Old Russian Prince Oleg. The reign of Prince Oleg (briefly)

In 879, leaving the infant son Igor, the Novgorod prince Rurik died. The board was taken over by Oleg the Prophetic, Prince of Novgorod from 879 and Grand Duke of Kiev from 882. In an effort to expand his possessions, the prince gathered a fairly strong army. It included Krivichi, Ilmen Slavs and representatives of Finnish tribes. Moving south, Oleg annexed the cities of Smolensk and Lyubech to his possessions. However, the plans of the young ruler were more grandiose. Having given power in the conquered cities to people loyal to him, the warlike prince moved to Kyiv. Oleg's campaign against Kyiv was a success. In 882 the city was captured, and its rulers Askold and Dir were killed. Oleg ascended the throne of Kyiv. The same year is considered a date.

The reign of Prince Oleg in Kyiv began with the strengthening of the city walls and protective structures. The borders of Kievan Rus were also fortified with small fortresses (“outposts”), where combatants were constantly serving. In 883-885. the prince undertook several successful campaigns. The Slavic tribes who settled along the banks of the Dnieper, the Radimichi, who lived on the banks of the Dniester, the Bug, Sozh, the Drevlyans and northerners, were subordinated. By order of Oleg, cities were built in the occupied lands. The conquered tribes were obliged to pay taxes. Actually, the whole internal policy of Oleg, like other princes of that time, was reduced to the collection of taxes.

Oleg's foreign policy was successful. The most important event was the campaign against Byzantium in 907. The prince gathered for this campaign a huge army at that time (according to some reports, up to 80 thousand people). Byzantium, despite the defensive tricks of the Greeks, was captured, the suburbs were plundered. The result of the campaign was a rich tribute, as well as trade benefits for Russian merchants. Five years later, peace with Byzantium was confirmed by the conclusion of a written agreement. It was after this campaign that the great Kiev prince Oleg, the founder of the state of Kievan Rus, began to be called the Prophetic (ie, sorcerer).

Prince Oleg, one of the greatest rulers of Rus', died in 912. His death is shrouded in legends. According to one of them, the most famous, Oleg asked a sorcerer he met on the road about his death. He predicted the death of the prince from his beloved war horse. The prince never mounted this horse again, but ordered his close associates to take care of him. Many years later, Oleg wished to see the bones of the horse, deciding that the sorcerer was mistaken. He stepped on the skull, and a poisonous snake crawled out of it and stung the prince. After his death, Oleg was buried in Kyiv. There is another version of the death of the prince, according to which the warlike Oleg died in battle.

The biography of Oleg, who became the first prince, whose life and deeds are confirmed by chronicles, became the source of many legends and literary works. One of them - "The Song of the Prophetic Oleg" - belongs to the pen of A.S. Pushkin.

Rurik, according to Russian chronicle legends, is a king, the leader of the Varangian squad, called "from across the sea" by the Novgorod Slavs (Slovenes, all and measure) in order to stop civil strife in Novgorod and founded the Old Russian state. For the first time Novgorod Slovenes invited him in 859 He agreed to protect the tribes that called him from enemies, to sort out their disputes, to reign according to the old custom and truth.

But not all Slavic princes agreed to accept Rurik. Therefore, in the same year 859, they escorted him back to Scandinavia, deciding to choose a ruler among themselves. In 862, he took advantage of the strife in Novgorod and seized power there. The uprising of the Novgorodians against the Varangians, led by Vadim the Brave, was suppressed. Rurik executed Vadim and his associates, part of the Novgorodians fled to Kyiv.

According to the chronicle, Rurik sat down to reign in Novgorod, his brothers Sineus - in Beloozero, Truvor - in Izborsk. Novgorod was built on the site of old Slavyansk, and since it was a new city, it was named Novgorod. Rurik erected a Kremlin in Novgorod, impregnable for enemies, built a large trading area. Soon merchants from many countries began to come here, the city became rich and famous.

After the death of the brothers (864), Rurik became the ruler of the entire Novgorod land. He sent his warriors Askold and Dir to Constantinople to scout out the way there. They stopped in Kyiv and began to reign there.

