The first known ruler of Russia, a semi-legendary Viking Scandinavian supposedly invited by the Russian people (along with his brothers) around the year 862 to rule Russia so that there would be some order. Rurik is supposed to have ruled the city and surrounding land of Novgorod (and squashed any unrest among its people, making the supposed "invitation" a little doubtful). After his death in 879, his young son Igor was assisted by their cousin Oleg in succeeding him.