Bolesław I's intervention in the Kievan succession crisis: Difference between revisions

Boleslaw I's expedition to Kiev
	Part of Kievan succession crisis, 1015—9
	; Kievan Rus in the 11th century, with adjoining regions
Date	1018
Location	Kievan Rus'
Result	Temporary victory for Svyatopolk and Boleslaw
Belligerents
Kievan Rus' loyal to Svyatopolk allied with the Duchy of the Poles	Kievan Rus' loyal to Yaroslav the Wise
Commanders and leaders
Boleslaw I the Brave; Svyatopolk I the Accursed	Yaroslav I the Wise
Strength
uncertain	unknown
Casualties and losses
unknown	unknown

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The intervention in the Kievan succession crisis of 1015—19 by the Polish Duke Boleslaw Chrobry was an episode in the struggle between Svyatopolk Vladimirovich ("the Accursed") and his brother Yaroslav ("the Wise") for the rulership of Kiev and Kievan Rus. It occurred when Svyatopolk's father-in-law, Duke Boleslaw of Poland, intervened on Svyatopolk's behalf.

The intervention was successful Svyatopolk, as Boleslaw defeated Yaroslav's armies, and temporarily secured the throne for Svyatopolk. But when Boleslaw withdraw himself and his army from Kiev, Svyatopolk was unable to retain his position, being defeated by Yaroslav in the following year. Chronicles of the expedition include legendary accounts as well as factual history and have been subject to varied interpretations.

Background

The Duke of Poland, Boleslaw I, and the ruler of Kiev, Vladimir I, had previously fought over the Cherven towns (in what was later called Red Russia) in a conflict that ended favorably for Vladimir.^[1] Furthermore, Boleslaw, who already had two wives, wanted to marry Predslava, one of Vladimir's daughters, in order to cement ties between the two families. Despite Boleslaw's best efforts, the offer was refused and instead he had to accept a less prestigious connection to the house of Vladimir through the marriage of Boleslaw's daughter to Vladimir's son, Svyatopolk.^[2]^[1] Between 1005 and 1013, Vladimir arranged Svyatopolk's marriage to Boleslaw's daughter, whose name has not survived in sources.^[3]^[4]^[5]

It is possible that Vladimir decided that neither Svyatopolk nor Yaroslav would succeed to the Kievan throne after his death, as both Svyatopolk and Vladimir went into revolt against their father.^[3]^[6] This however depends on very little evidence, and in the words of two historians, the origins of their "quarrels with their father are obscure".^[7] According to Thietmar of Merseburg, Boleslaw allegedly encouraged Svyatopolk's revolt through the latter's wife, though he does not specify the goal of the revolt.^[8] Svyatopolk's consipracy was, in the event, thwarted by Vladimir, who called Svyatopolk and his entourage to Kiev and jailed them in 1013.^[3]

The planned overthrow, if it existed, may have been supported by Bishop Reinbern of Kolberg, who had traveled with Boleslaw's daughter.^[8] According to the same chronicler, Reinbern activitely took part in converting pagans in and around the Rus lands, but was imprisoned with Svyatopolk and the latter's wife.^[8] Reinbern died shortly after being imprisoned.^[8]^[4]^[1] It is of note that Boleslaw invaded Kiev's lands in 1013, though no source gives any explantion. This was possibly Boleslaw's first attempt to re-take the Cherven towns,^[9] though it has also been argued that his goal might have been to free Svyatopolk.^[4]

Death of Vladimir

In the confusion resulting from the death of Vladimir, it was Svyatopolk who was able to seize power in Kiev, Yaroslav being in the north, Mstislav in the south, Svyatoslav in the Derevlian land, Gleb in Murom and Boris on an expedition against the Pechenegs.^[6]^[10] As Franklin and Shepard put it, Svyatopolk's "previous arrest turned to his advantage, for it ensured that he was already ... closest to the center of power".^[7] According to the Primary Chronicle, Svyatopolk successfully arranged the murder of three of his brothers, Boris of Rostov, Gleb of Murom and Svyatoslav of the Derevlian lands.^[7]^[11]

Svyatopolk's reign in Kiev was threatened when his brother Yaroslav arrived from the north. After a 3 month stand-off near Lyubech, Svyatopolk was defeated and "fled to the Poles".^[12]^[4]^[13] Boleslaw, who had recently agreed a peace with the German Kingdom (the Treaty of Bautzen), agreed to support his son-in-law through military intervention.^[3]

Sources

There are three main sources that provide historians with evidence for these events. The best and most reliable account is from a chronicle by Bishop Thietmar of Merseburg, who obtained detailed information Saxon knights fighting for Boleslaw.^[14]

The Primary Chronicle attributed to Nestor the Chronicler, is another sources giving a detailed account of events, its reliability being variable, depending event-by-event on the sources from which it was compiled. Nestor's writing reflects the typical Rus' admiration of Saint Vladimir, while Bishop Thietmar's account, despite a generally positive attitude towards the Rus', paints both Boleslaw and Vladimir exclusively in a negative light.^[1]

A third source is the Chronicle of Polish Dukes, a semi-legendary ode to the early Polish dukes written in the 1110s by the supposedly Hungarian-French Benedictine monk Gallus'.^[15] This account portrays Boleslaw in a very positive light.

Expedition to Kiev

According to Thietmar, the army of Boleslaw crossed the border in 1018 and reached Kiev later that same year. No figures are known for Boleslaw's army, except that Thietmar relates:

"Among those rendering assistance to the aforesaid duke, were three hundred of our [German] warriors, five hundred Hungarians, and one thousand Pechenegs".^[16]

Less is known about Yaroslav's army, but it is assumed that he also managed to collect a force of similar size. It is also believed that he was aware of Boleslaw's intentions and had time to make defensive preparations.^[17] Probably after concentrating his forces during June, in July Boleslaw led his troops to the border - the banks of the Western Bug River, near one of the settlements of the Volhynia region.^[17] The narrative of Boleslaw's invasion is almost entirely dependent upon the account of Thietmar:

"We may not keep silent regarding the sad and harmful events that occurred in Russia. For, on our [German] advice, Boleslav attacked it with a large army and caused much destruction. On July 22, the duke [Boleslav] came up to a certain river, where he ordered his army to set up camp and separate the necessary bridges. Also camped near the river, along with his army, was [Yaroslav] the king of the Russians."^[18]