In 879, Rurik caught a cold, fell ill and died.

The results of the reign of Rurik.

1. He founded the first dynasty in the history of Russia - the Rurik dynasty.

2. He founded Novgorod, which already became a major trading center under him.

3. He stopped the civil strife of the princes.

4. He ensured the security of the borders of Novgorod Rus'.

OLEG (THE GOOD)

Oleg - Prince of Novgorod after the death of Rurik (879-882), Grand Duke of Kiev in 882 - 912.

Main directions of activity.

The main directions of Oleg's active foreign policy were northwestern, eastern and southern. On the northwest direction the main goal was to ensure security from the raids of the Varangians. To this end, Oleg began to pay the Varangians an annual tribute of 300 hryvnias.

On the east direction the main goal was the liberation of a number of Slavic tribes from the power of the Khazar Khaganate. Oleg made several campaigns against these tribes and subjugated northerners (884) and Radimichi (885). Directly with the eastern neighbor of Rus' - Khazaria - Oleg did not fight.

To the south Oleg sought to establish equal relations between Rus' and Byzantium. To this end, he went on campaigns against Constantinople. In 907 and 911. peace treaties were drawn up between Byzantium and Russia, which determined the order of relations between them, their inhabitants, and the exchange of goods.

Oleg's domestic policy was aimed at establishing the firm power of Kyiv over the East Slavic tribes. He acted both by force and diplomacy: he suppressed the speeches of discontented tribes ( For example, Drevlyans in 883), established different amounts of tribute for different tribes ( For example, radimichi and northerners paid less tribute than others). In the tribes subordinate to Kyiv, the power of local princes, who were obliged to obey the Grand Duke, was preserved. Oleg sent his governors from among his combatants to remote areas of the state, entrusting them with the construction of cities and fortified camps for the troops.

The results of Oleg's reign:

1) most of the East Slavic tribes were subject to the authority of the great Kievan prince;

2) many cities were founded;

3) a number of Slavic tribes freed themselves from the power of the Khazars and became part of Rus';

4) thanks to the payment of tribute, the Varangians did not disturb the northern Russian lands with raids;

5) agreements with Byzantium provided favorable terms of trade for Russian merchants;

6) Rus' confidently entered the international arena.

Ancient Rus' at the end of the 9th century was a vast territory of Eastern Europe, inhabited by Slavic tribes living next to the Finno-Ugric, Letto-Lithuanian and Western Baltic.

Prince Oleg began to rule the Novgorod land in 879 after the death of the legendary Varangian Rurik, who established peace and order among the tribes of the Ilmen Slovenes, Meri, Chudi and Vesi inhabiting the Ladoga region. Oleg was the closest associate and relative of Rurik. Arriving in Rus' as part of the Varangian squad, he participated in military campaigns aimed at expanding the boundaries of the Novgorod principality. Oleg took the reins of power in Northern Russia as "the eldest in the family."

In Eastern Europe of the 9th century, the Novgorod land was only one of the major political centers of the Slavic tribes. Along with it, in the middle reaches of the Dnieper, there was the Kiev principality, ruled by the former warriors of Rurik Askold and Dir. Prince Oleg set himself the goal of conquering Kyiv and uniting the North and South into a single state. Oleg began to purposefully move towards the Dnieper, joining the lands of the tribes he conquered to the Novgorod possessions. In the conquered territories, he established state order and imposed tribute on the natives. Going to the trick, he dealt with the rulers of Kyiv and declared it his capital, "the mother of Russian cities."

Thus, an ancient Russian state arose on the map of Eastern Europe, which began to pursue an active foreign policy. In allied treaties with Byzantium, for the first time it acted as a member of the international community, Prince Oleg strengthened Kievan Rus, subjugated the neighboring tribes of the Drevlyans, Severyans and Radimichis to it. Previously, they were dependent on the Khazar Khaganate, with which the Kyiv ruler had to go to war. By the end of his long reign, Prince Oleg included a significant part of the East Slavic lands in the Old Russian state. For his wisdom and ability to foresee military success, he received the nickname Prophetic from his contemporaries.

CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS

  879 Death of Prince Rurik of Novgorod. Oleg's acceptance of guardianship over Rurik's young son Igor.

  879 The beginning of the Novgorod reign of Oleg as "the eldest in the Rurik family."

  Late 870s The campaign of the Rus to the Caspian Sea and the attack on the city of Abaskun (Abesgun).

  882 The beginning of the advance to the south of the army of Prince Oleg, which consisted of the Ilmen Slovenes, Krivichi, Meri and Vesi.

  882 The capture by Prince Oleg of the lands of the Dnieper Krivichi and the city of Smolensk.

  882 Capture by Prince Oleg of the lands of the northerners and the city of Lyubech.

  882 Prince Oleg's campaign against Kyiv. The murder of the Kyiv rulers Askold and Dir by Prince Oleg. The beginning of Oleg's reign in Kyiv. The unification of Northern and Southern Rus' under the rule of Oleg. Creation of the Old Russian state with the center in Kyiv.

  Later 882 The erection by Prince Oleg of fortified cities and "fortress" to assert his power and to protect against the nomads of the Great Steppe.

  Later 882 Oleg obliges Novgorodians to pay annually 300 hryvnias for feeding and maintaining the Varangian squad, designed to protect the northern borders of the state.

  883 The conquest of the Drevlyans by the Kyiv prince Oleg and the imposition of tribute on them.

  884 Victory over the tribe of northerners and taxing it with tribute.

  885 The subjugation of the Radimichi and the imposition of tribute on them.

  885 The war of Prince Oleg with the streets and Tivertsy.

  Later 885 Successful wars of the Kyiv prince Oleg with the Khazars, Bulgarians and other peoples of the Danube region.

  886 The reign of the Byzantine emperor Leo VI the Wise (Philosopher) (886-912) began. Carried out an important change in the old legislative norms. He waged wars with the Arabs, was defeated in the war of 894-896 with Bulgaria.

  898 Conclusion of a union treaty between the Ugrians and Rus. The imposition of tribute on Rus' for peace and military assistance.

  Con. 9th century Invasion of the Pechenegs in the Northern Black Sea region.

  X-XII centuries The formation of the ancient Russian people.

  903 The first mention in the annals of Pskov.

  907 Campaigns of Prince Oleg in the lands of the Vyatichi, Croats and Dulebs.

Essay

Abstract topic

The reign of Prince Oleg

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2. PREFACE.

It is from the end of the ninth century. we can talk about the beginning of the formation of a large state, which was called Rus and appeared as a result, first of all, of the unification of the two main political centers of the Eastern Slavs - the southern one with Kiev and the northern one with Novgorod. The latter, most likely, arose at this time, replacing an older settlement, possibly on the so-called Rurik settlement, near Novgorod. Oleg gradually, one way or another, annexed most of the East Slavic lands to Kyiv. It can be seen from the chronicle that by the end of his reign, the Polans, Slovenes (Novgorod), Chud, Krivichi, Merya, Drevlyans, Radimichi, Northerners, White Croats, Dulebs and Tivertsy obeyed him. However, the subordination of the Croats and Dulebs is doubtful, as well as the western Krivichi (Polochans). In any case, under the rule of Kyiv was primarily "the path from the Varangians to the Greeks" with its branches to the Desna and the Western Dvina. Oleg received the nickname of the Prophet, which, perhaps, is simply a translation into Slavic of his (Scandinavian) name Oleg (sk. Helgi), which means Holy, Prophetic.

3. THE BEGINNING OF OLEG'S REIGN. ASSOCIATION OF Rus'.

Rurik died in 879, leaving an infant son, Igor. All affairs in Novgorod were taken over either by the voivode, or by a relative of Rurik Oleg. There are two versions of the origin of Oleg: some fragments with confusion in chronology according to the First Novgorod Chronicle and the traditional one set out in The Tale of Bygone Years, according to which Oleg is relative of Rurik (brother of his wife Efanda, guardian of the young Igor). After the death of Rurik in 879, Oleg received the rule of the principality, since Igor was still small. For three years, Oleg remained in Novgorod and, after improving his situation, he and his squad set off south, along the Volkhov-Dnepr river line.

