Why Oleg was called the Prophetic: the secrets of a historical figure. Prince Oleg of Kiev received the nickname “prophetic” for his exploits

He was an excellent commander who had a large number of victories The prince's goal was to strengthen the state, protect the lands under his control from the devastating raids of nomads, and increase the territory.

Why was this prince called “prophetic”? There are several versions. Probably each of them has the right to life, but I am inclined to believe that this man had certain superhuman abilities. There was something about him that gave him the opportunity to leave such a significant mark in the history of Kievan Rus and become the ruler of the Russian lands, without having the right by birth. Historians put forward two versions of the origin of this man: the first is that he is a relative of Rurik’s wife, the second is that he is a talented governor who enjoys Rurik’s favor.

Be that as it may, Oleg, after the death of Rurik, received guardianship over Prince Igor, and made every effort to establish the Rurik family on the princely throne. One of the significant events in this direction was the campaign against Byzantium (907). It was after this campaign that Oleg began to be called the Prophetic.

What played a role here was that Oleg was a naturally wise man and developed a whole strategy for the conquest of Constantinople. After it became clear that the land army could not cope with the city gates, he put his ships on wheels. During a fair wind, the open sails helped the ships move overland, which horrified the inhabitants of Constantinople. The Greeks then decided to defeat Oleg by cunning and sent ambassadors, who were supposedly entrusted with the mission to negotiate a tribute to the prince. This was only the reason; in fact, the ambassadors came with poisoned delicacies and poisonous wine. Thanks to prudence Prophetic Oleg, who realized that there was a catch in this act, this attempt was not crowned with success, and no one touched the poisoned food and wine.

The word “prophetic” has two meanings: “judicious” and “predictor.” This is exactly what Oleg was like. For his time, he was a highly educated person, who was also given natural wisdom and the ability to find a way out of any situation. It is not for nothing that in the age of warriors and revolutions, this man ruled for more than 30 years, and died of old age in his bed.
By the way, the story of the prince’s death from a snake bite is just a beautiful legend that only adds mystery to the image of this historical figure.

Karyagin Pavel Mikhailovich

Colonel Karyagin's campaign against the Persians in 1805 does not resemble real military history. It looks like a prequel to "300 Spartans" (20,000 Persians, 500 Russians, gorges, bayonet attacks, "This is madness! - No, this is the 17th Jaeger Regiment!"). A golden, platinum page of Russian history, combining the carnage of madness with the highest tactical skill, amazing cunning and stunning Russian arrogance

Kotlyarevsky Petr Stepanovich

Hero of the Russian-Persian War of 1804-1813.
"Meteor General" and "Caucasian Suvorov".
He fought not with numbers, but with skill - first, 450 Russian soldiers attacked 1,200 Persian Sardars in the Migri fortress and took it, then 500 of our soldiers and Cossacks attacked 5,000 askers at the crossing of the Araks. They destroyed more than 700 enemies; only 2,500 Persian soldiers managed to escape from ours.
In both cases, our losses were less than 50 killed and up to 100 wounded.
Further, in the war against the Turks, with a swift attack, 1,000 Russian soldiers defeated the 2,000-strong garrison of the Akhalkalaki fortress.
Then again, in the Persian direction, he cleared Karabakh of the enemy, and then, with 2,200 soldiers, he defeated Abbas Mirza with a 30,000-strong army at Aslanduz, a village near the Araks River. In two battles, he destroyed more than 10,000 enemies, including English advisers and artillerymen.
As usual, Russian losses amounted to 30 killed and 100 wounded.
Kotlyarevsky won most of his victories in night assaults on fortresses and enemy camps, not allowing the enemies to come to their senses.
The last campaign - 2000 Russians against 7000 Persians to the Lenkoran fortress, where Kotlyarevsky almost died during the assault, lost consciousness at times from loss of blood and pain from wounds, but still commanded the troops until the final victory, as soon as he regained consciousness, and then was forced take a long time to heal and retire from military affairs.
His exploits for the glory of Russia are much greater than the “300 Spartans” - for our commanders and warriors more than once defeated an enemy 10 times superior, and suffered minimal losses, saving Russian lives.

Rurikovich (Grozny) Ivan Vasilievich

In the diversity of perceptions of Ivan the Terrible, one often forgets about his unconditional talent and achievements as a commander. He personally led the capture of Kazan and organized military reform, leading a country that was simultaneously fighting 2-3 wars on different fronts.

Svyatoslav Igorevich

I would like to propose the “candidacies” of Svyatoslav and his father, Igor, as the greatest commanders and political leaders of their time, I think that there is no point in listing to historians their services to the fatherland, I was unpleasantly surprised not to see their names on this list. Sincerely.

Stalin Joseph Vissarionovich

He was the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the USSR during the Great Patriotic War! Under his leadership, the USSR won the Great Victory during the Great Patriotic War!

Makarov Stepan Osipovich

Russian oceanographer, polar explorer, shipbuilder, vice admiral. Developed the Russian semaphore alphabet. A worthy person, on the list of worthy ones!

Olsufiev Zakhar Dmitrievich

One of the most famous military leaders of Bagration's 2nd Western Army. Always fought with exemplary courage. He was awarded the Order of St. George, 3rd degree, for his heroic participation in the Battle of Borodino. He distinguished himself in the battle on the Chernishna (or Tarutinsky) River. His reward for his participation in defeating the vanguard of Napoleon's army was the Order of St. Vladimir, 2nd degree. He was called "a general with talents." When Olsufiev was captured and taken to Napoleon, he said to his entourage the words famous in history: “Only Russians know how to fight like that!”

Gagen Nikolai Alexandrovich

On June 22, trains with units of the 153rd Infantry Division arrived in Vitebsk. Covering the city from the west, Hagen's division (together with the heavy artillery regiment attached to the division) occupied a 40 km long defense line; it was opposed by the 39th German Motorized Corps.

After 7 days of fierce fighting, the division's battle formations were not broken through. The Germans no longer contacted the division, bypassed it and continued the offensive. The division appeared in a German radio message as destroyed. Meanwhile, the 153rd Rifle Division, without ammunition and fuel, began to fight its way out of the ring. Hagen led the division out of encirclement with heavy weapons.

For the demonstrated steadfastness and heroism during the Elninsky operation on September 18, 1941, by order of the People's Commissar of Defense No. 308, the division received the honorary name “Guards”.
From 01/31/1942 to 09/12/1942 and from 10/21/1942 to 04/25/1943 - commander of the 4th Guards Rifle Corps,
from May 1943 to October 1944 - commander of the 57th Army,
from January 1945 - the 26th Army.

Troops under the leadership of N.A. Gagen took part in the Sinyavinsk operation (and the general managed to break out of encirclement for the second time with weapons in hand), the Battles of Stalingrad and Kursk, battles in the Left Bank and Right Bank Ukraine, in the liberation of Bulgaria, in the Iasi-Kishinev, Belgrade, Budapest, Balaton and Vienna operations. Participant of the Victory Parade.

Soldier, several wars (including World War I and World War II). past the path to Marshal of the USSR and Poland. Military intellectual. did not resort to “obscene leadership”. He knew the subtleties of military tactics. practice, strategy and operational art.

Antonov Alexey Innokentievich

He became famous as a talented staff officer. Participated in the development of almost all significant operations of the Soviet troops in the Great Patriotic War since December 1942.
The only one of all Soviet military leaders awarded the Order of Victory with the rank of Army General, and the only Soviet holder of the order who was not awarded the title of Hero Soviet Union.

Skopin-Shuisky Mikhail Vasilievich

In the conditions of the disintegration of the Russian state during the Time of Troubles, with minimal material and personnel resources, he created an army that defeated the Polish-Lithuanian interventionists and liberated most Russian state.

Uvarov Fedor Petrovich

At the age of 27 he was promoted to general. He took part in the campaigns of 1805-1807 and in the battles on the Danube in 1810. In 1812, he commanded the 1st Artillery Corps in the army of Barclay de Tolly, and subsequently the entire cavalry of the united armies.

