Characteristics of the personality of Prince Igor Rurikovich, his activities and role in the history of Rus'

In the war against the Greeks, Igor did not achieve the successes of Oleg; he did not seem to possess great qualities himself, but he preserved the integrity of the Russian State established by Oleg; he preserved its honor and benefits in agreements with the Empire; he was a pagan, but allowed newly converted Russians to glorify the Christian God ceremoniously and, together with Oleg, left an example of prudent tolerance for his heirs, worthy of the most enlightened times. Two incidents remained a reproach to his memory: he allowed the dangerous Pechenegs to establish themselves in proximity to Russia, and, not satisfied with the just, that is, moderate, tribute of the people subject to him, he robbed them like a predatory conqueror.

Upon Oleg’s death, Igor (912-945) came to power, apparently lacking in talent as a warrior or ruler. He launched two raids on Greek territories: one on Asia Minor and another on Constantinople. In the first attempt, he suffered a devastating defeat in a naval battle where the Greeks used special ships with fire and shot “fire from tubes” at the Russian ships. In the second attempt, Igor did not reach Constantinople and reconciled with the Greeks on the terms outlined in the 945 treaty. This treaty is considered less advantageous for Russia than Oleg’s treaty. The campaign against the Greeks under Igor also involved the Pechenegs, who attacked the Russian land for the first time during his rule, but later made peace with him. Igor died in the land of the Drevlyans, from whom he intended to collect double tribute^[3]Sergei Fyodorovich Platonov. Full course of lectures
on Russian history.