Who was Sviatopolk I of Kiev and what was his parentage?
Sviatopolk I Vladimirovich was born to a Greek nun captured by Sviatoslav I in Bulgaria. His mother had been married to Yaropolk I before Vladimir murdered him in 980 and then took her as his wife.
When did Sviatopolk I of Kiev die and how old was he when he died?
Sviatopolk I of Kiev died on his way to Poland in July 1019. He was approximately eight years old when his father Vladimir placed him in charge of Turov, making him around thirty-nine years old at the time of his death.
Why is Sviatopolk I of Kiev known as the Accursed?
Sviatopolk I of Kiev earned the nickname of the Accursed for ordering the execution of three of his brothers Boris, Gleb, and Sviatoslav. Boris was stabbed to death while sleeping in a tent and later put out of his misery with a lance thrust during transport to Kiev.
Where did Sviatopolk I of Kiev flee after being defeated by Yaroslav in 1016?
Sviatopolk I of Kiev fled to Poland after his defeat near Lubech not far from the Dnieper river in 1016. He returned to Rus' in 1018 with help from his father-in-law Bolesław I the Brave but eventually fled again to the steppes before dying on his way back to Poland.
What evidence links the Bodzia man to Sviatopolk I of Kiev?
The Bodzia man belonged to the princely family himself rather than being a simple retinue warrior according to strontium analysis showing he was not local. The burial dates from approximately 1010-1020 AD and contains artifacts indicating strong relation to Kievan Rus ruling elite which corresponds to events of 1018 AD when Sviatopolk disappeared after retreating from Kiev to Poland.