Makhno Nestor Ivanovich

Over the mountains, over the valleys
I've been waiting for my blue ones for a long time
Father is wise, Father is glorious,
Our good father - Makhno...

(peasant song from the Civil War)

He was able to create an army and conducted successful military operations against the Austro-Germans and against Denikin.

And for * carts * even if he was not awarded the Order of the Red Banner, it should be done now

Ivan groznyj

He conquered the Astrakhan kingdom, to which Russia paid tribute. Defeated the Livonian Order. Expanded the borders of Russia far beyond the Urals.

Stalin Joseph Vissarionovich

Victory in the Great Patriotic War, saving the entire planet from absolute evil, and our country from extinction.
From the first hours of the war, Stalin controlled the country, front and rear. On land, at sea and in the air.
His merit is not one or even ten battles or campaigns, his merit is Victory, made up of hundreds of battles of the Great Patriotic War: the battle of Moscow, battles in the North Caucasus, the Battle of Stalingrad, the battle of Kursk, the battle of Leningrad and many others before the capture Berlin, success in which was achieved thanks to the monotonous inhuman work of the genius of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.

It's simple - It was he, as a commander, who brought greatest contribution to the defeat of Napoleon. He saved the army under the most difficult conditions, despite misunderstandings and grave accusations of treason. It is to him that ours is practically a contemporary of those events great poet Pushkin dedicated the poem "Commander".
Pushkin, recognizing Kutuzov's merits, did not oppose him to Barclay. In place of the common alternative “Barclay or Kutuzov,” with the traditional resolution in favor of Kutuzov, Pushkin came to a new position: both Barclay and Kutuzov are both worthy of the grateful memory of posterity, but Kutuzov is revered by everyone, but Mikhail Bogdanovich Barclay de Tolly is undeservedly forgotten.
Pushkin mentioned Barclay de Tolly even earlier, in one of the chapters of “Eugene Onegin” -

Thunderstorm of the twelfth year
It has arrived - who helped us here?
The frenzy of the people
Barclay, winter or Russian god?...

Field Marshal General Gudovich Ivan Vasilievich

The assault on the Turkish fortress of Anapa on June 22, 1791. In terms of complexity and importance, it is only inferior to the assault on Izmail by A.V. Suvorov.
A 7,000-strong Russian detachment stormed Anapa, which was defended by a 25,000-strong Turkish garrison. At the same time, soon after the start of the assault, the Russian detachment was attacked from the mountains by 8,000 mounted highlanders and Turks, who attacked the Russian camp, but were unable to break into it, were repulsed in a fierce battle and pursued by the Russian cavalry.
The fierce battle for the fortress lasted over 5 hours. About 8,000 people from the Anapa garrison died, 13,532 defenders led by the commandant and Sheikh Mansur were taken prisoner. A small part (about 150 people) escaped on ships. Almost all the artillery was captured or destroyed (83 cannons and 12 mortars), 130 banners were taken. Gudovich sent a separate detachment from Anapa to the nearby Sudzhuk-Kale fortress (on the site of modern Novorossiysk), but upon his approach the garrison burned the fortress and fled to the mountains, abandoning 25 guns.
The losses of the Russian detachment were very high - 23 officers and 1,215 privates were killed, 71 officers and 2,401 privates were wounded (Sytin's Military Encyclopedia gives slightly lower data - 940 killed and 1,995 wounded). Gudovich was awarded the Order of St. George, 2nd degree, all the officers of his detachment were awarded, and a special medal was established for the lower ranks.

Antonov Alexey Inokentevich

Chief strategist of the USSR in 1943-45, practically unknown to society
"Kutuzov" World War II

Humble and committed. Victorious. Author of all operations since the spring of 1943 and the victory itself. Others gained fame - Stalin and the front commanders.

Brusilov Alexey Alekseevich

In World War I, commander of the 8th Army in the Battle of Galicia. On August 15-16, 1914, during the Rohatyn battles, he defeated the 2nd Austro-Hungarian Army, capturing 20 thousand people. and 70 guns. On August 20, Galich was captured. 8th Army takes Active participation in the battles of Rava-Russkaya and in the Battle of Gorodok. In September he commanded a group of troops from the 8th and 3rd armies. From September 28 to October 11, his army withstood a counterattack by the 2nd and 3rd Austro-Hungarian armies in battles on the San River and near the city of Stryi. During the successfully completed battles, 15 thousand enemy soldiers were captured, and at the end of October his army entered the foothills of the Carpathians.

Shein Alexey Semyonovich

The first Russian generalissimo. Leader of the Azov campaigns of Peter I.

Khvorostinin Dmitry Ivanovich

A commander who had no defeats...

Rurikovich Svyatoslav Igorevich

He defeated the Khazar Khaganate, expanded the borders of Russian lands, and successfully fought with the Byzantine Empire.

Karyagin Pavel Mikhailovich

Colonel, chief of the 17th Jaeger Regiment. He showed himself most clearly in the Persian Company of 1805; when, with a detachment of 500 people, surrounded by a 20,000-strong Persian army, he resisted it for three weeks, not only repelling the attacks of the Persians with honor, but taking fortresses himself, and finally, with a detachment of 100 people, he made his way to Tsitsianov, who was coming to his aid.

Donskoy Dmitry Ivanovich

His army won the Kulikovo victory.

Wrangel Pyotr Nikolaevich

Participant in the Russo-Japanese and First World Wars, one of the main leaders (1918−1920) White movement during the Civil War. Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Army in Crimea and Poland (1920). General Staff Lieutenant General (1918). Knight of St. George.

Paskevich Ivan Fedorovich

Hero of Borodin, Leipzig, Paris (division commander)
As commander-in-chief, he won 4 companies (Russian-Persian 1826-1828, Russian-Turkish 1828-1829, Polish 1830-1831, Hungarian 1849).
Knight of the Order of St. George, 1st degree - for the capture of Warsaw (the order, according to the statute, was awarded either for the salvation of the fatherland, or for the capture of the enemy capital).
Field Marshal.

Saltykov Pyotr Semyonovich

The commander-in-chief of the Russian army in the Seven Years' War, was the main architect of the key victories of the Russian troops.

Yudenich Nikolai Nikolaevich

October 3, 2013 marks the 80th anniversary of the death in the French city of Cannes of the Russian military leader, commander of the Caucasian Front, hero of Mukden, Sarykamysh, Van, Erzerum (thanks to the complete defeat of the 90,000-strong Turkish army, Constantinople and the Bosporus with the Dardanelles were withdrawn from Russia), savior Armenian people from the complete Turkish genocide, holder of three orders of George and the highest order of France, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor, General Nikolai Nikolaevich Yudenich.

Minikh Christopher Antonovich

Due to the ambiguous attitude towards the period of Anna Ioannovna’s reign, she is a largely underrated commander, who was the commander-in-chief of the Russian troops throughout her reign.

Commander of Russian troops during the War of the Polish Succession and architect of the victory of Russian weapons in the Russian-Turkish War of 1735-1739.

Dokhturov Dmitry Sergeevich

Defense of Smolensk.
Command of the left flank on the Borodino field after Bagration was wounded.
Battle of Tarutino.

Rumyantsev Pyotr Alexandrovich

Russian military leader and statesman, who ruled Little Russia throughout the reign of Catherine II (1761-96). During Seven Years' War commanded the capture of Kolberg. For victories over the Turks at Larga, Kagul and others, which led to the conclusion of the Kuchuk-Kainardzhi Peace, he was awarded the title “Transdanubian”. In 1770 he received the rank of Field Marshal. Knight of the Russian orders of St. Andrew the Apostle, St. Alexander Nevsky, St. George 1st class and St. Vladimir 1st class, Prussian Black Eagle and St. Anna 1st class

Stalin Joseph Vissarionovich

Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the USSR during the Great Patriotic War. Under his leadership, the Red Army crushed fascism.

Alekseev Mikhail Vasilievich

One of the most talented Russian generals of the First World War. Hero of the Battle of Galicia in 1914, savior of the Northwestern Front from encirclement in 1915, chief of staff under Emperor Nicholas I.

