History knows several versions of the origin of the Kyiv princes. Preference is given to the classical chronicle story of the “calling of the Varangians.” According to ancient chronicles, the Varangians, Scandinavian tribal leaders, were the leaders of Russian squads in war time. One of these leaders is called Rurik, the son of the Norwegian king and Umila, the daughter of the Novgorod elder Gostomysl. Called by the Novgorod people to reign, he came with his squad to the region of Lake Ladoga and, according to the chronicle, began to rule in Novgorod from 862, and his warriors - in other cities of the Russian land.
It should be said that the Varangians were in a privileged position: during the campaign they were entitled to a large share of the spoils, the prince consulted with them, while the Slav warriors did the rest of the work. Inozemtsev was also defended by the law, according to which a large fine was imposed for killing or insulting a Varangian. Historians explain this by the fact that, being Varangians by origin, the Kyiv princes recruited their squad mainly from their distant relatives. An additional number of soldiers were recruited from the Russians. The term “favorite” did not yet exist, but the chronicle term “youths-friends,” with which the prince addressed his senior warriors (Varangians), best characterizes their close position. For the Russians, the younger warriors, there were other terms: “gridi”, “young children”, etc. The favorites in the sense of getting closer to the prince were mainly the closest relatives (relatives and cousins, wives, uncles) or the strongest, smartest or cunning warriors. That is, the attention of a high-ranking person could be won by having family ties with her and (or) outstanding personal qualities.
Such people occupied a privileged position, became the prince’s dinner companions, and enjoyed his trust. They could become advisers, governors, and went on campaigns of conquest to collect tribute for the prince in “their own and foreign lands.” Thus, Askold and Dir, who came with Rurik, were sent by him on a campaign against Constantinople. Representatives of the Kyiv prince in such cases had the authority on his behalf and on behalf of the people ruled by him to conclude agreements on cooperation and non-aggression with the Byzantine emperors. Of course, only the best of the best could complete this mission, those whom the prince trusted as he trusted himself.
Since in those days the power and security of the prince depended on his personal qualities and the loyalty of his people, favorites were appointed governors of the cities under his control or rulers of the young children of the deceased prince, such as Oleg.
The fate of Rurik's close associates - Oleg, Askold and Dir, who also ruled in the lands of Kievan Rus - is most fully reflected in Russian chronicles and gives some idea of the origins of Russian favoritism. Live in Ancient Rus' was not cloudless, and a bloody struggle for power, intrigue and conflicts between the “newcomers” and the “local nobility” also took place then, as many centuries later, under Ivan the Terrible or the first Romanovs.
Oleg (? - 912)
Oleg, a relative and warrior of Rurik, arrived with him to Lake Ladoga. The year of his birth is unknown. But it is known that the prince brought him closer to himself and Oleg’s name is mentioned in the palace books of the Byzantine emperors along with the “king of the Slavs” and his nephews Igor and Yakan, as well as other Varangians from the “inner circle”. Oleg was distinguished by enviable health, heroic strength and dexterity - this epic image is supported by archaeological finds. It is known that two-handed sword weighed about 25 kg, and in battle they had to wield it skillfully.
A Viking battle ax could weigh 15 or 20 kg, and if you add to this armor, albeit leather, but shod with iron, a helmet and metal leggings (special boots that protected the warrior’s legs from ankle to knee), then it turns out that an ordinary warrior must was carrying at least 40 - 50 kg almost constantly. The warrior must be hardy; he was also required to have military ingenuity and unconditional devotion to the prince. This is exactly what the future Novgorod or Kiev prince should be - truly “first among equals.”
Why Rurik did not send Oleg on a campaign against Constantinople instead of Askold and Dir is a mystery to historians. Perhaps at the beginning of his reign, the experienced warriors Askold and Dir enjoyed great confidence in him. Perhaps Oleg’s military skill was required on the not very hospitable Novgorod soil - the details remain unknown. Most likely, during the first campaign of Constantinople, Oleg was, according to the standards of that time, too young and did not prove himself to be such a skillful diplomat as, for example, Askold. It is possible that this hostility towards Askold and Dir, who “beat him by half a length,” haunted him throughout the years of Rurik’s reign and ultimately became the real reason the death of the Kyiv rulers. The version that the “eternally second” Oleg was burdened by his subordinate position can be considered controversial. Nevertheless, his active participation in the Constantinople campaigns, the suppression of the Novgorod uprising of Vadim and the decisive fight against the nomads indicate an aggressive and active character. The fact that Oleg, with general consent, called himself a representative of the princely family indicates that he had certain rights to the throne or vassal rule and ambitions that were ignored by both Rurik himself and the Novgorod aristocracy.
