Marco Polo on Russia

Marco Polo on Russia, circa 1200 AD: Russia is a very large province lying towards the north. The people are Christians and observe the Greek rite. They have a number of kings and their very own language.

They are very simple people. But they are very handsome, both men and women, for they are all fair-skinned and blond.

He also goes on to describe some pretty fierce drinking habits and a custom of providing stovehouses for travellers to warm themselves on their journey.