Yaroslav's forces may have take position with archers covering the crossing points. Boleslaw seems to have takem his time, allowing his army to rest, and started work on makeshift bridges.^[17] The Battle at Bug river finally occurred around July 23.^[19] Thietmar's near-contemporary account offered the following:

The Poles provoked the enemy into fighting and, with unexpected success, drove them from the river bank which they [the Rus] were supposed to defend. Elated by this news, Boleslav hastily notified his companions and quickly cross the river although not without effort. In contrast, the hostile army, drawn up in battle formation, vainly attempted to defend its homeland. It collapsed at the first attack, however, and failed to mount any effective resistance. Among those who fled, many were killed, but only a few of the victors were lost. On our side, the dead included Erich, an illustrious knight whom our emperor had long held in chains. From that day on, with every success, Boleslav drove the scattered enemies before him; and the whole populace received and honoured him with many gifts.^[20]

According to the later Chronicle of Polish Dukes by Gallus, the battle occurred by accident: When Boleslaw decided to throw a feast to boost his army's morale, Yaroslav's archers and scouts decided to create trouble for the Polish servants who were gutting the animals and preparing them near the river. However, they only annoyed them enough that the servants themselves crossed the relatively shallow river and chased away Yaroslav's surprised troops, who had been guarding the river.^[19] Bolesław learned of the skirmish sooner than Yaroslav, and managed to move most of his army across the river, defeating the surprised Yaroslav.^[19]

The Russian Primary Chronicle gives a different version of events, in which both armies were combat ready and separated by the river before Boleslaw, enraged by insults from across the river, charged with his army, surprising Yaroslav and scattering his forces.^[13]^[19] All accounts agree that the Polish prince was victorious in the battle.^[19] Yaroslav retreated north to Novgorod, rather than to Kiev - likely suspecting that he lacked enough strength to defend Kiev, which was besieged by the Pechenegs and had a significant pro-Svyatopolk faction within its walls.^[19] Nestor notes that after reaching Novgorod, Yaroslav attempted to flee "overseas" in hopes of coming back with a Varangian force, but according to the Primary Chronicle, the citizens of Novgorod pressured him to lead the fight back to Boleslaw and Svyatopolk.^[13]^[21]^[22]

Fall and occupation of Kiev

Boleslaw's victory paved the way to Kiev. As Boleslaw was advancing from the west, according to Thietmar, Boleslaw's Pecheneg allies had approached Kiev, perhaps forcing Yaroslav to detach a part of his forces to ensure the safety of his capital.^[17]

"At Boleslav's instigation, the very strong city of Kiev was disturbed by the constant attacks of hostile Pechenegs and severely weakened by fire. It was defended by the inhabitants, but quickly surrendered to the foreign warriors, after its king [Yaroslav] fled and abandoned it."^[20]

The city, which suffered from fires caused by the Pechenegs' ongoing siege, surrendered upon seeing the main Polish army on August 14.^[23] The entering forces, led by Boleslaw, were ceremonially welcomed by the local archbishop and Vladimir's family:^[23]

On 14 August, the city received Boleslav and Sventipolk [i.e. Svyatopolk], its long-absent lord. Thereafter, through his favour, and from fear of us, the whole region was brought into submission. When they arrived, the archbishop of that city received them, at the church of St Sophia, with relics of the saints and other kinds of ceremonial apparatus.^[20]

A later popular Polish legend related to the history of the Polish coronation weapon, the Szczerbiec sword, is the tale of the Golden Gate of Kiev, upon which the Szczerbiec was supposedly notched when Boleslaw's entered the city.^[23] This legend has no historical basis, however, and the gate was only built approximately 20 years later, while the sword itself was not forged until 200 years later. It is of course possible, however unlikely, that Boleslaw notched another gate with another sword, thus giving rise to the legend.^[24]

Boleslaw sent his German and Hungarian mercenaries home after Svyatopolk was re-established on the Kievan throne, "the populace" having "flocked to him" and having "appeared loyal".^[25] It is not known how long Boleslaw remained in and around Kiev. The 10 months given by the unreliable account of Gallus is fanciful.^[26] Boleslaw in fact departed within a few months and, as Thietmar died on December 1 1018, Boleslaw must have been back in Poland a good time before December.^[26]

The Primary Chronicle alleges that as the result of Polish plunderings, Svyatopolk ordered "that any Lyakhs [i.e. Poles] found in the city should be killed".^[27]^[22]^[28] The resulting unrest, according to the same source, forced Boleslaw to leave Kiev, whereupon Svyatopolk was left to fend for himself.^[27]^[22]^[21]^[1]^[29] This negative turn of events is omitted in the only contemporary source, Thietmar of Merseberg's Chronikon.^[30] By contrast, his summary of the expedition, written in a part of the Chronikon not devoted to the expedition, recounts that:

Duke Boleslav invaded the Russian king's realm with his army. After placing his long-exiled brother-in-law, the Russian's brother, on the throne, he returned in high spirits."^[31]

According to Thietmar, Boleslaw asked Yaroslav to return his daughter, whom Yaroslav had taken prisoner.^[23] As Yaroslav refused, Boleslaw took members of Yaroslav's family to Poland as prisoners when he returned to his country in September. His captives included Vladimir's widow and Yaroslav's sister, Predslava, whose hand Boleslaw had sought earlier. Having been rebuffed, Boleslaw now took her as a concubine.^[23] The Polish duke also took some commoners as well as much of the treasury of Kiev.^[29] Among the notable commoners was the venerated Saint Moses the Hungarian.^[1]

In the past some historians (such as Zhylenko and Kostomarov) have conjectured that Boleslaw decided to rule Kievan lands himself, though Boleslaw had no power base there and no Rurikid blood.^[1]^[21] ^[23]Boleslaw's main motivation, acccording to the interpretations of modern historians, was to regain the Cherven towns for his patrimony, while at the same time aiding his kinsman, to whom he had an obligation.^[32]^[33] The expedition also furnished an occassion to enrich his followers with Kiev's famous wealth, and indeed on many later occassions in the Kievan period the rulers of Poland, as well as Hungarians or Pechenegs, were paid to intervene in Rus succession disputes; in the case of Boleslaw II, the Polish monarch took the money without making any expedition.^[34] It was related by Thietmar that before departing, Boleslaw

"was shown an unspeakable amount of treasure, most of which he distributed among his friends and supporters".^[25]

Aftermath

Svyatopolk lost the throne soon afterwards and lost his life the following year.^[24] As Boleslaw was involved in a conflict with Holy Roman Emperor Henry II, he did not intervene on behalf of his son-in-law when he was deposed and instead signed a pact with Yaroslav, who had successfully regained the throne. Although he lost control of Kiev, Boleslaw succeeded in keeping the Cherven Towns captured by Vladimir the Great in 981; he was crowned King of Poland in 1025.^[24] Yaroslav outlived Boleslaw and contributed greatly to the strengthening of Kievan Rus'.^[35]

Notes

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g Zhylenko, W. 30
^ Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego, 7
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego, 6 Cite error: The named reference "Wyprawa6" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Brockhaus, Sviatopolk.
^ The Primary Chronicle, Section.
^ ^a ^b Franklin & Shepard, Emergence of Rus, 184—5.
^ ^a ^b ^c Franklin & Shepard, Emergence of Rus, 185.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Thietmar Merseburgensis Episcopi Chronicon, VII. 72; Warner (ed.), Chronicon, 358.
^ Franklin & Shepard, Emergence of Rus, 199.
^ Martin, Medieval Russia, 44—5.
^ Cross (ed.), Russian Primary Chronicle, 126—30; these events, while not uncommon for their time, contributed to earning Svyatopolk the nickname of "The Accursed".
^ Franklin & Shepard, Emergence of Rus, 186
^ ^a ^b ^c The Primary Chronicle, Section
^ Fraklin & Shepard, Emergence of Rus, 184.
^ Barford, Early Slavs, 9.
^ VIII. 32; Warner (ed.), Chronicon, 384.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego, 8.
^ VIII. 31; Warner (ed.), Chronicon, 382—3.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego, 9.
^ ^a ^b ^c VIII. 31; Warner (ed.), Chronicon, 383.
^ ^a ^b ^c Kostomarov, Yaroslav
^ ^a ^b ^c Grekov, section 12
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego, 10
^ ^a ^b ^c Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego, 11
^ ^a ^b VIII. 32; Warner (ed.), Chronicon, 384.
^ ^a ^b Franklin & Shepard, Emergence of Rus, 187, n. 14.
^ ^a ^b PVL, s.a. 6526, Cross (ed.), Russian Primary Chronicle, 132.
^ Brockhaus, Boleslaw
^ ^a ^b Ryzow, 1999
^ See VIII. chs 31—33; Warner (ed.), Chronicon, 383—5.
^ VII. 66; Warner (ed.), Chronicon, 354.
^ Franklin & Shepard, Emergence of Rus, 199, 253.
^ Martin, Medieval Russia, 45.
^ Franklin & Shepard, Emergence of Rus, 257—8, 329—30.
^ Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego, 12

References

Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego Chwała Oręża Polskiego Nr 2. Rzeczpospolita and Mówią Wieki. Various authors and editors. 5 August 2006 Template:Pl icon
Barford, P. M. (200 1), The Early Slavs: Culture and Society in Early Medieval Eastern Europe, Ithaca: Cornell University Press, ISBN 0-8014-3977-9 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1900s) Болеслав Пяст Template:Ru icon
Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1900s) Святополк I Владимирович Template:Ru icon
Cross, Samuel Hazzard; Sherbowitz-Wetzor, Olgerd, eds. (1953), The Russian Primary Chronicle: Laurentian Text, The Medieval Academy of America Publication No. 60, Cambridge, MA: Medieval Academy of America
Franklin, Simon; Shepard, Jonathan (1996), The Emergence of Rus, 750-1200, Longman History of Russia, London & New York: Longman, ISBN 0-582-49091X
Grekov, Boris (1882–1953), "Kievskaya Rus'", AST, 2004, ISBN 5-17-025449-0 Template:Ru icon
Martin, Janet (1995), Medieval Russia, 970-1584, Cambridge Medieval Textbooks, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-521-36832-4
"Патерик Києво-Печерський", organized, adapted into Ukrainian, and footnoted by Iryna Zhylenko, Kiev, 2001. Sec. 30 and editor's notes Template:Uk icon
Kostomarov, Nikolay (1817–85), "Russkaya istoriya v zhizneopisaniyakh ee glavneyshikh deyateley" ("Russian History in Biographies of its main figures"), Moskva (Moscow), "Mysl'", 1993 , ISBN 5244007424, LCCN 94-0 Section 2: Yaroslav Template:Ru icon
Ryzow ,Konstantin, (1999). All monarchs of the world: Russia: 600 short biographies. Moscow: Veche, Veche. ISBN 5-7838-0268-9. (Рыжов Константин (1999). Все монархи мира: Россия: 600 кратких жизнеописаний (in Russian). Москва: Вече.), LCCN 98-0 Template:Ru icon
Warner, David A., ed. (2001), Ottonian Germany: The Chronicon of Thietmar f Merseburg, Manchester Medieval Sources Series, Manchester & New York: Manchester University Press, ISBN 0-7190-4926-1

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{Infobox Military Conflict
-|conflict=Kiev Expedition
+|conflict=Boleslaw I's expedition to Kiev
+|partof=Kievan succession crisis, 1015—9
-|partof=
 |image=
 [[Image:Kievan Rus en.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]
@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 |date= 1018
 |place=[[Kievan Rus']]
-|casus=Military aid of Polish Duke [[Boleslaw I of Poland|Boleslaw I the Brave]] to his son-in-law, [[Sviatopolk I of Kiev|Sviatopolk I the Accurse]]
+|casus=Military aid of Polish Duke [[Boleslaw I of Poland|Boleslaw I the Brave]] to his son-in-law, [[Sviatopolk I of Kiev|Svyatopolk I the Accurse]]
 |territory=
-|result=Temporary victory for Sviatopolk and Boleslaw
+|result=Temporary victory for Svyatopolk and Boleslaw
-|combatant1=[[Kingdom of Poland]]<br>[[Pechenegs]] and [[Germans|German]] mercenaries
+|combatant1=Kievan Rus' loyal to Svyatopolk allied with the [[Kingdom of Poland|Duchy of the Poles]]
-|combatant2=[[Kievan Rus']] loyal to Yaroslav the Wise
+|combatant2=Kievan Rus' loyal to Yaroslav the Wise
-|commander1=[[Boleslaw I of Poland|Boleslaw I the Brave]]<br>[[Sviatopolk I of Kiev|Sviatopolk I the Accursed]]
+|commander1=[[Boleslaw I of Poland|Boleslaw I the Brave]]<br>[[Sviatopolk I of Kiev|Svyatopolk I the Accursed]]
 |commander2=[[Yaroslav I the Wise]]
-|strength1=2,000&ndash;5,000
+|strength1=uncertain
-|strength2=unknown but estimated as similar to opposing size
+|strength2=unknown
 |casualties1=unknown
 |casualties2=unknown
@@ Line 22: / Line 22: @@
 {{Polish-Russian Wars}}
-The '''Kiev Expedition''' of the Polish Duke [[Boleslaw I of Poland|Boleslaw I the Brave]] was an episode in the struggle between [[Sviatopolk I of Kiev|Sviatopolk I the Accursed]] and his brother [[Yaroslav I the Wise]] for the title of [[Grand Duke of Kiev]]. It occurred when Sviatopolk's father-in-law, Duke Boleslaw [[History of Poland (966–1385)|of Poland]], intervened on behalf of Sviatopolk, defeated Yaroslav's armies, and temporarily secured the throne for Sviatopolk.
+The '''intervention in the Kievan succession crisis''' of 1015—19 by the Polish Duke [[Boleslaw I of Poland|Boleslaw Chrobry]] was an episode in the struggle between [[Sviatopolk I of Kiev|Svyatopolk Vladimirovich]] ("the Accursed") and his brother [[Yaroslav I the Wise|Yaroslav]] ("the Wise") for the rulership of Kiev and [[Kievan Rus]]. It occurred when Svyatopolk's father-in-law, Duke Boleslaw [[History of Poland (966–1385)|of Poland]], intervened on Svyatopolk's behalf.
-The expedition was initially successful for Boleslaw and Sviatopolk, who overran Kiev and sent Yaroslav into exile, but ended with Boleslaw's withdrawal from Kiev and the military defeat of Sviatopolk by Yaroslav, who returned to the Kievan throne from [[Novgorod]]. The return of Yaroslav led to the [[golden age]] of Kiev and the [[Kievan Rus']]. Chronicles of the expedition include legendary accounts as well as factual history and have been subject to varied interpretations.
+The intervention was successful Svyatopolk, as Boleslaw defeated Yaroslav's armies, and temporarily secured the throne for Svyatopolk. But when Boleslaw withdraw himself and his army from Kiev, Svyatopolk was unable to retain his position, being defeated by Yaroslav in the following year. Chronicles of the expedition include legendary accounts as well as factual history and have been subject to varied interpretations.
 == Background ==
-The Duke of [[History of Poland (966–1385)|Poland]], [[Boleslaw I of Poland|Boleslaw I]], and the [[Grand Duke of Kiev]], [[Vladimir I of Kiev|Vladimir I]], had previously fought over [[Red Ruthenia]] in a conflict that ended favorably for Vladimir.<ref name=pat30/> Furthermore, Boleslaw, who already had two wives, wanted to marry Predslava, one of [[Family life and children of Vladimir I|Vladimir's daughters]], in order to cement ties between the two families. Despite Boleslaw's best efforts, the offer was refused and instead he had to accept a less prestigious connection to the house of Vladimir through the marriage of Boleslaw's daughter to Vladimir's son, Sviatopolk.<ref name="Wyprawa7">''Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego'', p.7</ref><ref name=pat30/> Between 1005 and 1013, Vladimir arranged Sviatopolk's marriage to Boleslaw's daughter, whose name has not survived in sources.<ref name="Wyprawa6">''Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego'', p.6</ref><ref name="brosvia">Brockhaus, Sviatopolk.</ref><ref name=pvl4>The [[Primary Chronicle]], [http://www.infoliolib.info/rlit/pvl/pvl4.html Section]</ref>
+The Duke of [[History of Poland (966–1385)|Poland]], [[Boleslaw I of Poland|Boleslaw I]], and the [[Grand Duke of Kiev|ruler of Kiev]], [[Vladimir I of Kiev|Vladimir I]], had previously fought over the Cherven towns (in what was later called [[Red Russia]]) in a conflict that ended favorably for Vladimir.<ref name=pat30>Zhylenko, W. 30</ref> Furthermore, Boleslaw, who already had two wives, wanted to marry Predslava, one of [[Family life and children of Vladimir I|Vladimir's daughters]], in order to cement ties between the two families. Despite Boleslaw's best efforts, the offer was refused and instead he had to accept a less prestigious connection to the house of Vladimir through the marriage of Boleslaw's daughter to Vladimir's son, Svyatopolk.<ref name="Wyprawa7">''Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego'', 7</ref><ref name=pat30/> Between 1005 and 1013, Vladimir arranged Svyatopolk's marriage to Boleslaw's daughter, whose name has not survived in sources.<ref name="Wyprawa6">''Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego'', 6</ref><ref name="brosvia">Brockhaus, Sviatopolk.</ref><ref name=pvl4>The [[Primary Chronicle]], [http://www.infoliolib.info/rlit/pvl/pvl4.html Section].</ref>
+It is possible that Vladimir decided that neither Svyatopolk nor Yaroslav would succeed to the Kievan throne after his death, as both Svyatopolk and Vladimir went into revolt against their father.<ref name="Wyprawa6"/><ref name="FrankShep"-1845>Franklin & Shepard, ''Emergence of Rus'', 184—5.</ref> This however depends on very little evidence, and in the words of two historians, the origins of their "quarrels with their father are obscure".<ref name=FrankShep-185>Franklin & Shepard, ''Emergence of Rus'', 185.</ref> According to [[Thietmar of Merseburg]], Boleslaw allegedly encouraged Svyatopolk's revolt through the latter's wife, though he does not specify the goal of the revolt.<ref name=Thietmar>''Thietmar Merseburgensis Episcopi Chronicon'', VII. 72; Warner (ed.), ''Chronicon'', 358.</ref> Svyatopolk's consipracy was, in the event, thwarted by Vladimir, who called Svyatopolk and his entourage to Kiev and jailed them in 1013.<ref name="Wyprawa6"/>
-Vladimir I dictated that his eldest son, Sviatopolk I, would only receive the remote town of [[Turov]] (''Turaŭ'') after his death, and he chose his younger sons, [[Boris and Gleb]], as successors despite Sviatopolk's [[primogeniture]].<ref name="Wyprawa6"/>Unhappy by his rule being restricted to only a small [[appanage]] which he saw as unfit for the prestigious status of the Grand Duke's eldest son, Sviatopolk plotted to overthrow his father. These plans were thwarted by Vladimir, who called all three conspirators to Kiev and jailed them in 1013.<ref name="Wyprawa6"/> Sviatopolk counted on the help of his father-in-law Boleslaw,<ref name="brosvia"/> who encouraged Sviatopolk's plans through his daughter. The planned overthrow may have been supported by Bishop [[Reinbern]] of [[Kołobrzeg|Kolberg]], who had traveled with Boleslaw's daughter.<ref name=Thietmar>Thietmar Merseburgensis Episcopi Chronicon, VII, 72.</ref> Reinbern may have acted in the interest of [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] [[Holy See|Rome]].<ref name=pat30>Zhylenko, W. 30</ref><ref name=brosvia/>  While the [[East-West Schism|Great Schism]] that divided the [[Orthodox Christianity|Eastern Orthodox]] and Catholic churches was formalized only half a century later, ideological and political differences between Rome and [[Constantinople]] were already firmly in place, causing Rome to make efforts to sway the Rus' towards its influence and away from that of [[Byzantium]].<ref name=brosvia/><ref name=pat30/> Reinbern died shortly after Sviatopolk was imprisoned,<ref name="brosvia"/><ref name=pat30/> but Boleslaw, wanting to ensure that his ally, Sviatopolk, took over the Kievan throne, invaded Kiev's lands in 1013 with the goal of freeing Sviatopolk. Little is known about the event other than the fact that Vladimir released Sviatopolk from imprisonment shortly before his death,<ref name="Wyprawa6"/> and that he may have granted him the town of [[Vyshgorod]], (''Vyshhorod'') near Kiev.<ref name="brosvia"/>
+The planned overthrow, if it existed, may have been supported by Bishop [[Reinbern]] of [[Kołobrzeg|Kolberg]], who had traveled with Boleslaw's daughter.<ref name=Thietmar/> According to the same chronicler, Reinbern activitely took part in converting pagans in and around the Rus lands, but was imprisoned with Svyatopolk and the latter's wife.<ref name=Thietmar/> Reinbern died shortly after being imprisoned.<ref name=Thietmar/><ref name="brosvia"/><ref name=pat30/> It is of note that Boleslaw invaded Kiev's lands in 1013, though no source gives any explantion. This was possibly Boleslaw's first attempt to re-take the Cherven towns,<ref>Franklin & Shepard, ''Emergence of Rus'', 199.</ref> though it has also been argued that his goal might have been to free Svyatopolk.<ref name="brosvia"/>
 === Death of Vladimir ===
-[[Image:Boleslaus I.jpg|upright|thumb|left|Boleslaw the Brave]]
+[[Image:Boleslaus I.jpg|upright|thumb|Boleslaw the Brave]]
+In the confusion resulting from the death of Vladimir, it was Svyatopolk who was able to seize power in Kiev, Yaroslav being in the north, Mstislav in the south, Svyatoslav in the Derevlian land, Gleb in [[Murom]] and Boris on an expedition against the Pechenegs.<ref name="FrankShep"-1845>Franklin & Shepard, ''Emergence of Rus'', 184—5.</ref><ref>Martin, ''Medieval Russia'', 44—5.</ref> As Franklin and Shepard put it, Svyatopolk's "previous arrest turned to his advantage, for it ensured that he was already ... closest to the center of power".<ref name=FrankShep-185/> According to the ''Primary Chronicle'', Svyatopolk successfully arranged the murder of three of his brothers, Boris of Rostov, Gleb of Murom and Svyatoslav of the Derevlian lands.<ref name=FrankShep-185/><ref>Cross (ed.), ''Russian Primary Chronicle'', 126—30; these events, while not uncommon for their time, contributed to earning Svyatopolk the nickname of "The Accursed". </ref>
+Svyatopolk's reign in Kiev was threatened when his brother Yaroslav arrived from the north. After a 3 month stand-off near [[Lyubech]], Svyatopolk was defeated and "fled to the Poles".<ref>Franklin & Shepard, ''Emergence of Rus'', 186</ref><ref name="brosvia"/><ref name=pvl5>The ''[[Primary Chronicle]]'', [http://www.infoliolib.info/rlit/pvl/pvl5.html Section]</ref> Boleslaw, who had recently agreed a peace with the [[Holy Roman Empire|German Kingdom]] (the [[Treaty of Bautzen]]), agreed to support his son-in-law through military intervention.<ref name="Wyprawa6">''Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego'', 6.</ref>
-Upon Vladimir's death, Sviatopolk, the eldest son, could lay a strong legal claim for inheriting Kiev despite being highly unpopular with Kievans.<ref name=kost/><ref name=brosvia/> Therefore, Vladimir's court attempted to conceal his death from Sviatopolk while his brothers, Boris and Gleb, consolidated power. Sviatopolk nevertheless uncovered the plot and seized his father's throne. Vladimir's personal guard ([[druzhyna]]) and the Kievan militia chose to align themselves with [[Boris and Gleb|Boris]], Vladimir's favored son, who was preferred by Kievans.<ref name="brosvia"/><ref name=pvl5>The [[Primary Chronicle]], [http://www.infoliolib.info/rlit/pvl/pvl5.html Section]</ref>
+==Sources==
-According to a popular but possibly ahistorical legend recorded by the [[Russian Primary Chronicle]], Sviatopolk sent his men to assassinate [[Boris and Gleb|Boris]] and his other brothers [[Boris and Gleb|Gleb]] and [[Sviatoslav of Smolensk|Sviatoslav]].<ref name="brosvia"/><ref name=pvl5/> These events, while not uncommon for their time, earned Sviatopolk the nickname of "The Accursed." When news of the [[fratricide]]s reached Vladimir's fourth son, [[Yaroslav the Wise]] in [[Novgorod]], he came to Kiev with Novgorodians and [[Varangians]] and defeated Sviatopolk near [[Lubech]].<ref name="brosvia"/><ref name=pvl5/> Sviatopolk fled to Boleslaw in Poland while Yaroslav took over as the Kievan Grand Duke.<ref name="brosvia"/><ref name=pvl5/>
+There are three main sources that provide historians with evidence for these events. The best and most reliable account is from a chronicle by Bishop [[Thietmar of Merseburg]], who obtained detailed information Saxon knights fighting for Boleslaw.<ref>Fraklin & Shepard, ''Emergence of Rus'', 184.</ref>
+The ''Primary Chronicle'' attributed to [[Nestor the Chronicler]], is another sources giving a detailed account of events, its reliability being variable, depending event-by-event on the sources from which it was compiled. Nestor's writing reflects the typical Rus' admiration of [[Saint Vladimir]], while Bishop Thietmar's account, despite a generally positive attitude towards the Rus', paints both Boleslaw and Vladimir exclusively in a negative light.<ref name=pat30/>
-Sviatopolk asked Boleslaw to help him recapture the Kievan throne.<ref name="Wyprawa6"/><ref name="brosvia"/> Boleslaw, who had recently secured Poland's western border with the [[Holy Roman Empire]] through the [[Treaty of Bautzen]], agreed to support him.<ref name="Wyprawa7"/> Aside from helping his son-in-law and avenging Predslava's refusal and loss of [[Red Ruthenia]], Boleslaw was interested in the eastward expansion of his power<ref name=kost/> and possibly in the chance to occupy and plunder Kiev.<ref name=pat30/>
+A third source is the ''[[Cronicae et gesta ducum sive principum Polonorum|Chronicle of Polish Dukes]]'', a semi-legendary ode to the early Polish dukes written in the 1110s by the supposedly Hungarian-French Benedictine monk [[Gallus Anonymus|Gallus]]'.<ref>Barford, ''Early Slavs'', 9.</ref> This account portrays Boleslaw in a very positive light.
-==Expedition==
+==Expedition to Kiev==
 [[Image:Bilibin yaroslav.jpg|upright|thumb|right|Yaroslav the Wise]]
+According to Thietmar, the army of Boleslaw crossed the border in 1018 and reached Kiev later that same year. No figures are known for Boleslaw's army, except that Thietmar relates:<blockquote>"Among those rendering assistance to the aforesaid duke, were three hundred of our [German] warriors, five hundred Hungarians, and one thousand Pechenegs".<ref>VIII. 32; Warner (ed.), ''Chronicon'', 384.</ref></blockquote> Less is known about Yaroslav's army, but it is assumed that he also managed to collect a force of similar size. It is also believed that he was aware of Boleslaw's intentions and had time to make defensive preparations.<ref name="Wyprawa8">''Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego'', 8.</ref>
-[[Image:Polska 992 - 1025.png|thumb|left|300px|Poland (992&ndash;1025). Light pink territory on the right shows the region of the [[Red Ruthenia]], captured by Bolesław, as well as the town of [[Volyn (Town)|Volyn]], near which the [[Battle of the River Bug]] took place]]
-Much of the information about Bolesław's expedition come from a chronicle by Bishop [[Thietmar of Merseburg]], who supposedly obtained detailed information from Sviatopolk himself. [[Nestor the Chronicler]]'s [[Primary Chronicle]] also gives a detailed account of events. The biases of both chroniclers should be kept in mind as Nestor's writing reflects the typical Rus' admiration of [[Saint Vladimir]], while Bishop Thietmar's account, despite a generally positive attitude towards the Rus', paints both Boleslaw and Vladimir exclusively in a negative light, probably due to Boleslaw's conflicts with Germany and Vladimir's fondness for [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Byzantine Christianity]].<ref name=pat30/> [[Gallus Anonymus|Gallus]]' [[Cronicae et gesta ducum sive principum Polonorum|Chronicle of Polish Dukes]], on the other hand, portrays Boleslaw in a very positive light.
+Probably after concentrating his forces during June, in July Boleslaw led his troops to the border - the banks of the [[Western Bug]] River, near one of the settlements of the [[Volhynia]] region.<ref name="Wyprawa8"/> The narrative of Boleslaw's invasion is almost entirely dependent upon the account of Thietmar:<blockquote>"We may not keep silent regarding the sad and harmful events that occurred in Russia. For, on our [German] advice, Boleslav attacked it with a large army and caused much destruction. On July 22, the duke [Boleslav] came up to a certain river, where he ordered his army to set up camp and separate the necessary bridges. Also camped near the river, along with his army, was [Yaroslav] the king of the Russians."<ref>VIII. 31; Warner (ed.), ''Chronicon'', 382—3.</ref></blockquote> Yaroslav's forces may have take position with archers covering the crossing points. Boleslaw seems to have takem his time, allowing his army to rest, and started work on makeshift bridges.<ref name="Wyprawa8"/> The [[Battle at Bug river]] finally occurred around [[July 23]].<ref name="Wyprawa9">''Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego'', 9.</ref>
-According to Thietmar, the [[druzhina]] (army) of Boleslaw, aided by German and Hungarian mercenaries, crossed the border in 1018 and reached Kiev later that same year. His army size is estimated at between 2,000&ndash;5,000 warriors, including 100&nbsp;[[Pechenegs]], 300&nbsp;German [[knight]]s, and 500&nbsp;Hungarian mercenaries.<ref name="Wyprawa8">''Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego'', p.8</ref> Less is known about Yaroslav's army, but it is assumed that he also managed to collect a force of similar size. It is also believed that he was aware of Boleslaw's intentions and had time to make defensive preparations.<ref name="Wyprawa8"/> After concentrating his forces during June, in July Boleslaw led his troops to the border - the banks of the [[Western Bug]] River, near one of the settlements of the [[Volhynia]] region.<ref name="Wyprawa8"/> In the meantime, Boleslaw's Pecheneg allies approached Kiev, forcing Yaroslav to detach a part of his forces to ensure the safety of his capital.<ref name="Wyprawa8"/> Yaroslav, in turn, wanted to prevent Boleslaw from uniting with the Pechenegs, defeat Boleslaw's main force and then take care of the less organized Pechenegs.<ref name="Wyprawa8"/>
+Thietmar's near-contemporary account offered the following: <blockquote>The Poles provoked the enemy into fighting and, with unexpected success, drove them from the river bank which they [the Rus] were supposed to defend. Elated by this news, Boleslav hastily notified his companions and quickly cross the river although not without effort. In contrast, the hostile army, drawn up in battle formation, vainly attempted to defend its homeland. It collapsed at the first attack, however, and failed to mount any effective resistance. Among those who fled, many were killed, but only a few of the victors were lost. On our side, the dead included Erich, an illustrious knight whom our emperor had long held in chains. From that day on, with every success, Boleslav drove the scattered enemies before him; and the whole populace received and honoured him with many gifts.<ref name=Thietmar831>VIII. 31; Warner (ed.), ''Chronicon'', 383.</ref></blockquote>
-The two armies met on opposite banks of the River Bug.<ref name="Wyprawa8"/> Yaroslav's forces took position with archers covering the crossing points. Bolesław took his time, allowing his army to rest, and started work on makeshift bridges.<ref name="Wyprawa8"/> The [[Battle at Bug river]] finally occurred around [[July 23]].<ref name="Wyprawa9">''Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego'', p.9</ref> According to [[Gallus Anonymus|Gallus]]' [[Cronicae et gesta ducum sive principum Polonorum|Chronicle of Polish Dukes]], the battle occurred by accident: When Boleslaw decided to throw a feast to boost his army's morale, Yaroslav's archers and scouts decided to create trouble for the Polish servants who were gutting the animals and preparing them near the river. However, they only annoyed them enough that the servants themselves crossed the relatively shallow river and chased away Yaroslav's surprised troops, who had been guarding the river.<ref name="Wyprawa9"/> Bolesław learned of the skirmish sooner than Yaroslav, and managed to move most of his army across the river, defeating the surprised Yaroslav, who did not manage to consolidate his scattered army in time.<ref name="Wyprawa9"/>
+According to the later ''Chronicle of Polish Dukes'' by Gallus, the battle occurred by accident: When Boleslaw decided to throw a feast to boost his army's morale, Yaroslav's archers and scouts decided to create trouble for the Polish servants who were gutting the animals and preparing them near the river. However, they only annoyed them enough that the servants themselves crossed the relatively shallow river and chased away Yaroslav's surprised troops, who had been guarding the river.<ref name="Wyprawa9"/> Bolesław learned of the skirmish sooner than Yaroslav, and managed to move most of his army across the river, defeating the surprised Yaroslav.<ref name="Wyprawa9"/>
-The [[Russian Primary Chronicle]] gives a different version of events, in which both armies were combat ready and separated by the river before Boleslaw, enraged by insults from across the river, charged with his army, surprising Yaroslav and scattering his forces.<ref name=pvl5/><ref name="Wyprawa9"/> Both accounts agree that the Polish prince was victorious in the battle.<ref name="Wyprawa9"/> Yaroslav retreated north to Novgorod, rather than to Kiev - likely suspecting that he lacked enough strength to defend Kiev, which was besieged by the Pechenegs and had a significant pro-Sviatopolk faction within its walls.<ref name="Wyprawa9"/> Nestor notes that after reaching Novgorod, Yaroslav attempted to flee "overseas" in hopes of coming back with a Varangian force, but according to the [[Primary Chronicle]], Novgorodians pressured him to lead the fight back to Boleslaw and Sviatopolk.<ref name=pvl5/><ref name=kost>Kostomarov, Yaroslav</ref><ref name=grekov>Grekov, [http://www.bibliotekar.ru/rusFroyanov/24.htm section 12]</ref>
+The Russian ''Primary Chronicle'' gives a different version of events, in which both armies were combat ready and separated by the river before Boleslaw, enraged by insults from across the river, charged with his army, surprising Yaroslav and scattering his forces.<ref name=pvl5/><ref name="Wyprawa9"/> All accounts agree that the Polish prince was victorious in the battle.<ref name="Wyprawa9"/> Yaroslav retreated north to Novgorod, rather than to Kiev - likely suspecting that he lacked enough strength to defend Kiev, which was besieged by the Pechenegs and had a significant pro-Svyatopolk faction within its walls.<ref name="Wyprawa9"/> Nestor notes that after reaching Novgorod, Yaroslav attempted to flee "overseas" in hopes of coming back with a Varangian force, but according to the ''Primary Chronicle'', the citizens of Novgorod pressured him to lead the fight back to Boleslaw and Svyatopolk.<ref name=pvl5/><ref name=kost>Kostomarov, Yaroslav</ref><ref name=grekov>Grekov, [http://www.bibliotekar.ru/rusFroyanov/24.htm section 12]</ref>
-=== Fall of Kiev ===
+== Fall and occupation of Kiev ==
 [[Image:Matejko-chrobry at Kiev (Kijow).jpg|upright|thumb|right|Bolesław Chrobry and Svetopelk at Kiev, in a legendary (if ahistorical) moment of hitting the [[Golden Gate (Kiev)|Golden Gate]] with the [[Szczerbiec]] sword. Painting by [[Jan Matejko]].]]