Before the capture of Kyiv, according to the chronicle, Oleg undertook military raids on the territories of the Lyubech and Smolensk Slavs. These attacks were successful, just like the invasion of Kyiv, and greatly strengthened Oleg’s position among the squad as “first among others.” “Familiarization” raids of Russians on Constantinople in the 860s. become almost a tradition during his reign. Having subjugated Kyiv's closest neighbors - the Radimichi, the Drevlyans and the Northerners, Oleg not only expanded the territory under his control, but also significantly replenished the Kyiv treasury. He fought tirelessly with the rebellious Tivertsi and Ulichs throughout his reign. True, the Ugrians who besieged the capital of Kievan Rus became an exception to general rule. Not only could they not be defeated, but they even had to pay them a ransom, and only after that they went home.
It is interesting that Oleg, who had no serious competitors in the Kyiv lands, was incredibly lucky. His dream of an independent reign can be considered fulfilled. Moreover, in 907 and 911. he made two victorious campaigns against Constantinople. And on his own behalf, in the circle of his warriors, he signed an agreement on indemnity and further cooperation with the Byzantine emperor.
Of course, the number of Oleg’s warriors indicated in the chronicle (80,000 people) seems fantastic to modern historians, but there is no doubt that his army was truly large and frighteningly combat-ready.
In this regard, the textbook story about “Oleg’s trick” seems to be a characteristic illustration of his tactical ingenuity and military valor. The Greeks, who blocked the port waters with metal chains, also showed military cunning and hoped to get rid of the greedy conquerors for a long time. But Oleg, who ordered the ships to be carried by hand to the gates of Constantinople in one night, carried out a real “psychic attack”, against which the Byzantines could not resist. And the main acquisition of Kievan Rus in this campaign was not so much a huge tribute, but the conclusion of an agreement that allowed Russian merchants to trade without paying duties and customs duties (due to which the treasury of Byzantium was regularly replenished). This was a sign of economic strategy, albeit in initial version. In the peace agreement of 911, Oleg is called the “Grand Duke.” This agreement is about eternal peace and non-aggression" also had great diplomatic significance, highly raising the prestige of Kievan Rus abroad.
According to one chronicle version, Oleg died in 912, according to another - in 922. All sources mention the poetic version of Oleg’s death “from his horse,” but attribute to it a completely prosaic reason - poisoning snake venom. Nevertheless, in general, a non-mystic, insightful and rather pragmatic Varangian in the epics of the 12th - 14th centuries. is identified with the invincible prince-sorcerer Volkh Vseslavyevich, which testifies to the respect that his fellow tribesmen felt for his outstanding mind and physical strength.
Askold (? - 882) and Dir (? - 882)
Askold and Dir, according to chronicles, were Rurik’s warriors. And although the history of the first Kyiv princes has many discrepancies, it is known for certain that they were not his relatives, but enjoyed great confidence of the Novgorod prince. It was them who he sent at the head of the conquest campaign against Constantinople in 864 - 866. (approximate dating by chronicle). According to one version, the storm prevented Askold and Dir from reaching the Byzantine capital, and, fearing the prince’s wrath, they decided not to return to Novgorod, but to become princes themselves in the land of the glades. In those days, the glades did not have their own princes, the chronicler reports, but they paid tribute to the Khazars and suffered oppression from them. Askold and Dir offered protection to the glades in exchange for the “payment” that had previously gone to the Khazars, and they began to rule.
According to another version, from the very beginning they did not intend to attack Constantinople, since Askold was allegedly already a Christian. And from the very beginning, when setting out on a campaign, they hoped to become independent princes, and not “serve under command.” In the palace book of the Byzantine emperors, among the Varangians and Rus who made the campaign, their names are not mentioned, which means that they did not reach Constantinople. In Kyiv, the people under their rule lived peacefully and calmly and were satisfied with their rulers.
This version is contradicted by the absence of any repressive measures on the part of Rurik towards his “boyars” who violated the order.
It is known that in Novgorod local authority was not happy with the rule of the Varangians. The chronicles mention the uprising of Vadim (obviously a representative of the Russian aristocracy), killed on the orders of Rurik. After the suppression of the uprising, part of the Novgorod nobility fled to Kyiv land under the protection of Askold and Dir, and this greatly outraged Rurik and his governor, one of whom was the famous Oleg.
Polish chronicles consider both Askold and Dir to be Rurik’s younger relatives, who had significantly less rights to the Kiev throne than Rurik’s son Igor and his other relative, Oleg. Therefore, their murder by Oleg remained unpunished, as it served as retribution for autocracy.
Non-classical chronicles, for example Joachim's, known only in the retelling of an 18th century historian. V. Tatishchev, claim that Askold and Dir did not reign at the same time, but one after the other, and Askold was a Varangian prince, and Dir was a Slavic prince, and his name was translated as “beast.” Similar information can be gleaned from the notes of Arab travelers of the early Middle Ages, but this version remains controversial.
All sources agree that after the death of Rurik (in 879), the peaceful existence of the Kyiv princes was threatened by another favorite of Rurik, Oleg, who gradually concentrated power and influence in the Novgorod lands in his hands. Three years later, Oleg, who became regent-co-ruler under the young Igor, appeared at the gates of Kyiv. According to chronicle sources, the rich land of Kiev attracted him for a long time, and the convenient location of the city near famous trade routes served as an incentive to unite the Novgorod and Kyiv lands under his leadership. Of course, Oleg identified his interests with the interests of the Rurik family. For this purpose, any means seemed acceptable to him: having lured Askold and Dir out of the city walls by deception, he treacherously killed them in the presence of his squad and the young prince.
