The correct answer is:
Novgorod was founded by merchants eager to buy and sell goods such as honey, wax, and furs.
Arisen in the 9th century, Novgorod was governed by an oligarchy of trading families who controlled the hinterland´s exploitation.
It became one of the four chief trade centers of the Hanseatic League, being furs, wax, honey, flax, hides, and tar the chief exports.
Novgorod obtained self-government in 997 and achieved independence from Kiev in 1136, as it became the capital of the independent republic of Sovereign Great Novgorod.