Such was the state of Russia in the year 879.
In that dark and cruel age, war was apparently the only thought, military conquest the only glory.

The regent, Oleg, taking with him the young prince Igor, immediately set out with a large army on a career of conquest.

Marching directly south some hundred miles, and taking possession of all the country by the way, he arrived at last at the head waters of the Dnieper.

The renown of the kingdom of Ascolod and Dir had reached his ears; and aware of their military skill and that the ranks of their army were filled with Norman warriors, Oleg decided to seize the two sovereigns by stratagem.

As he cautiously approached Kief, he left his army in a secluded encampment, and with a few chosen troops floated down the stream in barges, disguised as merchant boats.