General of Infantry (1914), Adjutant General (1916). Active participant in the White movement in the Civil War. One of the organizers of the Volunteer Army.

Stalin Joseph Vissarionovich

Chairman of the State Defense Committee, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the USSR Armed Forces during the Great Patriotic War.
What other questions might there be?

Stalin Joseph Vissarionovich

Led the armed struggle Soviet people in the war against Germany and its allies and satellites, as well as in the war against Japan.
Led the Red Army to Berlin and Port Arthur.

Blucher, Tukhachevsky

Blucher, Tukhachevsky and the whole galaxy of heroes of the Civil War. Don't forget Budyonny!

Ermolov Alexey Petrovich

Hero of the Napoleonic Wars and the Patriotic War of 1812. Conqueror of the Caucasus. A smart strategist and tactician, a strong-willed and brave warrior.

Barclay de Tolly Mikhail Bogdanovich

Finnish War.
Strategic retreat in the first half of 1812
European expedition of 1812

Golenishchev-Kutuzov Mikhail Illarionovich

(1745-1813).
1. A GREAT Russian commander, he was an example for his soldiers. Appreciated every soldier. "M.I. Golenishchev-Kutuzov is not only the liberator of the Fatherland, he is the only one who beat the hitherto invincible French Emperor, turning the “great army” into a crowd of ragamuffins, saving, thanks to his military genius, the lives of many Russian soldiers.”
2. Mikhail Illarionovich, being a highly educated man who knew several foreign languages, dexterous, sophisticated, able to animate society with the gift of words and an entertaining story, he also served Russia as an excellent diplomat - ambassador to Turkey.
3. M.I. Kutuzov is the first to become a full holder of the highest military order of St. St. George the Victorious four degrees.
The life of Mikhail Illarionovich is an example of service to the fatherland, attitude towards soldiers, spiritual strength for Russian military leaders of our time and, of course, for younger generation- future military.

Sheremetev Boris Petrovich

Rurikovich Svyatoslav Igorevich

Great commander Old Russian period. The first Kyiv prince known to us who had Slavic name. The last pagan ruler of the Old Russian state. He glorified Rus' as a great military power in the campaigns of 965-971. Karamzin called him “Alexander (Macedonian) of our ancient history" The prince freed the Slavic tribes from vassal dependence on the Khazars, defeating the Khazar Khaganate in 965. According to the Tale of Bygone Years, in 970, during the Russian-Byzantine War, Svyatoslav managed to win the battle of Arcadiopolis, having 10,000 soldiers under his command, against 100,000 Greeks. But at the same time, Svyatoslav led the life of a simple warrior: “On campaigns he did not carry carts or cauldrons with him, did not cook meat, but, thinly slicing horse meat, or animal meat, or beef and roasting it on coals, he ate it like that; he did not have a tent , but slept, spreading a sweatshirt with a saddle in their heads - the same were all the rest of his warriors. And he sent envoys to other lands [envoys, as a rule, before declaring war] with the words: “I’m coming to you!” (According to PVL)

Ivan III Vasilievich

He united the Russian lands around Moscow and threw off the hated Tatar-Mongol yoke.

Brusilov Alexey Alekseevich

One of the best Russian generals of the First World War. In June 1916, troops of the Southwestern Front under the command of Adjutant General A.A. Brusilov, simultaneously striking in several directions, broke through the enemy’s deeply layered defenses and advanced 65 km. In military history, this operation was called the Brusilov breakthrough.

Dubynin Viktor Petrovich

From April 30, 1986 to June 1, 1987 - commander of the 40th combined arms army of the Turkestan Military District. The troops of this army made up the bulk of the Limited contingent of Soviet troops in Afghanistan. During the year of his command of the army, the number of irretrievable losses decreased by 2 times compared to 1984-1985.
On June 10, 1992, Colonel General V.P. Dubynin was appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces - First Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation
His merits include keeping the President of the Russian Federation B.N. Yeltsin from a number of ill-conceived decisions in the military sphere, primarily in the field of nuclear forces.

Saltykov Petr Semenovich

One of those commanders who managed to inflict defeat in an exemplary manner on one of the best commanders Europe XVIII century - Frederick II of Prussia

Senyavin Dmitry Nikolaevich

Dmitry Nikolaevich Senyavin (6 (17) August 1763 - 5 (17) April 1831) - Russian naval commander, admiral.
for courage and outstanding diplomatic work shown during the blockade of the Russian fleet in Lisbon

Katukov Mikhail Efimovich

Perhaps the only bright spot against the background of Soviet armored force commanders. A tank driver who went through the entire war, starting from the border. A commander whose tanks always showed their superiority to the enemy. His tank brigades were the only ones(!) in the first period of the war that were not defeated by the Germans and even caused them significant damage.
His First Guards Tank Army remained combat-ready, although it defended itself from the very first days of the fighting on the southern front of the Kursk Bulge, while exactly the same 5th Guards Tank Army of Rotmistrov was practically destroyed on the very first day it entered the battle (June 12)
This is one of the few of our commanders who took care of his troops and fought not with numbers, but with skill.

Romanov Pyotr Alekseevich

During the endless discussions about Peter I as a politician and reformer, it is unfairly forgotten that he was the greatest commander of his time. He was not only an excellent organizer of the rear. In the two most important battles of the Northern War (the battles of Lesnaya and Poltava), he not only developed battle plans himself, but also personally led the troops, being in the most important, responsible directions.
The only commander I know of who was equally talented in both land and sea battles.
The main thing is that Peter I created a domestic military school. If all the great commanders of Russia are the heirs of Suvorov, then Suvorov himself is the heir of Peter.
The Battle of Poltava was one of the greatest (if not the greatest) victory in Russian history. In all other great aggressive invasions of Russia, the general battle did not have a decisive outcome, and the struggle dragged on, leading to exhaustion. It was only in the Northern War that the general battle radically changed the state of affairs, and from the attacking side the Swedes became the defending side, decisively losing the initiative.
I believe that Peter I deserves to be in the top three on the list of the best commanders of Russia.

Kutuzov Mikhail Illarionovich

After Zhukov, who took Berlin, the second should be the brilliant strategist Kutuzov, who drove the French out of Russia.

Ushakov Fedor Fedorovich

A man whose faith, courage, and patriotism defended our state

General Ermolov

Izylmetyev Ivan Nikolaevich

Commanded the frigate "Aurora". He made the transition from St. Petersburg to Kamchatka in a record time for those times in 66 days. In Callao Bay he eluded the Anglo-French squadron. Arriving in Petropavlovsk together with the governor of the Kamchatka Territory, Zavoiko V. organized defense of the city during which the sailors from the Aurora, together with local residents They threw an outnumbered Anglo-French landing force into the sea. Then they took the Aurora to the Amur Estuary, hiding it there. After these events, the English public demanded a trial of the admirals who had lost the Russian frigate.

Baklanov Yakov Petrovich

The Cossack general, “the thunderstorm of the Caucasus,” Yakov Petrovich Baklanov, one of the most colorful heroes of the endless Caucasian War of the century before last, fits perfectly into the image of Russia familiar to the West. A gloomy two-meter hero, a tireless persecutor of highlanders and Poles, an enemy of political correctness and democracy in all its manifestations. But it was precisely these people who achieved the most difficult victory for the empire in the long-term confrontation with the inhabitants of the North Caucasus and the unkind local nature

Barclay de Tolly Mikhail Bogdanovich

Participated in the Russian-Turkish War of 1787-91 and the Russian-Swedish War of 1788-90. He distinguished himself during the war with France in 1806-07 at Preussisch-Eylau, and from 1807 he commanded a division. During the Russian-Swedish war of 1808-09 he commanded a corps; led the successful crossing of the Kvarken Strait in the winter of 1809. In 1809-10, Governor-General of Finland. From January 1810 to September 1812, the Minister of War did a lot of work to strengthen the Russian army, and separated the intelligence and counterintelligence service into a separate production. In the Patriotic War of 1812 he commanded the 1st Western Army, and the 2nd Army was subordinate to him as Minister of War Western Army. In conditions of significant superiority of the enemy, he showed his talent as a commander and successfully carried out the withdrawal and unification of the two armies, which earned M.I. Kutuzov such words as THANK YOU DEAR FATHER!!! SAVED THE ARMY!!! SAVED RUSSIA!!!. However, the retreat caused discontent in noble circles and the army, and on August 17 Barclay surrendered command of the armies to M.I. Kutuzov. In the Battle of Borodino he commanded the right wing of the Russian army, showing steadfastness and skill in defense. He recognized the position chosen by L. L. Bennigsen near Moscow as unsuccessful and supported M. I. Kutuzov’s proposal to leave Moscow at the military council in Fili. In September 1812, due to illness, he left the army. In February 1813 he was appointed commander of the 3rd and then the Russian-Prussian army, which he successfully commanded during the foreign campaigns of the Russian army of 1813-14 (Kulm, Leipzig, Paris). Buried in the Beklor estate in Livonia (now Jõgeveste Estonia)

Bennigsen Leonty Leontievich

Surprisingly, a Russian general who did not speak Russian, became the glory of Russian weapons of the early 19th century.

