The Volga: A History of Russia's Greatest River

It is well known that the Volga is one of Russia’s main symbols. Its history is closely connected with various events, from ancient times when the Khazars and the Golden Horde sailed on it to the Battle of Stalingrad. The Volga is also of enormous importance for the country’s economy, from the Nizhny Novgorod fair to trade relations with Armenians, Persians, and Indians in Astrakhan. In addition, various technologies developed along the Volga—from steamships to the construction of hydroelectric power stations. All these factors make the Volga one of Russia’s most important symbols, a country that is impossible to imagine without it.