The lecture focuses on some issues related to the Slavs’ ethnogenesis, the role of Scandinavians (Varangians, Vikings, Northmen and Danes) in the establishment of Russian nationhood is analysed. The well-known legend about the summoning of the Varangians is analysed from the historical and philological points of view. A certain emphasis is laid on the main stages of the history of Kievan Rus’, on the historical and civilising role of the most significant figures such as Igor Rurikovich, Svyatoslav, Saint Vladimir, Yaroslav the Wise, Vladimir Monomakh and others. The debated issues related to the Christianisation of Rus’ and Russian-Horde relations are also studied.