The "Diplomatic Recognition" of Ancient Rus (860 A.D.)

Abstract

A remarkable event occurred in the history of Eastern Europe in 860 A.D. It excited contemporaries from Constantinople to Rome and left noticeable traces in Byzantine chronicles, church sources, and correspondence among governments. Later it was taken note of as well in The Primary Chronicle [Povest' vremennykh let]. Early on the morning of June 18, 860, Constantinople was subjected to a wrathful surprise attack by Russian soldiery. The Rus came from the sea, landed at the very walls of the Byzantine capital, and laid siege to the city.