“Necessity forced him [the Emperor of Byzantium] to send a legation to the Grand Prince of the Rus’ […] To ask him for help. He gave his agreement, and they concluded a treaty about a marital link, and the Grand Prince of the Rus’ married the emperor’s sister, after the latter imposed the condition that he and the rest of the population should be baptised.”
Before Vladimir “the Great” came to rule, he had to prevail over his brothers. Initially, he was even forced to flee and found shelter in Sweden, where he recruited mercenaries and returned to Eastern Europe. With this military power, Vladimir gained control over the land of the Rus’. The consolidation of his political power was followed in 988 by the Christianisation of the Rus’, though not exclusively for religious motives. Rather, the adoption of Byzantine Christianity was part of a treaty with Emperor Basil II (d. 1025). Vladimir supported the emperor in difficult military situations with troops, mainly Scandinavian warriors known as Varangians. In return, he was permitted to marry one of the emperor’s daughters, the first Western ruler to achieve this. However, Christianisation was a prerequisite for such a union.
Schleswig, 11th c.
Glazed fired clay
Schleswig, Museum für Archäologie Schloss Gottort, Inv. SH1972-37.26
The two-coloured glazed hollow egg represents the spread of Christianity and the connection of Christian symbolism with pagan customs. Such eggs, known from West Slavic tribal areas, were associated with pagan spring festivals. In Orthodox Christianity, they played a role as symbols of resurrection and eternal life. Eggs of this kind probably travelled in the luggage of missionaries. They were found almost exclusively in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. The finds testify to the strong links formerly existing between the eastern parts of present-day Sweden and the Rus’.
Sigtuna, ca. 1125–1175 (2); ca. 1100–1125 (3)
Copper (2); silver (3)
Sigtuna, Sigtuna Museum & Art, Inv. 7399 (2); Inv. 24626 (3)
The shape of these two equal-armed crosses refers to Byzantium and orthodox Christianity. It has rounded cross ends, a figure of Christ in the centre and representations of saints.
Numerous crosses of this type were found in the area of Kievan Rus’. The church in the region was very much oriented towards Orthodox art and practice. The crosses possibly arrived in Sigtuna in the luggage of missionaries, travellers or traders.
Only one generation after the Christianisation of Rus’, Boris and Gleb, sons of Vladimir “the Great” became the first saints of Kievan Rus’. They were depicted on numerous icons and both are still among the most prominent saints in Eastern Europe. The miniatures shown here are from the Sylvester Codex, which is now kept in the Russian State Archive of Ancient Documents (fonds 381, n° 53).