1. Origin of the Russian people:
* Ancient Slavic tribes: The ancestors of modern Russians were various East Slavic tribes who lived in Eastern Europe around the 9th century.
* Migration and intermixing: These tribes migrated and intermingled with other groups, including Finno-Ugric people, Vikings, and others, contributing to the genetic and cultural makeup of the modern Russian population.
2. Origin of the name "Russians":
* The Varangians: The name "Rus" likely originates from the Varangians, a group of Vikings who established trade routes and settlements in Eastern Europe, including the Kievan Rus' (an early medieval state centered in present-day Ukraine).
* Expansion and adoption: The name "Rus" gradually expanded to encompass the Eastern Slavic peoples under their rule, and ultimately became associated with the modern Russian people.
3. Geographical origins of present-day Russia:
* Current territory: The territory of modern Russia encompasses a vast area in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia.
* Expansion and consolidation: The Russian state, through various historical processes, expanded its territory over centuries to encompass this vast landmass.
In summary:
The "Russians" didn't originate from a single place. Their origins lie in the intermingling of ancient Slavic tribes, interactions with other groups, and the historical processes that led to the formation of the modern Russian nation and its expansive territory.