The Rus' people were a group of East Slavic tribes that emerged in the 9th century in what is now Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. They played a significant role in the formation of the early Kievan Rus' state, which became a major political and cultural center in Eastern Europe. The Rus' were known for their trade routes, connecting the Baltic and Black Seas, and for their interactions with neighboring cultures. The term "Rus'" is often associated with the Vikings, who were known as the Varangians in the region. These Norse traders and warriors contributed to the establishment of the Rus' state and influenced its culture. Over time, the Rus' people adopted Christianity and developed a distinct identity that laid the foundation for modern Eastern Slavic nations.