Murom lay in an area that was strongly Finnic and for much of its medieval history, located in the homeland of the Muromians.

It appears to have been an important Finnic settlement in the 9th century, with an archaeologically noticeable Scandinavian presence from the 10th century, as evidenced by Frankish swords, a tortoiseshell brooch and a sword chape.

[2] The Primary Chronicle alleges that Murom came under the control of the Rus' in the 9th century.

[3] Gleb Vladimirovich, son of Vladimir the Great, ruled the principality in the early 11th century.

[4] Murom was part of the territory of the Principality of Chernigov in the late 11th century, controlled by the Sviatoslavichi, the descendants of Yaroslav the Wise; probably it was retained by Vsevolod Yaroslavich even after this prince of Chernigov became the grand prince in 1076.