He made a significant contribution to the suppression of the Polish uprising.

Commander-in-Chief in the Battle of Tarutino.

He made a significant contribution to the campaign of 1813 (Dresden and Leipzig).

Denikin Anton Ivanovich

The commander under whose command white army With smaller forces, in 1.5 years she won victories over the Red Army and captured the North Caucasus, Crimea, Novorossia, Donbass, Ukraine, Don, part of the Volga region and the central black earth provinces of Russia. He retained the dignity of his Russian name during the Second World War, refusing to cooperate with the Nazis, despite his irreconcilably anti-Soviet position

Bobrok-Volynsky Dmitry Mikhailovich

Boyar and governor of Grand Duke Dmitry Ivanovich Donskoy. "Developer" of the tactics of the Battle of Kulikovo.

Kutuzov Mikhail Illarionovich

Commander-in-Chief during the Patriotic War of 1812. One of the most famous and beloved military heroes by the people!

Nevsky Alexander Yaroslavich

He defeated the Swedish detachment on July 15, 1240 on the Neva and the Teutonic Order, the Danes in the Battle of the Ice on April 5, 1242. All his life he “won, but was invincible.” He played an exceptional role in Russian history during that dramatic period when Rus' was attacked by three sides - the Catholic West, Lithuania and the Golden Horde. Defended Orthodoxy from Catholic expansion. Revered as a pious saint. http://www.pravoslavie.ru/put/39091.htm

Ushakov Fedor Fedorovich

During Russian-Turkish war 1787-1791 F. F. Ushakov made a serious contribution to the development of sailing fleet tactics. Relying on the entire set of principles for training naval forces and military art, incorporating all the accumulated tactical experience, F. F. Ushakov acted creatively, based on the specific situation and common sense. His actions were distinguished by decisiveness and extraordinary courage. Without hesitation, he reorganized the fleet into battle formation even when approaching the enemy directly, minimizing the time of tactical deployment. Despite the established tactical rule of the commander being in the middle of the battle formation, Ushakov, implementing the principle of concentration of forces, boldly placed his ship in the forefront and occupied the most dangerous positions, encouraging his commanders with his own courage. He was distinguished by a quick assessment of the situation, an accurate calculation of all success factors and a decisive attack aimed at achieving complete victory over the enemy. In this regard, Admiral F. F. Ushakov can rightfully be considered the founder of the Russian tactical school in naval art.

Kornilov Vladimir Alekseevich

During the outbreak of the war with England and France, he actually commanded the Black Sea Fleet, and until his heroic death he was the immediate superior of P.S. Nakhimov and V.I. Istomina. After the landing of the Anglo-French troops in Evpatoria and the defeat of the Russian troops on Alma, Kornilov received an order from the commander-in-chief in the Crimea, Prince Menshikov, to sink the ships of the fleet in the roadstead in order to use sailors for the defense of Sevastopol from land.

His Serene Highness Prince Wittgenstein Peter Christianovich

For the defeat of the French units of Oudinot and MacDonald at Klyastitsy, thereby closing the road for the French army to St. Petersburg in 1812. Then in October 1812 he defeated the corps of Saint-Cyr at Polotsk. He was the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian-Prussian armies in April-May 1813.

Chuikov Vasily Ivanovich

Soviet military leader, Marshal of the Soviet Union (1955). Twice Hero of the Soviet Union (1944, 1945).
From 1942 to 1946, commander of the 62nd Army (8th Guards Army), which particularly distinguished itself in the Battle of Stalingrad. He took part in defensive battles on the distant approaches to Stalingrad. From September 12, 1942, he commanded the 62nd Army. IN AND. Chuikov received the task of defending Stalingrad at any cost. The front command believed that Lieutenant General Chuikov was characterized by such positive qualities as determination and firmness, courage and a great operational outlook, a high sense of responsibility and consciousness of his duty. The army, under the command of V.I. Chuikov, became famous for the heroic six-month defense of Stalingrad in street fighting in a completely destroyed city, fighting on isolated bridgeheads on the banks of the wide Volga.

For the unprecedented mass heroism and steadfastness of its personnel, in April 1943, the 62nd Army received the honorary title of Guards and became known as the 8th Guards Army.

Stalin Joseph Vissarionovich

“I studied I.V. Stalin thoroughly as a military leader, since I went through the entire war with him. I.V. Stalin knew the issues of organizing front-line operations and operations of groups of fronts and led them with full knowledge of the matter, having a good understanding of large strategic questions...
In leading the armed struggle as a whole, J.V. Stalin was helped by his natural intelligence and rich intuition. He knew how to find the main link in a strategic situation and, seizing on it, counter the enemy, carry out one or another major offensive operation. Undoubtedly, he was a worthy Supreme Commander."

(Zhukov G.K. Memories and reflections.)

Peter the First

Because he not only conquered the lands of his fathers, but also established the status of Russia as a power!

Suvorov, Count Rymniksky, Prince of Italy Alexander Vasilievich

The greatest commander, master strategist, tactician and military theorist. Author of the book "The Science of Victory", Generalissimo of the Russian Army. The only one in the history of Russia who did not suffer a single defeat.

Linevich Nikolai Petrovich

Nikolai Petrovich Linevich (December 24, 1838 - April 10, 1908) - a prominent Russian military figure, infantry general (1903), adjutant general (1905); general who took Beijing by storm.

Kovpak Sidor Artemyevich

Participant of the First World War (served in the 186th Aslanduz Infantry Regiment) and the Civil War. During the First World War, he fought on the Southwestern Front and took part in the Brusilov breakthrough. In April 1915, as part of guard of honor was personally awarded the St. George Cross by Nicholas II. In total, he was awarded the St. George Crosses of III and IV degrees and medals “For Bravery” (“St. George” medals) of III and IV degrees.

During the Civil War he headed the local partisan detachment, who fought in Ukraine against the German occupiers together with the detachments of A. Ya. Parkhomenko, then was a fighter in the 25th Chapaev Division on the Eastern Front, where he was engaged in the disarmament of the Cossacks, and participated in battles with the armies of generals A. I. Denikin and Wrangel on the Southern Front.

In 1941-1942, Kovpak's unit carried out raids behind enemy lines in the Sumy, Kursk, Oryol and Bryansk regions, in 1942-1943 - a raid from the Bryansk forests to Right Bank Ukraine in Gomel, Pinsk, Volyn, Rivne, Zhitomir and Kyiv regions; in 1943 - Carpathian raid. The Sumy partisan unit under the command of Kovpak fought through the rear of the Nazi troops for more than 10 thousand kilometers, defeating enemy garrisons in 39 settlements. Kovpak's raids played a big role in the deployment partisan movement against the German occupiers.

