For many years, debates have been held about the origins of the Russian people, in which supporters of the Norman theory often prevailed. According to this theory, Vikings came to the lands of future Kievan Rus and established statehood there. However, in the late 20th century, a unique find on the Lyubsha River, near the village of Stara Ladoga in the Leningrad region, changed the course of discussions. It became clear that highly developed Slavic tribes lived here at least 100 years before the 'invitation of Rurik.'

In the second half of the 20th century, archaeological excavations were conducted on the banks of the Volkhov River. The famous archaeologist Dmitry Samokvasov suggested that there was an ancient settlement here. He dedicated many years to studying Slavic ethnogenesis and the formation of statehood in Ancient Rus, actively engaging in fieldwork. One of his notable finds was the 10th-century Chernihiv burial mound, Black Grave. He was almost certain that an ancient fortress existed on the banks of the Volkhov, possibly contemporaneous with Stara Ladoga.

Polish Slavist Zorian Dolenga-Khodakovsky also mentioned the existence of such a settlement. Interestingly, Russian artist Nikolai Roerich anticipated the discovery of the settlement by depicting these places in his painting 'Exotic Guests.' In it, residential houses and a fortress wall are visible. Roerich often visited these areas.

Only in the late 1960s and early 1970s did Soviet specialists discover the settlement mentioned in Samokvasov's records. Remains of a stone rampart of the fortress and a characteristic cultural layer were found on the Lyubsha River. But this was just the beginning of discoveries.

In 1997, a new expedition led by archaeologist Evgeny Ryabinin continued the research. Remains of furnace structures, casting molds, and products made of non-ferrous metals were found, confirming the settlement's affiliation with early Slavic culture. Discovered ornaments typical of the Upper Dnieper and glass beads testify to active connections with the Baltic, Volga region, and the East. Radiocarbon analysis dated the defensive rampart to the 8th century, significantly earlier than Rurik's arrival.

Later, archaeologists found an even older earthen rampart, dated to the mid-7th century, with bone tools, ceramics, and fish remains. This indicates the existence of a developed settlement with close contacts with Europe and Asia. Arrowheads found in the fortress belong to Scandinavian culture, confirming Viking military campaigns.

Around the end of the 6th century, a fortification of Finno-Ugric peoples was located at the confluence of the Lyubsha River into the Volkhov. Tribes living here maintained contacts with the Scandinavians. A small fortress existed until the 8th century when the Ilmen Slavs arrived and burned the settlement. Around 700, a new stone fortress appeared in its place, becoming the oldest settlement in the region.

The Lyubshansk Fortress and Stara Ladoga complemented each other. A port surrounded the fortress, where blacksmithing and jewelry crafts developed. During its 150 years of existence, the fortress burned twice, possibly due to Viking raids. When Ladoga silted up, the settlement weakened, and the inhabitants moved to Stara Ladoga.

Although forgotten, the Lyubshansk Fortress sheds light on the history of Rus before Rurik's arrival. It refutes the Norman theory, showing that Slavic culture with developed organization and technologies thrived here. Scandinavians did not build stone fortifications, and there was no need to invite them to rule.

The Lyubsha River has long silted up, and the first stone fortress of Rus is destroyed. However, many come to the Stara Ladoga area to touch ancient history. In 2003, the reconstruction of the Lyubshansk Fortress was completed, and in 2011, a three-dimensional model of it appeared. Everyone interested in the history of Russia should visit this place to see one of the oldest settlements. The base's security allows everyone to view the remains of the fortress, and nearby opens a picturesque view of the Volkhov.

Additionally, in the vicinity, one can visit the village of Chernavino with its ancient churches and temples, as well as the Lyubsha estate, immortalized in a painting by Vasily Maximov. In the neighboring village of Gorchakovshchina, beautiful waterfalls can be seen, and from the shore near the village of Lopino, inspiring views of historical monuments open up. The Plakun site, a Scandinavian burial mound, also deserves attention. The history and culture of this region are rich and diverse.