The peace and tranquility that reigned in the Kyiv lands at that time is also evidenced by the fact that Askold and Dir came to Oleg unarmed and without even light armor under their clothes, which made Oleg’s task easier. Such ingenuousness, which cost them their lives, is explained by their confidence in their own safety and the influence they enjoyed in the territory under their control.
Before executing the unarmed Kyiv rulers, Oleg announced that he was punishing them by right, since they, not being of a princely family, had seized power in the city and the surrounding area. Power, as Oleg explained (according to the chronicler), should belong to the hereditary princes, i.e. Igor or him, Oleg. It is interesting that neither the vigilantes nor the Kiev people stood up for Askold and Dir, and this proves that they considered Oleg’s arguments correct. After which a certain Olma, whom various sources consider either Askold’s warrior or a local merchant, buried the dead. Moreover, a church was erected over Askold’s grave, but not over Dir’s grave. Historians see this as a justification for the fact that Askold had already been baptized into Christianity by that time (they even call his given name Nikolai), and Dir remained a pagan, like many other ordinary Varangians and Kyiv princes.
Yulia Matyukhina. Favorites of Russian rulers
Was he the first Christian prince in Kyiv?
With the name of Prince Askold modern historians associated with the period of “gathering” of Slavic tribes around Kyiv. This policy finally led the tribes to unite into the Kiev state. Although Askold and Dir almost always act together in the chronicles, many researchers do not consider them co-rulers. Perhaps they were brothers big difference aged. A significant part of researchers believe that Askold reigned in the 40-60s, and Dir was his successor and reigned in the 80s of the 9th century. Other scientists consider Askold to be a descendant of Dir.
And it is with the death of Askold that the change in the ruling dynasty in Kyiv is associated. However, be that as it may, he is considered the first Christian prince of Kyiv. And believers who love to read old books would like the Church to canonize him as a saint. They say that 130 years before Prince Vladimir, Askold had already brought Christianity to Kyiv.
“The Tale of Bygone Years” and other Kyiv chronicles of the 9th-12th centuries recreate events of a thousand years ago, relying on narratives, legends, and various folklore sources. So, the history of the same state, the same events of the 9th century, described in different sources by different authors, sometimes depicted in completely different ways. Therefore, we perceive many entirely real historical figures rather as literary heroes. Nestor the Chronicler, describing “where the Russian land came from...”, says that Prince Rurik, invited by the Slavs to rule “in a row,” reigned in Novgorod from 862, and after the death of his younger brothers Sineus and Truvor (for two years “by calling”) remained the sole ruler of the Kyiv principality and “distributed the cities” into the possession of their confidants.
This is how Askold and Dir were imagined on the banks of the Dnieper
The chronicler portrays the Kyiv princes Askold (Oskold) and Dir as Varangians, not relatives of Prince Rurik, but only his “boyars” - warriors. They “asked for leave” from him to go on a campaign against Tsargorod (Constantinople) and along the way captured the Polyanskaya land and Kiev. Nestor writes: “Walking down the Dnieper, they saw a small settlement on the mountain and asked: “Whose town is this?” The residents answered them: “There were three brothers: Kiy, Shchek and Khoriv. So they built this city, and then they “bent”, and we pay tribute to the Khozars.” According to Nestor, Askold and Dir peacefully took power in Kyiv, gathered the Varangians and began to “own” the glades. Historical sources claim that Askold's reign began in 864. It was from then on that “Rus” gained power in Kyiv - this was the name of Rurik’s tribe.
Were Askold and Dir really from the Varangians? Most historians, having leafed through other chronicles, materials from eastern and western historical chronicles, came to the conclusion that the version of the Varangian origin of Askold and Dir is not reliable. According to some historians, these Kyiv princes of the 9th century can be considered the last representatives of the local Kyiv dynasty, descendants of the founder of the city - Kiya.
Especially painted in historical sources events of 860. Then the squad of Prince Askold, taking advantage of the difficult circumstances in which Byzantium found itself, attacked Constantinople. The Kyiv chronicles and Byzantine sources recreate a detailed picture of these events and even call the exact date siege of the Byzantine capital - June 18, 860. In the morning, 200 ships of the Russian fleet burst into the Golden Horn Bay, and their landing force, along with a foot army, surrounded Constantinople. After a week of siege, a peace agreement was reached. Askold recalled his army and, having received a huge indemnity, returned to Kyiv.
This is how Askold and Dir's campaign against Constantinople was depicted.