Twice Hero of the Soviet Union:
By a decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated May 18, 1942, for the exemplary performance of combat missions behind enemy lines, the courage and heroism shown during their implementation, Kovpak Sidor Artemyevich was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union with the Order of Lenin and the Gold Star medal (No. 708)
The second Gold Star medal (No.) was awarded to Major General Sidor Artemyevich Kovpak by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated January 4, 1944 for the successful conduct of the Carpathian raid
four Orders of Lenin (18.5.1942, 4.1.1944, 23.1.1948, 25.5.1967)
Order of the Red Banner (12/24/1942)
Order of Bohdan Khmelnitsky, 1st degree. (7.8.1944)
Order of Suvorov, 1st degree (2.5.1945)
medals
foreign orders and medals (Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia)

Nakhimov Pavel Stepanovich

Successes in the Crimean War of 1853-56, victory in Battle of Sinop in 1853, defense of Sevastopol 1854-55.

Loris-Melikov Mikhail Tarielovich

Known mainly as one of the minor characters the story "Hadji Murat" by L.N. Tolstoy, Mikhail Tarielovich Loris-Melikov went through all the Caucasian and Turkish campaigns of the second half of the mid-19th century.

Having shown himself excellently during the Caucasian War, during the Kars campaign of the Crimean War, Loris-Melikov led reconnaissance, and then successfully served as commander-in-chief during the difficult Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878, winning a number of important victories over the united Turkish forces and in the third once he captured Kars, which by that time was considered impregnable.

Voronov Nikolay Nikolaevich

N.N. Voronov - artillery commander Armed Forces THE USSR. For outstanding services to the Motherland, N.N. Voronov. the first in the Soviet Union to be awarded the military ranks of “Marshal of Artillery” (1943) and “Chief Marshal of Artillery” (1944).
...carried out general management of the liquidation of the Nazi group surrounded at Stalingrad.

Miloradovich

Bagration, Miloradovich, Davydov are some very special breed of people. They don't do things like that now. The heroes of 1812 were distinguished by complete recklessness and complete contempt for death. And it was General Miloradovich, who went through all the wars for Russia without a single scratch, who became the first victim of individual terror. After Kakhovsky's shot at Senate Square The Russian revolution followed this path - right up to the basement of the Ipatiev House. Taking away the best.

Romanov Alexander I Pavlovich

The de facto commander-in-chief of the allied armies that liberated Europe in 1813-1814. "He took Paris, he founded the Lyceum." The Great Leader who crushed Napoleon himself. (The shame of Austerlitz is not comparable to the tragedy of 1941)

Khvorostinin Dmitry Ivanovich

An outstanding commander of the second half of the 16th century. Oprichnik.
Genus. OK. 1520, died on August 7 (17), 1591. At voivode posts since 1560. Participant in almost all military enterprises during the independent reign of Ivan IV and the reign of Fyodor Ioannovich. He has won several field battles (including: the defeat of the Tatars near Zaraisk (1570), the Battle of Molodinsk (during the decisive battle he led Russian troops in Gulyai-gorod), the defeat of the Swedes at Lyamitsa (1582) and near Narva ( 1590)). He led the suppression of the Cheremis uprising in 1583-1584, for which he received the rank of boyar.
Based on the totality of merits of D.I. Khvorostinin stands much higher than what M.I. has already proposed here. Vorotynsky. Vorotynsky was more noble and therefore he was more often entrusted with the general leadership of the regiments. But, according to the commander’s talats, he was far from Khvorostinin.

Chernyakhovsky Ivan Danilovich

To a person to whom this name means nothing, there is no need to explain and it is useless. To the one to whom it says something, everything is clear.
Twice hero of the Soviet Union. Commander of the 3rd Belorussian Front. The youngest front commander. Counts,. that he was an army general - but just before his death (February 18, 1945) he received the rank of Marshal of the Soviet Union.
Liberated three of the six capitals of the Union Republics captured by the Nazis: Kyiv, Minsk. Vilnius. Decided the fate of Kenicksberg.
One of the few who drove back the Germans on June 23, 1941.
He held the front in Valdai. In many ways, he determined the fate of repelling the German offensive on Leningrad. Voronezh held. Liberated Kursk.
He successfully advanced until the summer of 1943, forming the peak with his army Kursk Arc. Liberated the Left Bank of Ukraine. I took Kyiv. He repulsed Manstein's counterattack. Liberated Western Ukraine.
Carried out Operation Bagration. Surrounded and captured thanks to his offensive in the summer of 1944, the Germans then humiliatedly walked through the streets of Moscow. Belarus. Lithuania. Neman. East Prussia.

Vladimir Svyatoslavich

981 - conquest of Cherven and Przemysl. 983 - conquest of the Yatvags. 984 - conquest of the Rodimichs. 985 - successful campaigns against the Bulgars, tribute to the Khazar Khaganate. 988 - conquest of the Taman Peninsula. 991 - subjugation of the White Croats. 992 - successfully defended Cherven Rus in the war against Poland. In addition, the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles.

Batitsky

I served in the air defense and therefore I know this surname - Batitsky. Do you know? By the way, the father of air defense!

There are no outstanding military figures on the project from the period from the Time of Troubles to the Northern War, although there were some. An example of this is G.G. Romodanovsky.
He came from a family of Starodub princes.
Participant of the sovereign's campaign against Smolensk in 1654. In September 1655, together with the Ukrainian Cossacks, he defeated the Poles near Gorodok (near Lvov), and in November of the same year he fought in the battle of Ozernaya. In 1656 he received the rank of okolnichy and headed the Belgorod rank. In 1658 and 1659 participated in hostilities against the traitor Hetman Vyhovsky and the Crimean Tatars, besieged Varva and fought near Konotop (Romodanovsky’s troops withstood a heavy battle at the crossing of the Kukolka River). In 1664, he played a decisive role in repelling the invasion of the Polish king’s 70 thousand army into Left Bank Ukraine, inflicting a number of sensitive blows on it. In 1665 he was made a boyar. In 1670 he acted against the Razins - he defeated the detachment of the chieftain's brother, Frol. The crowning achievement of Romodanovsky’s military activity was the war with Ottoman Empire. In 1677 and 1678 troops under his leadership inflicted heavy defeats on the Ottomans. An interesting point: both main figures in the Battle of Vienna in 1683 were defeated by G.G. Romodanovsky: Sobieski with his king in 1664 and Kara Mustafa in 1678
The prince died on May 15, 1682 during the Streltsy uprising in Moscow.

Baklanov Yakov Petrovich

An outstanding strategist and a mighty warrior, he achieved respect and fear of his name among the uncovered mountaineers, who had forgotten the iron grip of the “Thunderstorm of the Caucasus”. At the moment - Yakov Petrovich, an example of the spiritual strength of a Russian soldier in front of the proud Caucasus. His talent crushed the enemy and minimized the time frame of the Caucasian War, for which he received the nickname “Boklu”, akin to the devil for his fearlessness.

Markov Sergey Leonidovich

One of the main heroes of the early stage of the Russian-Soviet war.
Veteran of the Russian-Japanese, First World War and Civil War. Knight of the Order of St. George 4th class, Order of St. Vladimir 3rd class and 4th class with swords and bow, Order of St. Anne 2nd, 3rd and 4th class, Order of St. Stanislaus 2nd and 3rd th degrees. Holder of the St. George's Arms. Outstanding military theorist. Member of the Ice Campaign. An officer's son. Hereditary nobleman of the Moscow Province. He graduated from the General Staff Academy and served in the Life Guards of the 2nd Artillery Brigade. One of the commanders of the Volunteer Army at the first stage. He died the death of the brave.

Rokossovsky Konstantin Konstantinovich

Svyatoslav Igorevich

Grand Duke of Novgorod, from 945 of Kiev. Son of Grand Duke Igor Rurikovich and Princess Olga. Svyatoslav became famous as a great commander, whom N.M. Karamzin called “Alexander (Macedonian) of our ancient history.”

