of Rurik, the principal of these chiefs, until 1598.

After a lively engagement the Rurik was sunk, and the other two Russian cruisers narrowly escaped to Vladivostok.

To his brothers he gave the principalities of Bielozero and Izborsk; but they soon dying, Rurik assumed again authority.

Yet in Russia these lords, many of whom traced their descent to Rurik, became in time the slaves of the czar.