IN 882 according to chronicle chronology, Prince Oleg, a relative of Rurik, went on a campaign from Novgorod South. Capturing along the way Smolensk And Lyubech, establishing his power there and putting his people on the reign. Having sailed to the Kyiv mountains and not expecting to take a strong fortress by storm, Oleg went to a military trick. Hiding the soldiers in the boats, he sent the news to Askold and Dir, who reigned in Kyiv, that a merchant caravan had sailed from the north and he was asking the princes to go ashore. Unsuspecting Kyiv rulers came to the meeting. Oleg's soldiers jumped out of the ambush and surrounded the people of Kiev. Oleg picked up little Igor in his arms and told the Kyiv rulers that they did not belong to the princely family, but he himself “is the princely family”, and Igor is the son of Prince Rurik. Askold and Dir were killed, and Oleg established himself in Kyiv. Entering the city, he declared: "Let Kyiv be the mother of Russian cities."

So the Novgorod north defeated the Kyiv south. But it was only a purely military victory.” Both economically, politically, and culturally, the Middle Dnieper region has far outstripped other East Slavic lands. At the end of the ninth century it was the historical center of the Russian lands, and Oleg, having made Kyiv his residence, only confirmed this position. A single ancient Russian state arose with its center in Kyiv. It happened in 882.

Oleg did not complete his military successes on this. Having settled in Kyiv, he imposed a tribute on the territories subject to him - “set a tribute” to the Novgorod Slovenes, Krivichi, other tribes and peoples. Oleg concluded an agreement with the Varangians and undertook to pay them annually 300 silver hryvnias so that there was peace on the northwestern borders of Rus'. In 883, Oleg conquered the Drevlyans and imposed a "heavy" tribute on them, and in 884 and 885. laid tribute to the northerners and Radimichi, who had previously paid tribute to the Khazars. But Oleg, in fact, exempts northerners and Radimichi bordering with the Khazars from tribute, imposing tribute on them "easy". From now on, these East Slavic tribes ceased their dependence on the Khazar Khaganate and became part of Rus'. The Vyatichi remained tributaries of the Khazars.

“... In the year 6391 (883). Oleg began to fight against the Drevlyans and, having conquered them, took tribute from them for the black marten. In the year 6392 (884). Oleg went to the northerners, and defeated the northerners, and laid a light tribute on them, and did not order them to pay tribute to the Khazars, saying: "I am their enemy" and you (they) have no need to pay. In the year 6393 (885). He sent (Oleg) to the Radimichi, asking: “To whom do you give tribute?” They answered: "Khazars." And Oleg told them: "Don't give to the Khazars, but pay me." And they gave Oleg a crack, just like they gave the Khazars. And Oleg ruled over the glades, and the Drevlyans, and the northerners, and the Radimichi, and fought with the streets and Tivertsy.

