Viatka Land

Viatka Territory, a region in the basin of the upper and partly of the middle course of the Viatka River. During the first millennium B.C. the Viatka Land was inhabited by tribes of the Anan’ino Culture and from the sixth to the tenth centuries A.D. by Finno-Ugric tribes: Permiaks (Komi) and Votiaks (Udmurts). In the tenth century they were pushed somewhat to the east by the Cheremis (Mari), who had poured in from the west. Russian settlements sprang up along the middle course of the Viatka River during the latter half of the 14th century. Feudal relationships were also formed in the 14th century. The Viatka Land enjoyed a certain degree of independence until August 1489, when the troops of Muscovy finally subdued it. The term “Viatka Territory” was also used in the 17th and 18th centuries.