However, “The Tale of Bygone Years” also says that “...in 866 Askold and Dir went against the Greeks, under Tsar Michael. The king at that time went to war against the Arabians (Arabs), but, having received the news that Rus' was going to Tsargorod, he returned. Meanwhile, Askold and Dir with two hundred ships entered the Thracian Bosphorus (Constantinople channel), devastated the shores of the Propontis (Sea of Marmara), cut off many Christians and besieged the city. The king and Patriarch Photius prayed all night in the Church of Blachernae and then, taking out the robe of the Mother of God, they immersed it in water. By then the sea was calm; and suddenly a storm broke out, and the waves smashed the Russian ships. Few of Askold’s warriors escaped from such a disaster and returned to their land.” At the same time, Nestor notes that the undeniable benefit of this horror was that Askold and Dir themselves, gripped by fear, believed in Christ...
Among other meager evidence about these princes, there are records of monks in the Nikon list of the chronicle under 864 about the death of Askold’s son “from the Bulgars”, under 865 - about the campaign of Askold and Dir against Polotsk, “to whom they did a lot of evil”, under 867 - about their return from Tsargorod with the remnants of the squad and about their beating of the Pechenegs. It also talks about the baptism of the Kyiv Rus along with their princes. This event occurred, according to the Nikon Chronicle, around 874 and is confirmed by Byzantine chronicles.
Most likely, as a result of active “contacts” between Rus' and Byzantium in the 860s, these states concluded a peace treaty, according to which Byzantium was obliged to pay to the princes of Kyiv annual tribute, and Rus' - to provide military assistance to the Byzantines.
One of the most important messages from Byzantine sources, which dates back to the 70s of the 9th century, is the baptism of Askold and his immediate circle. This event had great value V further development Russian land. Since that time, chronicles have spoken of her cultural and political ties with European states. The fact of Askold's baptism inspired some historians to suggest that Christianity was introduced in Rus' not during the time of the principality of Vladimir in 988, but more than a hundred years earlier - under Prince Askold. Whether there are grounds for such a hypothesis, the answer should be given by further historical research.
Old Russian sources testify: having returned with the remnants of the fleet to Kyiv in 867, at a people's meeting Askold had a conversation about faith with a bishop sent from Byzantium. The bishop referred to the Gospel, spoke about the earthly life of Jesus and the miracles he performed. The Russians, listening to the preacher, said: “If we don’t see something similar to that“We don’t want to believe what happened to the three youths who were saved in the fiery furnace.” They asked that the Gospel be thrown into the fire and promised to believe in Christian God, if it remains intact. The Orthodox clergyman did not hesitate and called: “Lord! Glorify Your name before this people,” he put the book into the flame. The gospel did not burn. Seeing this, the princes and many pagans, amazed by the miracle, were baptized. After describing these events, the name of the Kyiv prince disappeared from the field of view of Russian chroniclers for almost twenty years.
Oleg - the killer of Askold and Dir
Under the year 882, the “Tale of Bygone Years” tells how Kyiv was captured by the Varangians, who “pretended” to be peaceful merchants, about the murder of Askold and Dir and the beginning of the reign of Oleg (Olgerd). The same one that we have known since childhood from Pushkin’s “Song of the Prophetic Oleg.” The one who said about the city above the Dnieper: “This will be the mother of Russian vegetable gardens.”
Nestor the Chronicler writes: “Meanwhile, Rurik died (879 - Author), he transferred the reign to Oleg, the eldest among his relatives, entrusting him also with his son Igor, who was still a child... Arriving under the Kiev mountains and seeing, that Askold and Dir reigned, Oleg hid some of his soldiers in boats, left others behind, and he himself came, carrying baby Igor in his arms: “We are going to Greece from Oleg and Igor.” Askold and Dir came. Then the warriors jumped out of the boats, and Oleg said to the Kyiv princes: “You are not princes, not of a princely family, but I am of a princely family, but here is the son of Rurik.” Askold and Dir were killed, carried to the mountain and buried there.”
Askold's grave in Kyiv now
Askold and Dir were apparently buried according to Christian rites. Later, on the site of Askold’s grave (on Mount Hungarian), the Church of St. Nicholas was built (perhaps this was christian name Askold, given to him at baptism). Now in this picturesque corner on the Dnieper slopes there is a rotunda church built in 1810. And the burial of Dir, as the chronicler noted, was behind the church of St. Irina (now - area of Vladimirskaya street, not far from the SBU building). In the 1930s, the church was destroyed by the communists...
Askold and Dir
Let's start with Askold and Dir: perhaps they are most directly related to Rurik. The chronicler says that these two “close people” of Rurik captured Kyiv in 866. Either the city was then without princes, without warriors, without guards, or at the mere appearance of Askold and Dir, the descendants of Kiy and Shchek rushed to flee... In any case, there is no information about the defense of the city, about resistance. Neither about the resistance of professional warriors, nor about the resistance of the people.
The chronicle tells the story of the capture of Kyiv in an elegiacally simple manner: Askold and Dir asked to go to Constantinople “with their family” (apparently to join the Byzantine army, no less). Well, they were sailing along the Dnieper and saw a town on the mountain. They stopped and asked: “Whose town is this?” They are answered: “There were three brothers, Kiy, Shchek and Horiv, who built this city, but perished, and we sit, their family, paying tribute to the Khazars.” Askold and Dir remained in this city, and many Varangians with them.”