4. TRIP TO BYZANTIA

Under the year 907, the chronicle reports Oleg's campaign against Byzantium. Under the banner of Oleg, the Varangians, Slovenes, Chuds, Krivichi, Merya, Drevlyans, Radimichi, Polans, Northerners, Vyatichi, Croats, Dulebs and Tivertsy spoke. Having equipped 2000 rooks with 40 warriors in each ( Tale of Bygone Years), Oleg went on a campaign to Tsargrad. Byzantine emperor Leo VI Philosopher ordered to close the gates of the city and block the harbor with chains, thus providing Varangians the opportunity to plunder and ravage the suburbs of Constantinople. However, Oleg went on an unusual assault: “And Oleg ordered his soldiers to make wheels and put ships on wheels. And when a fair wind blew, they raised sails in the field and went to the city. . The frightened Greeks offered Oleg peace and tribute. Byzantium was in a difficult position at that time. Peace negotiations with the Arabs were not completed, despite the brilliant naval victory won by the Byzantines over the Arab fleet in the Aegean. Shortly after this success, the ruler of the Asia Minor border region, who went over to the side of the Arabs, raised an uprising against Emperor Leo II. Under these conditions, it was especially important for the Byzantine government to maintain peace with Kievan Rus, whose military assistance against the Arabs was urgently needed by the empire.
The texts of Oleg's two treaties with Byzantium have been preserved in the annals: an excerpt from the treaty included in the chronicle story dated 907, and the treaty of 911. Most researchers consider the treaty of 907 to be part of the treaty of 911. It is very possible that as a result of Oleg's campaign against Constantinople, committed about 907, a preliminary verbal agreement of peace and alliance was established, which in 911 was included in the written text of the treaty. the first written contracts in 907 And 911 , which provided for preferential terms of trade for Russian merchants (trade duties were canceled, repairs of ships were provided, accommodation for the night), the solution of legal and military issues
Byzantium was especially interested in the military assistance that Rus' could provide to her. Under the treaty of 911, the Russian prince undertook not to forbid the soldiers of Rus' to enter the service of the empire at will. Back in the summer of 910, the Byzantine government sent a large sea expedition against the Arabs under the leadership of the commander Imeriy, who led a fleet of 177 ships with 47,000 rowers and soldiers. On the ships there was a detachment of Russians of 700 people.
According to the contract, Oleg received 12 hryvnias for each oarlock, and Byzantium promised to pay tribute on Russian cities (Kyiv, Chernigov, Pereyaslavl, Polotsk, Rostov, Lyubech and others, in which the "grand dukes" were sitting). As a sign of victory, Oleg nailed his shield to the gates of Constantinople. The main result of the campaign was a trade agreement on duty-free trade. Rus' V Byzantium. Oleg also ordered to sew sails for his boats, but not simple ones, but from expensive fabrics - from curtains and silk. The Greeks fulfilled the will of the Kyiv prince, and the Russian boats returned to Kyiv under rich sails.

The text of this treaty is significant. First of all, the treaty deals only with the Rus, and not a word mentions the Slavic tribes. Secondly, the Rus are shown as a multi-ethnic conglomerate - "the Russian family". This is evidenced by the names of the ambassadors "from the Russian family": Veremud (Velmud), Karla, Farlof, Rulav, Stemid, Frelav, Aktevu, Guda, Truar, etc. These names can be mostly explained from the Celtic, Illyrian, Iranian, Frisian and Finnish languages. But it is characteristic that this agreement of Oleg, as, indeed, the later agreement of Igor, was written in Slavonic, which speaks of the Slavic-speaking of the princely squads.

A beautiful legend has been preserved about the death of Oleg in The Tale of Bygone Years. Even before the campaign against the Greeks, the Kyiv prince had a favorite horse. But one day the prince asked the pagan sorcerer: "Why will I die?" And the sorcerer answered him: "Prince! If you die from your beloved horse, on which you ride - you will die from him!" These words sunk into the soul of Oleg, and he said: "I will never sit on this horse and I will not see him again." And he ordered to feed the horse, but he did not sit on it again. Several years passed, and Oleg remembered the sorcerer's prediction. Then the prince called the groom and asked him: "Where is my horse, which I ordered to feed and take care of?" And he replied: "The horse died." Oleg laughed: "The Magi told a lie, the horse has already died, but I am alive." And Oleg went to look at the place where the remains of the horse lay - bones and a skull. Seeing the horse's skull, Oleg stepped on it with his foot and laughed again: "Is it not from this skull that I should die ?!" And then a snake crawled out of the skull and stung the prince in the leg. The prince fell ill and soon died. This legend finds parallels in the Icelandic saga about the Viking Orvar Odd , who was also fatally stung on the grave of his beloved horse . It is not known whether the saga became the reason for the creation of the Russian legend about Oleg, or, on the contrary, the circumstances of Oleg's death served as material for the saga. However, if Oleg is a historical character, then Orvar Odd is the hero of an adventure saga created on the basis of some oral traditions no earlier than 13th century.

In fact, different chronicles indicate the time and place of Oleg's death in different ways. Some report the death of Oleg in Kyiv, others that Oleg ended his days in the north, in the city of Ladoga, or even overseas.