After the military campaigns of Svyatoslav Igorevich (965-972), the territory of the Russian land increased from the Volga region to the Caspian Sea, from the North Caucasus to the Black Sea region, from the Balkan Mountains to Byzantium. Defeated Khazaria and Volga Bulgaria, weakened and frightened the Byzantine Empire, opened routes for trade between Rus' and eastern countries

Romodanovsky Grigory Grigorievich

An outstanding military figure of the 17th century, prince and governor. In 1655, he won his first victory over the Polish hetman S. Potocki near Gorodok in Galicia. Later, as commander of the army of the Belgorod category (military administrative district), he played main role in organizing the defense of Russia's southern border. In 1662, he won the greatest victory in the Russian-Polish war for Ukraine in the battle of Kanev, defeating the traitor hetman Yu. Khmelnytsky and the Poles who helped him. In 1664, near Voronezh, he forced the famous Polish commander Stefan Czarnecki to flee, forcing the army of King John Casimir to retreat. Repeatedly beat the Crimean Tatars. In 1677 he defeated the 100,000-strong Turkish army of Ibrahim Pasha near Buzhin, and in 1678 he defeated the Turkish corps of Kaplan Pasha near Chigirin. Thanks to his military talents, Ukraine did not become another Ottoman province and the Turks did not take Kyiv.

During Stalin's tenure as Supreme Commander-in-Chief and Chairman of the State Defense Committee, our country was marked by victory in the Great Patriotic War, massive labor and front-line heroism, the transformation of the USSR into a superpower with significant scientific, military and industrial potential, and the strengthening of our country's geopolitical influence in the world. Vadim Zavyalov

Kappel Vladimir Oskarovich

Without exaggeration, he is the best commander of Admiral Kolchak’s army. Under his command, Russia's gold reserves were captured in Kazan in 1918. At 36 years old, he was a lieutenant general, commander of the Eastern Front. The Siberian Ice Campaign is associated with this name. In January 1920, he led 30,000 Kappelites to Irkutsk to capture Irkutsk and free the Supreme Ruler of Russia, Admiral Kolchak, from captivity. The general's death from pneumonia largely determined the tragic outcome of this campaign and the death of the Admiral...

Suvorov Mikhail Vasilievich

The only one who can be called GENERALLISIMO... Bagration, Kutuzov are his students...

Osterman-Tolstoy Alexander Ivanovich
While participating in the air battles of the Great Patriotic War, he developed and tested in battles new tactics of air combat, which made it possible to seize the initiative in the air and ultimately defeat the fascist Luftwaffe. In fact, he created an entire school of WWII aces. Commanding the 9th Guards Air Division, he continued to personally participate in air battles, scoring 65 air victories throughout the entire period of the war.

Margelov Vasily Filippovich

History is an interesting science that stores information about the life of mankind, legendary events and personalities who influenced the course of historical events on Earth. This knowledge is especially important now, when negative events occur in countries such as the former Yugoslavia or today's Ukraine. But even the Prophetic Oleg appointed Kyiv “the mother of Russian cities”! Today, not everyone knows, they nicknamed it. Maybe he was a fortune teller?

"The Tale of Bygone Years"

Oleg's personality appeared in the chronicles of historians when events related to his death were described Prince of Novgorod Rurik. Dying, Rurik gave him custody of his young son Igor. In 879, both Novgorod and his son Igor became the care of Oleg, whom historians consider a relative of Rurik's wife. Modern researchers insist that Oleg was just a talented warrior who became a governor and close associate of the Novgorod prince. Whoever Oleg was, he became a regent under Igor, the prince of Novgorod and Kyiv, a person in power during the creation of a united Rus'. in his “Tale...” describes the activities of the prince and points out why Oleg the Prophet.

Hike to Kyiv

Having become regent and prince of Novgorod, Oleg three years later decided to expand the territory of the principality and went on a campaign against Smolensk. Having gathered a huge army, in 882 he marched south and captured this city. Smolensk was followed by Lyubech. In these cities he placed his governors with a sufficient number of soldiers and moved further along the Dnieper. Kyiv stood in his way. At this time, Askold and Dir ruled. Prince Oleg had the dignity of an experienced military strategist and a cunning, intelligent man. Once at the Kyiv Mountains, he hid his squad and showed up only with Igor in his arms. Convincing them that this was a courtesy visit on their way to the Greeks, he lured them out of the city. The soldiers dealt with the rulers, and Prince Oleg took possession of Kiev.

Why - Prophetic? They began to call it by this name only after the Byzantine campaign, in 907. In the meantime, he became the Prince of Kyiv and declared this city “the mother of Russian cities.” Since then, Oleg has pursued a policy of unifying the Slavs, expanding the boundaries of the lands, and freeing them from tribute, which was paid to the nomadic tribes.

Trip to Byzantium

If you turn to the explanatory dictionary, you can be convinced that the name Prophetic means not only “foreteller”, but also “reasonable person.” This is what Prince Oleg was like. It was during the campaign against Byzantium in 907 that Prophetic Oleg showed his ingenuity. Having conceived a campaign, he gathered a huge army, not only on horses, but also on ships. These were all sorts of peoples: the Varangians, the Chuds, the Krivichi, the Slovenes, and many others, whom the Greeks called “Great Scythia.” Prince Igor remained to rule Kiev, and Oleg went on a campaign. It is after the hike that it becomes clear why Oleg was nicknamed “The Prophetic”. The desire to expand Russian borders and establish trade relations with other countries pushed Oleg on a campaign against Byzantium, where he went in 907.

Fighting

Arriving at Constantinople (Constantinople) with an army and ships, of which there were two thousand, Oleg landed on the shore. This had to be done because the city on the sea side was protected by chains that closed the bay and the ships could not overcome them. Having gone ashore, Prince Oleg began to fight around Constantinople: he killed many people, set fire to houses and churches, and did a lot of evil. But the city did not give up. And then Oleg came up with a trick: he ordered his ships to be put on wheels. When a fair wind blew, the sails were opened and the ships headed towards Constantinople. The Greeks realized that it was time to send ambassadors and negotiate tribute. They promised to give Oleg everything he wanted. They brought him various dishes and wine, which the prince did not accept, fearing that it was all poisoned - and he was not mistaken. This fact also indicates why Oleg was nicknamed “The Prophetic”: forethought saved his life.

Sword on the gates of Constantinople

And the Prophetic Oleg imposed tribute on the Greeks. He ordered to pay 12 hryvnia for each warrior in the ships: and there were forty of them. And there are two thousand ships. He ordered tribute to be given for the cities: for Kyiv, Chernigov, Lyubech, Rostov, Polotsk, Pereyaslavl and for other places over which Oleg ruled. The Greeks agreed to all conditions in order to maintain peace in their land. To establish peace, they swore an oath to each other: the Greek kings kissed the cross and promised to pay tribute. And Prince Oleg and his men swore by their weapons and gods: the Russians were pagans. They promised that they would not fight and made peace. As a sign of victory over the Greeks, Oleg hung his shield on the city gates and only after that he went back. Oleg returned to Kyiv with enormous wealth, and after that they nicknamed him “Prophetic”. Thus, for the first time, a peace treaty was signed between two countries - Russia and Byzantium, and relations began: they allowed duty-free trade. But one day Oleg the Prophet made a fatal mistake: the events of his death speak about this.

Prediction of the Magi

Oleg the Prophet turned to the Magi with a question about his death: why would he die? They predicted death from his beloved horse. And then the Prophetic Oleg ordered to set up the horse, feed it, but never bring it to him. I vowed never to sit on it. This went on for several years. Oleg went on campaigns, reigned in Kyiv, concluding peace with many countries. Four summers have passed since then, and the fifth year has begun, 912. The prince returned from a campaign from Constantinople and remembered his beloved horse. Calling the groom, he interrogated him about his state of health. To which I received the answer: the horse died. And that’s three years. Oleg concluded that the magicians were deceiving in their predictions: the horse had already died, but the prince was alive! Why didn’t Oleg the Prophet believe them and decided to see the remains of the horse? No one knows this. Oleg wanted to see his bones and went to the place where they lay. Seeing the horse’s skull, he stepped on it with the words: “Should I accept death from this skull?”

A snake emerged from the skull and stung Prophetic Oleg in the leg. After this he fell ill and soon died. The prediction came true about how Prince Oleg the Prophet would die, whose biography is described in the chronicles of Nestor, where this legend is given.

