Rus

Warriors, traders and explorers, the Rus carved their place in history through conquest, commerce and military skill. They fought fierce campaigns against neighbouring Slavic tribes and the powerful steppe peoples, including the Pechenegs, Bulgars and Khazars. Employed at times as Byzantine mercenaries, they also proved formidable enemies, famously advancing in disciplined shieldwall formations with levelled spears during the Battle of Silistra in 972.