The conversation continues on the eastern Viking diaspora, noting that the power base of the Rus shifted from Novgorod to Kyiv, forming Kievan Rus. Although early rulers had Norsedescent, they assimil

The conversation continues on the eastern Viking diaspora, noting that the power base of the Rus shifted from Novgorod to Kyiv, forming Kievan Rus. Although early rulers had Norsedescent, they assimilated culturally, blending Scandinavian and Slavic elements; Norse names like Ingvar and Helgabecame Igor and Olga. History is flexible, and competing groups interpret this mixed heritage. A major mystery discussed is the Salme ship burials in Estonia (Saaremaa island), dating around 750 AD, prior to Lindisfarne. The high-status dead, likely Swedish men on a diplomatic mission, died violently but were buried carefully with rich goods, including falcons and a king gaming piece in the mouth of a leader. VIKING AGE SILVER