Trade route from the Varangians to the Greeks

The route from the Varangians to the Greeks (Russian Путь из варяг в греки ) was used by medieval merchants and warriors route through the waterways of Eastern Europe. She joined the Baltic Sea region with the Byzantine Empire. The road has played a significant role in the spread of the Varangian rule and the establishment of the Kievan Rus.

Course

The path led from the Baltic Sea along the Neva to Lake Ladoga, from him across the Volkhov to Ilmensee, then over the Lovat. There the boats were transported over a short portage to the Western Dvina and the journey continued upstream. Another portage in the Valdai region joined the Western Dvina with the Dnepr. Then you could sail to the Black Sea to the south.

In parallel there was also an eastern waterway across the Volga and the Caspian Sea to Persia.

Importance

Over time, the importance of the path decreased. The Zersplittertheit the Rus principalities, the decline of Byzantium, the centralization of Scandinavia and eventually the Mongol invasion put an end to the use of the path.