Askold and Dir
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Askold and Dir, mentioned in both the Primary Chronicle and the Younger Redaction of the Novgorod First Chronicle, are the earliest recorded Varangian rulers of Kiev. There has been controversy over w
Askold of Kiev
The murder of Askold and Dir (Painting by Klavdiy Lebedev, late 19th century)
Death of Askold and Dir. Engraving by Fyodor Bruni, 1839
Author unknown. 19th century.
Rurik
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Rurik was a Varangian chieftain of the Rus' who, according to tradition, was invited to reign in Novgorod in the year 862. The Primary Chronicle states that Rurik was succeeded by his kinsman Oleg who
Askold and Dir
…historicity, origins, status and identity of Askold and Dir. The Laurentian Codex of the Primary Chronicle relates that Askold and Dir were sanctioned by Rurik to go to Constantinople (Norse Miklagård, Slavic Tsargrad). When travelling on the Dnieper, they settled in Kiev seizing power over the Polans who had…
Rurik on the 19th-century "Millennium of Russia" monument in Veliky Novgorod
Image of Rurik in the Tsarsky titulyarnik (1672)
Rurik and his brothers Sineus and Truvor arrive at Ladoga. Painted by Viktor Vasnetsov (c. 1913)
The Varangians Rurik, Sineus and Truvor are approached by messengers from the east. Drawn by Fyodor Bruni (c. 1839)