Kyiv & the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire

What was Kyiv’s relationship with surrounding regions?

It had difficult trading relationships with neighbouring peoples

Who were the Khazars?

A group of nomadic Turks, which at times was made up of a significant Jewish population

How did Vikings initially interact with the Khazars?

Vikings paid tribute to the Khazars and some Khazar people employed Vikings as mercenaries

What caused the shift in Viking-Khazar relations?

The Khazars conflicts with Peshenegs allowed Vikings to move further into the region and establish independence from the Khazars

Who were the Rurikids?

A dynasty that established Kyiv as a major trading center by 887

Who was Oleg the Wise?

A ruler who helped establish Kyiv around 887

What was Vladimir’s role in Kyiv?

Ruler from 980-1015, overseeing town growth and the beginning of Christian conversion

How did Christianity influence Kyiv during Vladimir’s reign?

Christianity, especially Orthodox from Constantinople, linked trade and led to the construction of churches

Who was Jaroslav the Wise?

Ruler from 1015-1054 who strengthened defenses, built the Golden Gate, and married off his daughter, Elizabeth, to Sweden’s leader (making an alliance between the two regions) 

What was the relationship between Scandinavians and the Rus during Yaroslav’s time?

The Rus became more Slavic, with tension between long-standing Scandinavian residents and new arrivals. Distinction made between Scandinavians living in this region for centuries and those passing through/newly arrived in the late 10th century

What did the Vikings view Constantinople?

They called it Mikilgarthr (the “great city”)

What goods were traded from Constantinople to Scandinavia?

Fur, wax, slaves, riches, spices, jewelry, wine, and other luxury goods

How did the Vikings serve in Constantinople besides trade?

They were hired as guards and soldiers by the emperor (varangian guard)

What was the nature of Viking attacks on Constantinople in the 860s?

Struggles between Scandinavians & Constantinople trade, leading to Scandinavian tribes attacking along the Black Sea and surrounding sites 

What does Homily III by Photius describe?

The Rus (Vikings) attack on Constantinople, condemning the attack, blaming the city’s sin, and noting the Vikings’ focus on goods over land conquest

When were the earliest known Viking treaties recorded?

In the 10th century, documented in the Russian Primary Chronicle

What were some terms of the 907 treat between Vikings/Rus and Constantinople?

Vikings/Rus received supplies, food, grains, wine, and merchant received living goods

What were the benefits for both sides in the 907 treaty?

Vikings/Rus gained free food and travel rights, while Romans avoided being pillaged and received protection

What restrictions were placed on Vikings under the treaty?

They were ordered not to attack, confined to a certain area within Constantinople, with only a small disarmed group allowed to leave

What was the purpose of the peace treaty between 940-945?

To reduce conflict, regulate trade, and prevent raiders posing as traders from attacking

What restrictions were included in the 940-945 treaty?

Merchants now needed documentation and were not allowed to spend the winter in Constantinople

Why is the treaty terminology complex and unclear?

The agreement was made between the leaders of the Land of the Rus and Constantinople, not including the rest of Scandinavia despite the “Ruses” term being used