In accordance with the information of the Bohemian chronicles, it is possible that Oleg the Prophet had a son, also named Oleg. This Oleg, after the death of his father, waged war with Igor, who captured Kyiv, and then fled to Moravia, where he became famous as a warrior and commander.

6. LIST OF USED LITERATURE

"A manual on the history of the Fatherland for applicants to universities" Orlov A.S., Polunov A.Yu., Shestova T.L., Shchetinov Yu.A.

"History of Russia from ancient times to the end of the 17th century" Bokhanov A.N., Gorinov M.M.

1. Governing body Dmitry Donskoy

   Abstract >> Historical figures

   Clearly acted against their tyrants. Prince Oleg defeated the Orda Murza Tagai, who plundered ... the Horde, calmly dealt with the affairs of the internal board. It's been about a year. The Khan was silent... with her. But anyway, governing body Dmitry Donskoy was of great importance ...

2. Prince Yaroslav Vladimirovich Wise political portrait

   Abstract >> History

   Only mentions of the dates of the beginning and end board. How can this be explained? Satisfactory answer... the graves of the bones of Vladimir's elder brothers, princes Oleg and Yaropolk and their baptism - a rite, of course ...

3. Governing body Yaroslav the Wise

   Law >> History

   Crisis. Accompanied by popular uprisings boards impostors, the destruction of state power, ... 12. Creation of Kyiv: 1) prince OLEG, years board(879-912); two times ... rebels deprived of the throne. During the period board

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Brief biography and characteristics of the reign of Prince Oleg

Prince Oleg is one of the most prominent rulers of Ancient Rus', who united Kyiv and Novgorod under his rule, signed trade agreements with Byzantium and did a lot more in the development of Russian statehood. The FOX-calculator project is pleased to present you with a brief biography and a description of the main milestones in the activities of this outstanding historical figure!

Around 879, leaving the small son Igor to reign over the Slavic lands, the first died. Since Igor was at a young age, Oleg, who was later the prince of Novgorod and the first great prince of Kyiv, took over the board. Wanting to expand the Slavic territories, the prince gathered a rather powerful squad, which included representatives of the Finnish tribes, the Ilmen Slavs and the Krivichi. After that, the prince advanced the army to the south, annexing the cities of Lyubech and Smolensk. But the plans of the young ruler had a larger action. Having given power to loyal people from the squad in the conquered cities, Oleg advanced to Kyiv. This military campaign was a success. So, already in 882, the militant prince managed to capture the city and kill its rulers Askold and Dir. So Oleg ascended the great throne of Kiev, and historians consider the same year to be the actual date of the formation of the state of Kievan Rus.

The reign of Prince Oleg in the city began with the construction of many protective structures and the strengthening of the city walls. In addition, the prince strengthened the borders of the Slavic lands, erecting "outposts" on them, which are small fortresses with warriors living there. From 883 to 885, Prince Oleg managed to make a number of successful military campaigns, as a result of which he was able to subjugate the Slavic tribes that were settled along the banks of the Dnieper, Dniester, Sozh and Bug. After the victories, the Grand Duke gave the order to build new cities in the occupied territories. The conquered tribes were obliged to pay tribute to him. Actually, like all subsequent princes, Oleg's entire domestic policy was reduced to collecting taxes and strengthening borders.

The foreign policy of Prince Oleg was also very successful. His most important military campaign is the 907 campaign against Byzantium. For this military operation, the prince gathered a huge powerful army, which, according to some sources, numbered more than 80 thousand people. Despite strategy and defense, Byzantium was captured and its suburbs burned and plundered. The result of the Byzantine campaign of Prince Oleg was a rich tribute and benefits for the trade of Russian merchants. Five years later, a peace treaty was signed between Kievan Rus and Byzantium. After this campaign, Prince Oleg received the name Prophetic, that is, a sorcerer, for his insight and strategy.

The first Kiev prince died in 912, and his death is shrouded in legends. According to the most famous of them, Oleg was bitten by a snake.

Curious fact! A sharp mind and outstanding insight brought Prince Oleg the nickname "prophetic".

The main chronological dates of the reign of Prince Oleg the Prophet: