The Rus’–Byzantine War of 860: The Attack on Constantinople

On June 18, 860, the Rus’–Byzantine War commenced with a significant raid by the Rus’ on Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. This event marked the first major encounter between the Byzantine Empire and the Rus’, a group of Norsemen who had settled in Eastern Europe and were expanding their influence.

Background

The Byzantine Empire, during the mid-9th century, was a dominant power in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, it faced numerous challenges, including internal strife and external threats from various groups. The Rus’, originating from what is now Sweden, had established themselves along the river routes of Eastern Europe, engaging in trade and occasional raids.

By 860, the Byzantine Empire was preoccupied with conflicts on its eastern frontiers, particularly against the Abbasid Caliphate. This distraction provided an opportunity for the Rus’ to launch a surprise attack on Constantinople.

The Attack

The Rus’ fleet, reportedly consisting of around 200 ships, descended upon the Bosporus and attacked the suburbs of Constantinople. The Byzantine navy was largely absent, as many of its ships were engaged in campaigns elsewhere. This left the city vulnerable to the Rus’ assault.

The Rus’ raiders plundered the outskirts of Constantinople, causing significant destruction and panic among the inhabitants. The Byzantine Emperor, Michael III, was away on a campaign against the Arabs, leaving the city under the protection of Patriarch Photios.

Byzantine Response

In response to the attack, Patriarch Photios called for divine intervention, urging the citizens to pray for deliverance. According to Byzantine sources, the city was eventually spared from further devastation, attributed to a miraculous storm that scattered the Rus’ fleet.

The Byzantine Empire, recognizing the threat posed by the Rus’, began to strengthen its defenses and sought to establish diplomatic relations with the Rus’ leaders. This event marked the beginning of a complex relationship between the two powers, characterized by both conflict and cooperation.

Aftermath and Significance

The Rus’–Byzantine War of 860 was a pivotal moment in Byzantine history, highlighting the vulnerabilities of the empire and the emerging power of the Rus’. It underscored the need for the Byzantines to secure their northern borders and foster alliances with neighboring peoples.

In the years following the raid, the Byzantines and the Rus’ engaged in diplomatic exchanges, leading to treaties and the eventual Christianization of the Rus’. This relationship would have lasting implications for the cultural and political landscape of Eastern Europe.

The attack on Constantinople in 860 is remembered as a significant event that shaped the interactions between the Byzantine Empire and the emerging Rus’ state, setting the stage for future engagements and alliances.