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AskoldVarangian from Rurik's army, Kyiv prince in 864-882
Date of Birth: .
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Content:
- Askol'd and Dir: Varangian Princes of Kyiv
- Campaigns and Reign
- Historical Narratives
- Conflicting Accounts and Interpretations
- Archaeological and Literary Evidence
- Burial and Legacy
Askol'd and Dir: Varangian Princes of Kyiv
Origins and Early LifeAskol'd and Dir were Viking warriors from Rurik's retinue who embarked on a campaign to Constantinople. They seized control of Kyiv in 864, taking advantage of the absence of a reigning prince and the tribute paid to the Khazars by the Polans.
Campaigns and Reign
In 866 (860 according to Byzantine sources), Askol'd and Dir led the first Rus' raid on Constantinople. Later, Rurik's successor, Oleg, conquered Smolensk and other territories, approaching Kyiv in 882. When he discovered Askol'd and Dir's rule, Oleg lured them to his boats, claiming to be a merchant, and had them killed.
Historical Narratives
The Primary Chronicleportrays Askol'd and Dir as boyars of Rurik who acted independently after their expedition to Constantinople. The Novgorod First Chroniclesuggests they arrived in Kyiv prior to Rurik's invitation to Novgorod. The Pskov Second Chroniclenames them among five princes who ruled over the Rus' in the ninth century.
Conflicting Accounts and Interpretations
Nikonian and Joachimian Chroniclesprovide additional details about Askol'd's reign, including his conflict with Rurik over power in Novgorod and his campaigns against various tribes.
Polish historian Jan Długoszpresents Askol'd as a Polanian prince descended from Kyiv's legendary founder, Kiyi. Some scholars have associated him with the Southern Priilmenye region, suggesting that Kyiv was founded as a "young Russian state" around 840.
Archaeological and Literary Evidence
Outside of ancient Russian chronicles, Askol'd and Dir are mentioned in the writings of B. A. Rybakov, who proposed the existence of an "Askoldian chronicle." M. Yu. Braichevskyand V. V. Fominattempted to reconstruct this hypothetical chronicle, speculating that it may have influenced the Primary Chronicle.
Burial and Legacy
Askol'd and Dir were allegedly buried in different locations in Kyiv. Their legend and the circumstances of their death have been subject to various interpretations, questioning the historical accuracy of their association. Despite their controversial status, Askol'd and Dir remain significant figures in the early history of the Rus' state.
