Lyubsha (Russian:Любша) is an archaeological site situated on the right bank of theVolkhov, about 1,500 metres downstream fromStaraya Ladoga. As was determined by the 1997 excavations, Lyubsha is the site of one of the oldestSlavic fort inRussia,[1] established in the first half of the 8th century, thus predating Ladoga. Its layout and dimensions closely resemble the contemporaneoushill forts ofGreat Moravia.
The fortress was destroyed by fire towards the end of the 9th century.[2]Constantine Zuckerman connects its destruction with a conflict (Vadim's uprising) that marked the downfall of theRus' Khaganate.[3] The Norse name of Lyubsha is unknown.
Immediately north of Lyubsha lies the village of Gorchakovshchina, which used to be a trading post at the head of navigation on the Volkhov, near its ancient entry intoLake Ladoga.Dmitry Machinsky ranks it, along with Ladoga andAlaborg, among the most important centres of the khaganate.[4]
Names initalics are settlements whoseNorse names are not recorded | ||
| Volkhov-Volga trade route |  | |
| Dvina-Dnieper trade route | ||
| Other locations | ||
60°00′00″N32°19′00″E / 60.0000°N 32.3167°E /60.0000; 32.3167