Who was Igor of Kiev and when did he rule?
Igor of Kiev was a prince who ruled Kiev from 912 to 945. He is traditionally considered the son of Rurik, who established himself at Novgorod and died in 879. Igor came to power after a regency under Oleg.
Questions about Igor of Kiev
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How did Igor of Kiev die?
Igor of Kiev was killed by the Drevlians in 945 while attempting to collect tribute a second time in a single month. According to the Byzantine historian Leo the Deacon, the Drevlians tied Igor's legs to two bent birch trees, then released them, tearing him apart.
Did Igor of Kiev attack Constantinople?
Igor of Kiev besieged Constantinople twice, in 941 and 944. Greek fire destroyed part of his fleet during the 941 attack. The 944 campaign ended with a treaty concluded in 945 with the Byzantine Emperor Constantine VII, the text of which was preserved in the Primary Chronicle.
What legal reform followed Igor of Kiev's death?
After Igor's death, his widow Olga reformed the poliudie, the tribute-gathering system under which princes toured their territory to collect payments. This reform is considered the earliest legal reform recorded in Eastern European history.
How long did Igor of Kiev actually reign according to modern historians?
Constantin Zuckerman argues that Igor ruled for approximately three years, from the summer of 941 until his death in early 945. Zuckerman contends the traditional 33-year reign attributed to Igor in the Primary Chronicle results from its author misreading Byzantine sources, noting that none of Igor's recorded actions are dated before 941.
What is the Primary Chronicle's account of Igor of Kiev?
The Primary Chronicle is the main source of information about Igor of Kiev. It records his childhood regency under Oleg, Oleg's capture of Kiev from Askold and Dir, Igor's two sieges of Constantinople, his treaty with Constantine VII, and his death at the hands of the Drevlians in 945. The chronicle blames his death on excessive greed in collecting tribute.