CHAPTER I.. Parentage and Birth of Russia.

PARENTAGE AND BIRTH OF RUSSIA.

From 500 B.C. to A.D. 910.

Primeval Russia.--Explorations of the Greeks.--Scythian Invasion.--Character of the Scythians.--Sarmatia.--Assaults Upon the Roman Empire.--Irruption of the Alains.--Conquests of Trajan.--The Gothic invasion,--The Huns--their Character and Aspect.--The Devastations of Attila.--The Avars.--Results of Comminglings of these Tribes.--Normans.--Birth of the Russian Empire--The Three Sovereigns Ruric, Sineous and Truvor.--Adventures of Ascolod and Dir.--Introduction of Christianity.--Usurpation of Oleg.--His Conquests.--Expedition Against Constantinople.