The realms of Rurik grew, rapidly by annexation, and soon extended east some two hundred miles beyond where Moscow now stands, to the head waters of the Volga.

They were bounded on the south-west by the Dwina.

On the north they reached to the wild wastes of arctic snows.

Over these distant provinces, Rurik established governors selected from his own nation, the Normans.
These provincial governors became feudal lords; and thus, with the monarchy, the feudal system was implanted.
Feudality was the natural first step of a people emerging from barbarism.

The sovereign rewarded his favorites, or compensated his servants, civil and military, by ceding to them provinces of greater or less extent, with unlimited authority over the people subject to their control.