In general, Kyiv was lying on the banks of the Dnieper, Askold and Dir found it and picked it up. Joke? But that’s how it is in the chronicle. Despite the fact that in the same “Tale of Bygone Years” it is written in black and white: after the death of Kiy, Shchek and Khoriv, their descendants reigned near the glades. “And to this day the brothers hold on, increasing their line of reign in the Fields.”
“The Tale...” speaks about the neighboring boyars of “Rurik”, but the northern chronicles consider Askold and Dir to be independent leaders of squads: “And the princes in that summer were on the Rouse lands; From the Varangians there are 5 princes, the first is named Skald [that is, Askold], and the other is Dir, and the third is Rurik...”
In general, the Varangian princes are multiplying, and Rurik is only one of many.
And according to the Novgorod chronicles, Askold and Dir are in no way connected with Rurik. They even came to Rus', to Kyiv, even before the invitation of Rurik himself. In Kyiv they “called themselves princes,” and go and understand what we’re talking about: about the unauthorized proclamation of themselves as princes, to which the chronicle is ironic, or about the legal transformation of the leader of a wandering squad into a prince after the capture of the city...
The northern chronicle of the Novgorod bishop Joachim tells of even more fascinating details, completely absent in other places: about the fierce struggle for power in Novgorod, the flight of part of the Novgorod nobility in the 870s from Rurik to Askold. These stories, however, correlate with the story of “The Tale...” about the “Vadim rebellion.”
It is this place that is confirmed by another chronicle - “Nikonovskaya”: a late collection compiled from manuscripts that have not reached us.
And “Ioakimovskaya” tells about the history of Kyiv during the reign of Askold. For example, about Askold’s campaigns against the Pechenegs and Bulgarians, about the death of Askold’s son in the war with the Bulgarians. It also tells about campaigns against the Polotsk and Krivichi tribes, and Rurik, according to the Tale of Bygone Years, installed his governors among the Polotsk and Krivichi tribes! But there is not a word about the war between Askold and Rurik in the Tale. And in general, in the “Tale...” Askold himself is the rebellious governor of Rurik... The complete impression is that the chronicle is not telling us, although it is not clear why.
Maybe the chronicler stubbornly does not want to report that in addition to Rurik, there were independent rulers in Rus'? After all, the chronicles were brought together, compiled into a single code under the direct descendants of Rurik?
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? - 882
One of the warriors of the legendary Rurik. Askold, together with Dir, left Novgorod, ruled in Kyiv and in 866 went on a campaign against Byzantium. In 882, during the unification of Northern and Southern Rus' into one state, he was killed by soldiers of princes Oleg and Igor.
Askold is one of the oldest historically attested rulers in Rus'. In 862, as part of the “invited” Varangians, he came to Rus'. Together with carried out famous hike to Byzantium and became the rulers of Kyiv. In 882, during the unification of Northern and Southern Rus' into one state, he was killed by soldiers of the princes and.
The way to Kyiv
The name Askold is associated with the very beginning of Russian history. When, according to the story “The Tale of Bygone Years” in 862, Rurik began to distribute cities in the north of Rus' to his husbands, two Varangians - Askold and Dir - asked him to leave for a campaign against Byzantium together with “their family.”
The Archangel-City Chronicle reports that Askold and Dir were nearby in 863, but did not settle in it, because it was a “big city” and it took a lot of strength to conquer it. Then in 864 they stopped in Kyiv, according to the chronicle, “a small town” that paid tribute to the Khazars. According to some scientists, for example, Kh. Lovmyansky, Askold and Dir did not conquer Kyiv, but the city “called them to reign,” that is, they concluded an agreement (“row”), just as it happened in Northern Rus'.
Having established their power over Kiev and the local tribe of the Polyans, Askold and Dir, according to Russian chronicles, waged wars with other peoples - Polotsk, Krivichi, Drevlyans, Ulichs, as well as with the Bulgarians and Pechenegs. The Nikon Chronicle (16th century) even reports that in 864 “Oskold’s son” was killed in Bulgaria. Based on information from the Joachim Chronicle, he believed that Askold’s son was killed by the Greeks, and this testifies to the war between Rus' and the Greeks even before the campaign against Constantinople, known from the chronicles.
March to Constantinople
In 866, as the Tale of Bygone Years reports, Askold and Dir, having gathered a squad of “many Varangians,” made a trip to Byzantium on 200 ships. Byzantine sources do report a major Russian raid, but somewhat earlier, in 860. The Novgorod First Chronicle records this event with an even earlier date - 854.
