The founder of Russia

 The founder of Russia is generally attributed to

Prince Rurik, who established the Rurik Dynasty and ruled as the first prince of Novgorod in the 9th century. The early history of Russia is intertwined with the rise and expansion of various East Slavic tribes and city-states.

Rurik, a Varangian warrior from Scandinavia, was invited by the people of Novgorod to bring order and protection to their land. He accepted the invitation and became the ruler of Novgorod, laying the foundation for the princely rule in Russia. Rurik's rule marked the beginning of what would later become the Russian state.

After Rurik's death, his descendants continued to rule in different parts of Russia, gradually expanding their territories. The Rurik Dynasty, also known as the Riurikids, ruled over various principalities, including Kiev and Vladimir-Suzdal, and played a crucial role in the consolidation and development of the early Russian state.

In the 13th century, the Mongol Empire, led by Genghis Khan and later his descendants, invaded and conquered a significant portion of Russia. This period, known as the Mongol or Tatar Yoke, lasted for several centuries and greatly influenced the political, social, and cultural landscape of Russia.

During the Mongol rule, several independent principalities emerged, including the Grand Duchy of Moscow. Under the leadership of Ivan III, also known as Ivan the Great, the Grand Duchy of Moscow successfully asserted its independence from the Mongols in the late 15th century. Ivan III expanded Moscow's territory, consolidated power, and began the process of centralizing governance, setting the stage for the future Russian Empire.

The transformation of Moscow into a powerful and centralized state continued under Ivan IV, also known as Ivan the Terrible, who became the first Tsar of Russia in the 16th century. Ivan IV implemented significant administrative and military reforms, expanded the Russian territory through conquests, and left a lasting impact on Russian history.

The Russian Empire continued to grow under subsequent rulers, such as Peter the Great and Catherine the Great, who further expanded Russian territories, modernized the state, and fostered cultural and intellectual development. The Russian Empire reached its peak in the 18th and 19th centuries, covering vast territories in Eurasia.

In 1917, the Russian Revolution led to the establishment of the Soviet Union, a socialist state that encompassed a significant part of the former Russian Empire. The Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, and the Russian Federation emerged as an independent nation.

In summary, Prince Rurik is considered the founder of Russia, as he established the Rurik Dynasty and ruled as the first prince of Novgorod. His descendants, along with subsequent rulers, played critical roles in the consolidation, expansion, and development of the Russian state over the centuries.