In 882, Rurik's successor, Oleg of Novgorod, conquersKiev and founds the state of Kievan Rus'.

Novgorod's size as well as its political, economic, and cultural influence made it the second most important city in Kievan Rus'.

According to a custom, the elder son and heir of the ruling Kievan monarch is sent to rule Novgorod even as a minor.

When the ruling monarch hasno such son, Novgorod is governed by posadniks, such as the legendary Gostomysl, Dobrynya, Konstantin, and Ostromir.