Years of the Principality

The Grand Duke of Kiev and Novgorod, the Prophetic Oleg, gained fame in 879 and died in 912. The years of his reign did not go unnoticed: during this period, the unification of the Slavic tribes took place, and a single center was organized - Kyiv. The borders of Rus' expanded significantly, and good neighborly relations were established with Byzantium. Why was Oleg nicknamed “Prophetic”? For his intelligence, foresight, for his ability to choose the right strategy and competently conduct foreign policy.

“Your name is glorified by victory.

Oleg! Your shield is on the gates of Constantinople."

A. S. Pushkin

From our school desks we are familiar with the tale “Song of the Prophetic Oleg”, which told about glorious deeds the first Kyiv prince in history, commander and founder of the Great Russian Empire. He owns a statement that has become part of history: “Kyiv is the mother of Russian cities.” But why did Prophetic Oleg receive such a nickname?

Historical portrait

The date when the Grand Duke was born, his biography is unknown (according to historians, he was slightly younger than Rurik). Oleg comes from Norway (the village of Halogoland) from a family of wealthy bondsmen.

Bond (or “Carl”) is a class (characteristic) of the Vikings of ancient Norway. Bonds did not belong to the nobility, but were free and owned their own farm.

The parents named the boy Odd. When Odd grew up, the young man was nicknamed Orvar (“arrow”) for his courage. Sister Odda became engaged to the Varangian leader Rurik and subsequently became his wife.

Orvar faithfully served Rurik and bore the title “Chief Commander”. The Varangian leader Rurik was not mistaken in choosing a protege when, on his deathbed (in 879), he bequeathed the Novgorod throne and guardianship to Odd. only son- Igor. Orvar became a friend and father to the prince, raising Igor to be an educated, courageous man.

Odd also took the title bestowed upon him by Rurik responsibly. During the years of his reign (879-912), he supported and fulfilled the main goal of the rulers of those times - expanding the borders of his country and increasing the wealth of the princely possessions.

Why "Oleg" when the prince's name is Odd? Oleg is not a personal name. This is a throne title, used instead of a given name. Who is "Oleg"? Literally translated it means "Sacred". The title is often found in Scandinavian chronicles. Odd received the title "Oleg", which means "Holy Priest and Leader".

Foreign and domestic policy

Having gained power, Odd subjugates the rebellious tribes who refuse to pay tribute. A few years later, Oleg conquers the Slavic and Finno-Ugric tribes. At his feet were the Krivichi, Chud, Vse and Slovenes. Together with the Varangians and new warriors, the ancient Russian prince sets off on a warlike campaign and captures big cities Lyubech and Smolensk.

Possessing a strong army, the prince intends to conquer Kyiv, which was ruled by the impostor governors Dir and Askold.

But Oleg was not going to waste the lives of soldiers on the armed capture of Kyiv. The many-year siege of the city also did not suit him. The prince used cunning. Disguising the ships as harmless merchant ships, Odd summoned the Kyiv rulers outside the city ramparts, ostensibly for negotiations.

According to legend, at the meeting Oleg introduced Askold and Dir to Kyiv’s new protégé, Igor’s ward. And then he mercilessly dealt with his unreasonable enemies. Having conquered Kyiv, Odd united Eastern and Northern Rus', creating Kievan Rus (Old Russian state).

The entire policy of the Grand Duke (external and internal) was based on obtaining maximum benefits for Rus'. Desperate Odd took steps that were unique in concept and courage to implement his plans. It was Oleg who became the founder new era, in fact, managing to combine politics and military action. His portrait and legendary exploits are reflected in two famous writings: “The Novgorod Chronicle” and “The Tale of Bygone Years.”

To summarize, we can describe the achievements of the Kyiv ruler:

Foreign policy:

1. He managed to come to an agreement with the Varangians to stop bloody raids on Rus'. For this, the Russians paid an annual tribute.
2. Conducted successful campaigns in the Caspian region against the Arab Caliphate.
3. 885 - successful military campaign against the Ulichi (tribe Eastern Slavs, who lived in the southwest of Rus' and occupy the territory from the Danube to the Dnieper).
4. After the siege of Constantinople in 907, he achieved favorable terms of trade with Russian merchants.
5. He subjugated the Tiverts, Drevlyans, and eastern Croats to Kyiv. Vyatichi, Siverian, Dulibiv and Radimichi (Slavic tribes).
6. Conquered the Finno-Ugric tribes (Meru and Chud).

Domestic policy:

1. Established a competent policy of collecting tribute from lands subordinate to Kyiv.
2. He convinced the troops of the conquered tribes to be loyal and serve, which ensured success in further military campaigns.
3. Created defensive construction in border areas.
4. Reanimated the pagan cult in Rus'.

Culture and achievements

Rus' under the rule of Oleg was a gigantic territory inhabited by numerous Slavic tribes. With Odd coming to power, the primitive communal Slavic tribes formed into a single powerful state, recognized by the whole world.

Each tribe, united into a common country, faithfully preserved its traditions, customs and beliefs.

Strengthening contacts with Byzantium and Eastern countries gave impetus to the rapid development of the Russian economy. Cities actively grew and were built, lands were developed, crafts and art developed.

Settlements. Before Oleg came to power, the bulk of Russians lived in weakly fortified villages. People hid villages from enemy attacks by locating them in forest lowlands. Under the reign of the Kyiv prince, the situation changed. The 9th century was marked by the spread of fortified settlements.

Fortifications were erected along the banks of reservoirs, at the confluence of rivers. Convenient for defense, such settlements were also beneficial in terms of economic and trade relations. Thanks to the extensive development of fortifications, Rus' in the sagas of Scandinavia was called “Gardarika” (“country of cities”).

An ancient chronicle book says that Moscow was laid out and founded by Prince Oleg the Prophet of Kiev in the year 880.

System. Historians associate the period of formation of the state with Odd's policy. Annual, obligatory tribute from tribes, visits to residents to collect bribes formed the basis for the emergence of the first prototype of the tax and judicial state system.

Russian alphabet. Oleg became famous for introducing the Russian alphabet in Rus'. Remaining an unyielding, stern and faithful pagan, Prince of Kyiv managed to understand the value Slavic writing, which was created by two Christian monks.

Oleg rose above his own religious limitations for the sake of enlightenment and culture. For the sake of the great future of the Russian people. From his reign, the history of Rus' turns into the history of a powerful, unified state - the great Kievan Rus.

Who did Oleg fight with?

The legendary commander devoted twenty-five years of his reign to expanding his lands. For the sake of the safety of Kyiv and its subordinate areas, Odd took possession of the lands of the Drevlyans (883).

Drevlyans – East Slavic tribe, living in the territory of Ukrainian Polesie (west of the Kyiv region).

The prince imposed a severe tribute on the Drevlyans. But towards the rest of the conquered tribes (Radimichi and northerners) Oleg was more lenient. These tribes were tributaries of the Khazar Khaganate. Odd lured the northerners with a lighter bribe compared to the amounts that the servants of the Kaganate forced them to pay. And the Radimichi themselves willingly came under Oleg’s wing, having heard about the fair orders established in the principality.

The year 898 was marked by an attack on Kievan Rus by the Hungarians. Representatives of some Slavic tribes (Tivertsy and Ulichi) were allies of the Magyars (Hungarians). The battles with the Hungarians, supported by the Slavs, became protracted. But Oleg managed to break the resistance and further expand the borders of Kievan Rus.

Odd preserved the power of elders, tribal princes and internal self-government for the peoples who merged into the state. All that was required from the Slavic tribes was recognition of Oleg as the Grand Duke and payment of taxes.

In a short time, the Old Russian state took over the Dnieper lands and areas along the tributaries of the Dnieper and gained access to the Dniester. Many Slavs had no desire to unite with anyone. But the Kiev prince could not come to terms with the “selfishness” of his neighbors. Oleg needed a powerful country, a strong and strong state.

Against this background, military conflicts often arose with independent Slavic tribes. Only at the end of the 10th century did the vast majority of tribes unite with Kiev. Now the rulers of Ancient Rus' had the opportunity to deal with the Khazar Khaganate.

