Rurik
Rurik, (died 879), a Viking chief who was the traditional founder of what became Russia. According to medieval Russian chronicles, the city of Novgorod invited Rurik, who ruled Jutland (mainland Denmark), to restore peace in the city in 862. Rurik ruled there until his death, and members of his family became rulers at Kiev, Muscovy, and other Russian principalities.
The rulers of Muscovy gained authority over all of Russia after Ivan III's reign (1462-1505). Basil III (reigned 1505-33) was the first member of the House of Rurik to rule all of Russia. His successors were Ivan IV ("The Terrible"), who ruled during 1533-84, and Fyodor, 1584-98. Fyodor was the last member of the House of Rurik.