All the subjugated nations were compelled to pay him tribute, though, with the sagacity which marked his whole course, he made the tax so light as not to be burdensome.

The territories of Oleg were now vast, widely scattered, and with but the frailest bond of union between them.

Between the two capitals of Novgorod and Kief, which were separated by a distance of seven or eight hundred miles, there were many powerful tribes still claiming independence.
Oleg directed his energies against them, and his march of conquest was resistless.

In the course of two years he established his undisputed sway over the whole region, and thus opened unobstructed communication between his northern and southern provinces.

He established a chain of military posts along the line, and placed his renowned warriors in feudal authority over numerous provinces.