The Novgorod First Chronicle does not give the date of the commencement of Oleg's reign, but dates his death to 922 rather than 912. The Primary Chronicle's brief account of Oleg's life contrasts with other early sources, specifically the Novgorod First Chronicle, which states that Oleg was not related to Rurik, and was rather a Scandinavian client-prince who served as Igor's army commander. Oleg being mourned by his warriors (1899). Although Byzantine sources did not record these hostilities, the text of the treaty survives in the Primary Chronicle. Having fixed his shield to the gate of the imperial capital, Oleg won a favourable trade treaty, which eventually was of great benefit to both nations. According to the chronicle, the Byzantines attempted to poison Oleg, but the Rus' leader demonstrated his oracular powers by refusing to drink the cup of poisoned wine. The new capital was a convenient place to launch a raid against Tsargrad (Constantinople) in 911. Oleg gradually took control of the Dnieper cities, captured Kiev (previously held by the Varangian warlords, Askold and Dir) and finally moved his capital from Novgorod there. Oleg Has His Shield Fixed to the Gates of Constantinople.Īccording to the Primary Russian Chronicle, Oleg was a relative (likely brother-in-law) of the first ruler, Rurik, and was entrusted by Rurik to take care of both his kingdom and his young son Ingvar, or Igor. The nature of Oleg's relationship with the Rurikid ruling family of the Rus, and specifically with his successor Igor of Kiev, is a matter of much controversy among historians.įyodor Bruni. This traditional dating has been challenged by some historians, who point out that it is inconsistent with such other sources as the Schechter Letter, which mentions the activities of certain khagan HLGW of Rus as late the 940s, during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Romanus I. According to East Slavic chronicles, Oleg was supreme ruler of the Rus from 882 to 912. He also launched at least one attack on Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. He is credited with moving the capital of Rus from Novgorod the Great to Kiev and, in doing so, he laid the foundation of the powerful state of Kievan Rus. Oleg of Novgorod (Slavic: Олег, Old Norse: Helgi, Khazarian, possibly Helgu) was a Varangian prince (or konung) who ruled all or part of the Rus people during the early tenth century. The Primary Chronicle records that Oleg died from a snake bite. Franklin & Shepard point out the lack of corroboration in Byzantine sources for these early treaties. It also records that, after a Rus attack on Constantinople, Oleg concluded two treaties with Byzantium which established the conditions for future Russian trade with Constantinople. The same source states that he established authority over the Polyanians, Derevlians, Severians and Radimichians, but waged war with the Ulichians and the Tivercians. The Primary Chronicle describes Oleg´s capture of Smolensk, Lyubech and Kiev, where he killed the local rulers Askold and Dir and set himself up as prince. The Primary Chronicle records that Rurik bequeathed his realm to Oleg "who belonged to his kin". The precise relationship, if any, between the following person and the main line of Rurik is not known