Most historians currently believe that the Byzantine date, 860, is the most reliable. Early dates in the Russian chronicles were initially absent and were confined to the years of the reign of the emperors in the Byzantine chronicles. Some researchers note that the episode of the campaign itself is described, rather, from the Byzantine than from the Russian point of view and could have been copied in the chronicles from Byzantine chronicles. According to all sources, the campaign ended in failure due to a storm that suddenly arose (it was preceded by the prayers of the emperor and the patriarch and the lowering of the robe of the Virgin Mary into the water) and scattered the ships of Rus'. Unfortunately, the Greek authors do not mention the names of the leaders of the campaign, but at the same time, their story gives the impression that it was still led by one person. The Novgorod chroniclers, like the Byzantines, do not mention the names of Askold and Dir in connection with these events.
Victims of false merchants
In 882, the Novgorod prince, together with (still a minor - if you believe the Tale of Bygone Years), undertook a large campaign against Kyiv. Sailing to the city, Oleg stopped in a tract on the banks of the Dnieper. Pretending to be a merchant, and even saying he was sick, the prince invited Askold and Dir to a meeting. During the meeting, Oleg stated that only Igor, son, and himself, as his relative, have the right to reign in Kyiv. After this, Oleg’s warriors jumped out of the rooks and killed Askold and Dir.
There is much that is unclear in the description of these events. On the one hand, if the account of events in the chronicles is correct, it is not clear why Askold and Dir went to the boats of “merchants” unknown to them, without suspecting an ambush. On the other hand, if, as some historians believe, the squad of princes-co-rulers was so small that they themselves had to meet the merchants, then it is not clear why Oleg needed to resort to such a trick.
According to the assumptions of a number of researchers, Askold and Dir were lured into a trap, making them understand that the opponents of Oleg and the “Rurik clan” wanted to establish contact with them in the struggle for power over all of Russia. Maybe the descendants of Rurik's brothers - or? In any case, Oleg’s goal was not only the murder of Askold and Dir, but also the establishment of the “Rurik family” as the only legitimate rulers of Rus'.
The transfer of power over Kiev to Oleg and Igor is not the only question that the chronicle researchers were asked regarding Askold and Dir. The very first of them: who were these Varangians really related to Rurik, and were there really two of them?
Askold - son of Rurik?
Historians have long paid attention to the diligence with which the chronicler of the Tale of Bygone Years shows that Askold and Dir did not belong to the “family” of Rurik and, accordingly, the priority of power over Kiev legally belonged to Igor. Under 862 he writes about them: Rurik had two husbands who were not his relatives, but were boyars. And in the entry of 882 he emphasizes that the full-fledged princes of Rus' are only from the family of Rurik.
The Novgorod First Chronicle, which preserved an earlier layer of information about the beginning of Russian history, indicates that Oleg’s informants in Kyiv called Askold and Dir brothers. However, she does not mention either that they were Rurik’s boyars, or that they were generally familiar with Rurik. The Arkhangelsk Chronicler, in turn, writes about Askold and Dir that they did not belong to either a princely or a boyar family.
He suggested that Askold was actually the son of Rurik and the stepson of “Princess Rurik”, who was widowed in 879. The researcher drew attention to the fact that in the Joachim Chronicle, unlike others, only Askold is mentioned. Dir, according to the historian, appeared due to the mistake of the chroniclers, who mistook the word “tirar”, which means stepson, of Sarmatian origin for the name. It is probably worth listening more carefully to the arguments of V.N. Tatishchev. Although it is written that Askold is not from the family of Rurik, the latter would not let him go with the army. If he had not been a prince and had not received troops, he would not have been able to accept the reign in Kyiv. Hence, the first Russian historian believes, Oleg’s envy of Askold and the desire to kill him.
Two or one?
V.N. Tatishchev’s hypothesis, although it explains why Russian chroniclers in retrospect so defended the priority of Igor (as the winner) over Askold for power in Kyiv, was not popular in science. But the idea that Askold and Dir are the same person found many supporters.
The Scandinavian name of Askold, as most historians believe, sounds like Hoskuldr. The name Dir finds the closest analogies in the ancient northern languages - Djor, Djur, which, according to many researchers, means “Beast”, an eschatological image in traditional culture. That is, “Dir” could be Askold’s nickname. IN last years in historiography, the possibility that Askold and Dir, being still real personalities, ruled in Kyiv, but not at the same time, is widely discussed. The combination of Askold and Dir in the chronicle as “co-rulers” in the period 862-882, wrote the famous scientist G.S. Lebedev, is certainly an artificial construction. One of the arguments in favor of the hypothesis about the different reigns of Askold and Dir is the chronicle reports about, although honorable, but still different places of their burials on the territory of Kyiv. This really looks strange, given the circumstances of their simultaneous death as conveyed in the chronicle.
The date when the change of power occurred is called 860, the time of Rus'’s campaign against Constantinople. Moreover, according to G.S. Lebedev, Dir ruled Russia in 838-860, that is, he began even before 862. As an argument for the hypothesis that Dir ruled before Askold, a message from an Arab author of the 10th century is often cited. al-Masudi in his essay “Golden Meadows” about the first of the Slavic kings.
Askold - son of Odin?