What did the Kyiv prince die from?

The death of the Grand Duke is shrouded in mystery, like his life. Having been initiated into the Magi as a child, Odd turned into the most powerful magician of his time. The Werewolf Prince, as his fellow tribesmen called him, knew how to control the forces of nature. Neither death from a knife, nor death from an arrow, nor a witchcraft black curse took the ruler. The snake was able to defeat him.

How did the prince die? According to an old legend, Oleg died from a snake bite. Having met the wise men on a campaign, Odd received from them a prediction about the danger posed by the prince’s favorite horse. Oleg replaced the horse. When the horse died, the prince remembered the prediction of the sages.

Laughing at the seers, the prince ordered to lead him to the remains of his faithful companion. Seeing the bones of the animal, Odd said: “Should I be afraid of these bones?” Having placed his foot on the horse's skull, the prince received a fatal bite from a snake crawling out of the eye socket.

The view of contemporaries. The mystery of Oleg's death has become a difficult task for researchers. While telling how the prince’s stung leg became swollen, how Odd suffered from the poison, the chroniclers do not say where the prince received the fatal bite and where the grave of the great commander is located.

Some sources claim that the prince was buried in the foothills of Shekovitsa (a mountain near Kiev). Others point to a grave located in Ladoga.

At the end of the 20th century, researcher of historical events V.P. Vlasov substantiated the likelihood of the commander’s death. The scientist hypothesized that if Odd was in Kyiv at that time, he could have suffered from forest-steppe, steppe and common vipers (these species are the most dangerous of those living in that area).

But to die from a viper attack, it is necessary that the snake sting directly in the carotid artery. A bite to a place unprotected from clothing could not lead to death. Considering that a snake could not bite through the thick boots that were worn then.

A snake bite could not have been the cause of the death of Prophetic Oleg. The only explanation for his death after the snake attack is illiterate treatment.

Having turned to toxicology experts for help, Vlasov made a final conclusion. Oleg’s death was due to a tourniquet applied to his bitten leg. The tourniquet, squeezing the swollen limb, deprived it of blood supply, the result was complete intoxication of the body and the death of the person.

What did the prince do for Rus'?

Prince Oleg went down in the history of Rus' as the first Russian commander, builder of Russian cities and a brilliant unifier of Slavic tribes. Before Odd came to power, the East European Plain was entirely populated by numerous Slavic tribes fighting each other without common laws and uniform borders. It is unknown where they came to these lands from.

Since the arrival of Oleg, the formation of a great state began. Agreements on duty-free trade with Byzantium, skillful leadership and talented policies of the prince gave rise to the Russian nation. Oleg is the first person to declare himself a Russian prince, and not a foreigner, as was the case before him.

After the death of the prince, the reins of government passed to his regent Igor Rurikovich. Igor tried to follow Oleg's path, but failed. The protege's rule turned out to be much weaker. The prince was ruined by the betrayal of the Khazars, who did not fulfill the agreement and killed the commander in a fierce battle. Igor's wife, the Pskov princess Olga, avenged the death of the prince. But that’s another story and fate.

Why was Oleg nicknamed “Prophetic”?

During the years of his reign, the Kiev prince became famous as an intelligent, far-sighted politician. Strong, fearless and cunning. It was not for nothing that Oleg was nicknamed “The Prophetic”; in the times of paganism he was considered a great seer who foresaw danger. The origin of the nickname has two versions.

Byzantine "adventures"

Having strengthened his position in Kyiv, Oleg with a powerful, trained squad went to Constantinople - to show Russian, heroic strength and at the same time expand the territory of the country.

Byzantium at that time was headed by Leo IV. Seeing a countless army, a huge number of ships, he locked the entrances to the city and surrounded the harbor with strong chains. But Oleg found a way out of this situation. He took Constantinople by cunning, from the land side, where not a single ship could pass.

The prince became famous for his extraordinary decision. He put the ships on wheels and sent them to attack. A fair wind helped him - nature itself approved Oleg’s idea! Seeing the fantastic sight of military ships sailing menacingly across the land, Leo IV immediately surrendered, opening the gates of the city.

The reward for the victory was an agreement under which Kievan Rus dictated its terms of trade relations with Byzantium and turned into a powerful state in Asia and Europe.

But the cunning Byzantines planned to poison Oleg and his army. At a feast in honor of the prince, the careful and smart Odd refused foreign food and forbade the soldiers to eat. He told the hungry warriors that the food and drink they were given were poisoned, and the enemies wanted to take their lives. When the truth was revealed, the Prince of Kyiv was given the nickname “Prophetic”.

From that time on, Byzantium respected the reign of Oleg and the great Kievan Rus. And the prince’s shield nailed over the gates of Constantinople made his warriors even more confident in the powerful rule of Odd.

Secrets of magic

According to another version, Oleg was nicknamed “Prophetic” because of his passion for sorcery (magic). The Kiev prince was not just a talented and successful commander and a brilliant politician about whom poems and songs were written. He was a magician.

Magus - a revered class of sages, ancient Russian priests. Sorcerers and sorcerers, wizards and magicians had enormous influence in ancient times. Their strength and wisdom lay in their possession of the secrets of the universe inaccessible to other people.

Is this why the Kyiv prince succeeded in everything? It seemed that Oleg was subject only to the powers of heaven, and they helped him strengthen and expand Rus'. The Grand Duke did not take a single wrong step, did not lose a single battle. Who, besides a magician, is capable of this?

The first, most mysterious and most successful ruler of the Slavs breathed life into a single state - Rus'. And this country, the brainchild of the Prophetic Oleg, imbued with power and magic, goes through life like this - with its head held high and its heart open. Undefeated and wise Russia.

Each of us in childhood read “The Song of the Prophetic Oleg” written by A.S. Pushkin. But few people wondered why the Kiev prince Oleg received such a nickname. And in general, isn’t this prince a fiction, a folk fantasy, or is it not Alexander Sergeevich himself who invented him?

Why was Prince Oleg nicknamed prophetic?

There are several versions about the origin of this nickname and each of them has the right to exist.

Prophetic Oleg is a Kiev prince who ruled in Kyiv from 882 to 912 and became famous as a great commander. According to legend, he was the author of the phrase: “Kyiv is the mother of Russian cities!” and at the same time one of the most mysterious Russian princes.
Prophetic Oleg was, according to various sources, either his wife’s brother or the senior governor under the legendary founder of the Old Russian state of Rurik. He did more for the development of Kievan Rus than the legendary father himself - the founder.
Rurik lived to be 70 years old (which was a very advanced age at that time) and died in 879 in Novgorod. He outlived all his sons, except for the youngest, Igor.
Oleg became regent under the young Igor. For the future prince, he subjugated Smolensk and Lyubech

The richest city at that time was Kyiv, which was ruled by Rurik’s warriors Askold and Dir, who usurped power. They did not want to recognize Igor as a prince, then Oleg deceived them into leaving Kyiv and killed them. He was the first to establish a system of power in Kievan Rus, appointing local princes as governors over the territories.
The Prophetic Oleg defeated the Khazar Khaganate and made a victorious campaign against Constantinople (the so-called Constantinople - modern Istanbul). As a result of this campaign, the Russians received the right to duty-free trade with Byzantium. It was for this campaign that Oleg received his nickname “Prophetic”.

Historians consider the Prophetic Oleg’s campaign against Constantinople to be fictitious

There is no mention of it in the Constantinople chronicles of that period, although the raids of the Russians in 860 and 941 are described there. There is also no treaty on peace and duty-free trade from 907 mentioned in the chronicle - it also does not exist.

The description of the return of the Prophetic Oleg from the raid on Constantinople is similar to a retelling of the Norwegian sagas. The Prophetic Oleg received his nickname because he was not just a warrior, but also a “sorcerer” - a priest of the ancient Russian pagan gods.

As a priest, he knew how to “know” - that is, predict the future, foresee events. This word in the Old Russian language has another meaning: “judicious.” One way or another, this man had truly unique natural abilities and education, which allowed him to leave a mark on the history of Kyiv Rus'.