Europe & colonial empiresEurope

Kievan Rus'

c. 879 CE – 1240 CE · about 361 years approximate dates

Kievan Rus' was a federation of East Slavic principalities ruled by the Rurikid dynasty from Kyiv. Prince Vladimir adopted Orthodox Christianity in 988. The state fragmented and was overrun by the Mongol invasion of 1237–1240.

Key facts

Dates	c. 879 CE – 1240 CE
Region	Europe & colonial empires
Continent	Europe
Capitals	Novgorod, Kyiv
Founder	Oleg of Novgorod
Religion(s)	Slavic paganism, Eastern Orthodox Christianity (from 988)
Peak extent	≈ 2.1 million km² (c. 1000 CE) – source

Before & after

Preceded by

Khazar Khaganate

Followed by

Golden Horde Grand Duchy of Moscow Mongol Empire Novgorod Republic Vladimir-Suzdal Galicia–Volhynia Principality of Ryazan Principality of Polotsk

Sources

Wikipedia – Kievan Rus'
Wikipedia – List of largest empires

Dates follow widely used reference works; many ancient dates are approximate or debated. Neutral summary for general reference.