There are scientific doubts about the historical reality of Askold. For example, Vladimir Egorov, pointing out the scarcity historical evidence and their contradictions, suggests that Askold and Dir were legendary characters in the chronicle. In his opinion, their names are a modified spelling of the names of the sons of the Scandinavian god Odin - Skold and Tyr, legends about which could have been brought to Rus' with the Varangians. Polish chronicler Jan Duglosh (15th century) believed that Askold and Dir were descendants of the “Polyana dynasty” of the founders of Kyiv, the heirs of Kiy, Shchek and Khoriv. This hypothesis was later supported by other authors who sought to show the priority of Kievan Rus over Rurik’s Rus.
A clear indication of Askold's reality is the penetration of Christianity into Rus' during his reign.
The Gospels don't burn!
Under 876 we find in the Nikon Chronicle a story about the first baptism of Rus' under Askold. After an unsuccessful campaign against Constantinople, the Rus decided to be baptized, and the emperor sent a bishop to Rus'. The princes wanted to see a sign and suggested that the bishop throw the Gospel into the fire to be convinced of the power of Christ’s teaching. The Gospel remained untouched by the fire, and Rus', shocked by the miracle it had seen, was baptized.
V.N. Tatishchev was the first Russian historian to draw attention to information about the baptism of Rus' under Askold and in Byzantine sources, which also contain a story about the miracle of the Gospel not being burned in the fire. In his opinion, the chronicler Nestor certifies the baptism of Askold by his murder from Oleg and the erection by Christians of the Church of St. Nicholas on the site of his burial. Askold probably took the name Nikolai at baptism. The historian suggests that possible reason Askold's death was due to the reluctance of the people of Kiev to accept baptism, who therefore entered into an agreement with Oleg. He can be revered as the first holy martyr in Rus', and it is only because of “ignorance of history” that his name is not included in the calendar.
Khazar "trace"
According to the Tale of Bygone Years, Askold and Dir began to rule Kiev instead of the Khazars, to whom the glades had previously (since 859) paid tribute. But the same chronicle reports that Oleg liberated the glades from Khazar power after he captured Kyiv. Therefore, many scientists believe that in order to establish themselves in Kyiv, Askold and Dir should or could have recognized themselves as vassals of the Khazars.
An important role in the political structure that developed in Kyiv could also be played by the Hungarians located in the Eastern European steppes, who during this period were subordinate to the Khazar Kaganate. Local toponyms of Ugric origin also testify to their presence in Kyiv.
The Russian chronicle says that after the murder of Askold, his body was taken to Ugorskaya Mountain, where “Olmin’s yard” was located, and was buried there. At the burial site, according to the Tale of Bygone Years, Olma built the Church of St. Nikola. The historian G.V. Vernadsky suggested that behind the mysterious Oloma Tale, apparently a fairly significant personality in ancient Kyiv, is hiding the well-known Hungarian governor Almos, who was a vassal of the Khazar Kagan during this period.
Did Russian chronicle writing begin under Askold?
The famous scientist B. A. Rybakov, having analyzed Nikonovsky’s messages chronicle code for the years 867-889, reconstructed them as the earliest ancient Russian chronicle. It began, according to the researcher, after the baptism of Rus' under Askold and after the invention of Slavic writing by the Thessalonica brothers.
Disputes regarding B. A. Rybakov’s reconstruction of the so-called “Askold Chronicle” and thus attributing the beginning of the compilation of Russian chronicles to the time of Askold still do not subside in scientific world. Future research will show whether this man really was the inspirer of the first Russian scribes, but what he forever entered into ancient history Rus', it is already undeniable.
Roman Rabinovich, Ph.D. ist. sciences,
specifically for the portal
It is generally accepted that Christianity in Rus' originated under the holy noble prince Vladimir, who received the nickname Red Sun among the people. However, it is not. He just popularized this religion and brought the masses to it. Shortly before him, his grandmother, Princess Olga, converted to Christianity. She not only became a righteous follower of Christ, but also began to build churches in Rus' and translate liturgical books. But Olga was not the first! Almost 100 years before the Great Baptism of Rus', the famous Kyiv princes Askold and Dir adopted Christianity.
Stages of the formation of Christianity
Metropolitan Macarius (Bulgakov), in his work on the history of the Russian Church, divided the process of the formation of religion in Rus' into five stages:
- The arrival of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called in Kyiv and Novgorod lands;
- Baptism of the Kyiv princes Askold and Dir;
- Baptism of Princess Olga;
- Prince Vladimir's reforms to unite the pagan gods ended in failure. After this, the ruler set out to find the right faith for his people;
- Baptism of Rus'
That is, the prehistory of 988 is quite large and goes back long before the date known to everyone.
Apostle Andrew, leading missionary activity among the Scythians, visited the Russian lands. He predicted the construction of Kyiv and, almost certainly, preached Christianity among the local Slavic tribes. It is impossible to say exactly what the results turned out to be, for today we know about the Rus as pagans.
The first Slavs to accept the Christian faith were princes Askold and Dir.
Semi-legendary brothers
Despite the fact that these personalities are semi-legendary to this day, they left a deep mark on the history of both the Russian state and the Russian Church.
There are two main versions of who the brothers Askold and Dir were, and how they took the Kiev table. According to one, they were warriors from Rurik’s army, who captured Kyiv, which already existed at that time, and became its rulers. Another version of the story says that they were descendants of a princely dynasty dating back to the times of Kiy, Shchek and Khoriv. Historians are also concerned about one question. Are Askold and Dir the same person? After all, in all chronicles they are mentioned together, practically inseparable from each other. Maybe Dir is a nickname or a title? Most of Modern scientists are still of the opinion that these were two people, siblings.
One way or another, but under Askold and Dir Principality of Kiev experienced a significant rise and entered the world stage.
Military successes
Equally active work Askold and Dir led with the steppe inhabitants. In 864, Kyiv troops pushed back the “black” Turks in the south. At the same time, Askold’s son died in battle. In 866, the brothers defeated the Krivichi tribes, and in 867, the Pechenegs in the Lower Dnieper region.
The campaigns of the princes against Byzantium are a separate milestone.
The first invasion of Russian troops dates back to 860. Then Askold and Dir chose a very opportune moment to attack Constantinople, since Emperor Michael left only a small garrison in the city. The bulk of his troops fought with the Arabs, and the fleet, catching pirates, plied the shores of Crete. Residents of Constantinople were unable to repel the Russian squads, so they agreed to peace under certain conditions. The Greeks were obliged to pay indemnity and tribute to the Kyiv state for the maintenance of Russian merchants in Byzantium.
In 863, the troops of Askold and Dir find themselves in the Sea of Marmara. After this, the role of Russian traders and diplomats becomes significant in international relations, and all Mediterranean countries were forced to reckon with the new state.
The third campaign against Byzantium in 866 was unsuccessful for Kyiv. They connect this with God's providence. When the Russian boats appeared on the horizon, Patriarch Photius, being in the Church of the Holy Mother of God in Blachernae, prayed earnestly. And he had a vision, which the patriarch hastened to fulfill. With prayers, a valuable relic was taken out of the temple - the robe of the Most Holy Mother of God. Procession of the Cross the inhabitants reached the seashore. Patriarch Photius lowered the hem of his robe into the water with prayers. As the chronicler reported, the calm sea suddenly became stormy, strong wind, the waves rose. Russian ships were overturned, thrown aground, and broken. For the Kyiv princes this was a huge loss.
In 874, Askold and Dir with a new fleet and army again set off for Constantinople. The battle again did not take place, since the peace-loving Greeks agreed to new agreement, satisfying both parties.
Baptism of Askold and Dir
According to legend, after a shipwreck in 866 off the coast of Byzantium, Askold believed in the all-powerful Greek God. Patriarch Photius took advantage of this. According to documents, the head of the Byzantine Church sent one of his bishops to Kyiv to bring Christianity to the land of the Rus. Askold and Dir found faith with all their hearts and souls. They joyfully accepted the Sacrament of Baptism. Some people from among the boyars, warriors and ordinary people. Askold was given a new name - Nikolai.
However, even here historians face questions. Why don't we know Dir's new name? Maybe he remained a pagan? Yes, this is possible. But in the Russian church tradition it is customary to call two princes the first Christians, and not one.
The second riddle concerns Askold's other name. It is known that at that moment there was a tradition when the baptized received the name of his godfather. But the only one of all Nicholas of that time was Pope Nicholas I. Therefore, historians do not rule out that the first baptism of Rus' took place not according to the Greek, but according to the Roman rite. On the other hand, the split of the Church into Orthodox and Catholic will happen only a century and a half after Askold. So the princes were baptized according to the rites of the “common” Church of Christ.
There is also a version that Askold and Dir were baptized by the Bulgarians, who at that time were already Christians. It is quite possible that Askold’s godfather was some Bulgarian governor named Nikolai.
In any case, Askold and Dir became the first Kyiv princes who accepted Christianity. The first temple was built on the banks of the Dnieper, consecrated in the name of St. Nicholas (later Olga built it in stone). Noble grain was thrown onto Russian soil, giving rise to the first crops.
Death of the Princes
Prince Askold was buried at the site of his martyrdom - in the area of the Hungarian tract, which has since been called Askold's grave.
Questions about canonization
In December 2010 - January 2011 scientific readings were initiated at the Uzhgorod Ukrainian Theological Academy. Based on their results, the relevant officials decided to create a Commission to prepare materials for the canonization of Prince Askold as a martyr for faith in Christ. The papers had to be submitted for consideration by the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church(Moscow Patriarchate) and the Commission for the Canonization of Saints of the UOC. In January 2013, a number of Kyiv scientists adopted documents supporting canonization..
However, the UOC (MP) has not yet made a decision to consecrate Prince Askold-Nicholas as a saint.
At the same time, the UOC (KP) at the Local Council on June 27, 2013 canonized Prince Askold.
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