-In the meantime, Boleslaw's victory paved the way to Kiev. The city, which suffered from fires caused by the Pechenegs' ongoing siege, surrendered upon seeing the main Polish army on [[August 14]].<ref name="Wyprawa10">''Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego'', p.10</ref> The entering forces, led by Boleslaw, were ceremonially welcomed by the local [[archbishop]] and [[Family life and children of Vladimir I|Vladimir's family]].<ref name="Wyprawa10"/> A popular legend related to the history of the [[Polish Crown Jewels|Polish coronation weapon]], the [[Szczerbiec]] sword, is the tale of the [[Golden Gate (Kiev)|Golden Gate of Kiev]], upon which the Szczerbiec was supposedly notched when Boleslaw's entered the city.<ref name="Wyprawa10"/> However, this legend has no historical basis as the gate was built approximately 20&nbsp;years later and the sword was forged 200&nbsp;years later. It is possible that Boleslaw notched another gate with another sword, giving rise to this story.<ref name="Wyprawa11"/>
+Boleslaw's victory paved the way to Kiev. As Boleslaw was advancing from the west, according to Thietmar, Boleslaw's Pecheneg allies had approached Kiev, perhaps forcing Yaroslav to detach a part of his forces to ensure the safety of his capital.<ref name="Wyprawa8"/> <blockquote>"At Boleslav's instigation, the very strong city of Kiev was disturbed by the constant attacks of hostile Pechenegs and severely weakened  by fire. It was defended by the inhabitants, but quickly surrendered to the foreign warriors, after its king [Yaroslav] fled and abandoned it."<ref name=Thietmar831/></blockquote>
-Historians are divided on whether Boleslaw then decided to rule Kievan lands himself or not.<ref name="Wyprawa10"/> According to some, (such as Zhylenko and Kostomarov), Boleslaw decided to rule Kiev for himself, thus pushing aside his son-in-law.<ref name=pat30/><ref name=kost/> Boleslaw sent a significant force to quarter in Kiev and nearby towns, forcing Kievans to sustain them, and collected significant tributes that he divided among his allies.<ref name="Wyprawa10"/> Kievans soon rose against Boleslaw. Some sources state that the uprising was provoked by Boleslaw's plundering troops,<ref name=grekov/><ref name=brobol>Brockhaus, Boleslaw</ref> while others claim that Kievans were incited by Sviatopolk himself, who was unhappy about being sidelined by Boleslaw.<ref name=kost/><ref name=pat30/><ref name="Ryzhov"/> The resulting unrest forced Boleslaw to leave Kiev, whereupon Sviatopolk assumed power.<ref name=grekov/><ref name=kost/><ref name=pat30/><ref name="Ryzhov">Ryzow, 1999</ref>
+The city, which suffered from fires caused by the Pechenegs' ongoing siege, surrendered upon seeing the main Polish army on [[August 14]].<ref name="Wyprawa10">''Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego'', 10</ref> The entering forces, led by Boleslaw, were ceremonially welcomed by the local [[archbishop]] and [[Family life and children of Vladimir I|Vladimir's family]]:<ref name="Wyprawa10"/> <blockquote>On 14 August, the city received Boleslav and Sventipolk [i.e. Svyatopolk], its long-absent lord. Thereafter, through his favour, and from fear of us, the whole region was brought into submission. When they arrived, the archbishop of that city received them, at the church of St Sophia, with relics of the saints and other kinds of ceremonial apparatus.<ref name=Thietmar831/></blockquote>
-Before retreating, Boleslaw demanded Yaroslav return his daughter, whom Yaroslav had taken prisoner to Novgorod.<ref name="Wyprawa10"/> As Yaroslav refused, Boleslaw took members of Yaroslav's family to Poland as prisoners when he returned to his country in September. His captives included Vladimir's widow and Yaroslav's sister, Predslava, whose hand Boleslaw had sought earlier. Having been rebuffed, Boleslaw now took her as a [[concubine]].<ref name="Wyprawa10"/> The Polish duke also took some commoners and the treasury of Kiev.<ref name="Ryzhov"/> Among the notable commoners was the venerated Saint [[Moses the Hungarian]].<ref name=pat30/>
+A later popular Polish legend related to the history of the [[Polish Crown Jewels|Polish coronation weapon]], the [[Szczerbiec]] sword, is the tale of the [[Golden Gate (Kiev)|Golden Gate of Kiev]], upon which the Szczerbiec was supposedly notched when Boleslaw's entered the city.<ref name="Wyprawa10"/> This legend has no historical basis, however, and the gate was only built approximately 20&nbsp;years later, while the sword itself was not forged until 200&nbsp;years later. It is of course possible, however unlikely, that Boleslaw notched another gate with another sword, thus giving rise to the legend.<ref name="Wyprawa11"/>
-== Aftermath ==
+Boleslaw sent his German and Hungarian mercenaries home after Svyatopolk was re-established on the Kievan throne, "the populace" having "flocked to him" and having "appeared loyal".<ref name=Thietmar834/> It is not known how long Boleslaw remained in and around Kiev. The 10 months given by the unreliable account of Gallus is fanciful.<ref name=Franklin187n14>Franklin & Shepard, ''Emergence of Rus'', 187, n. 14.</ref> Boleslaw in fact departed within a few months and, as Thietmar died on December 1 1018, Boleslaw must have been back in Poland a good time before December.<ref name=Franklin187n14/>
-Sviatopolk lost the throne soon afterwards and lost his life the following year.<ref name="Wyprawa11">''Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego'', p. 11</ref> As Boleslaw was involved in a conflict with [[Holy Roman Emperor]] [[Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor|Henry II]], he did not intervene on behalf of his son-in-law when he was deposed and instead signed a pact with Yaroslav, who had successfully regained the throne. Although he lost control of Kiev, Boleslaw succeeded in keeping the [[Red Ruthenia|Cherven Towns]]  captured by [[Vladimir the Great]] in 981; he was crowned [[King of Poland]] in 1025.<ref name="Wyprawa11"/> Yaroslav outlived Boleslaw and contributed greatly to the strengthening of [[Kievan Rus']].<ref name="Wyprawa12">''Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego'', p. 12</ref>
+The ''Primary Chronicle'' alleges that as the result of Polish plunderings,  Svyatopolk ordered "that any Lyakhs [i.e. Poles] found in the city should be killed".<ref name=PVL6526>PVL, s.a. 6526, Cross (ed.), ''Russian Primary Chronicle'', 132.</ref><ref name=grekov/><ref name=brobol>Brockhaus, Boleslaw</ref> The resulting unrest, according to the same source, forced Boleslaw to leave Kiev, whereupon Svyatopolk was left to fend for himself.<ref name=PVL6526/><ref name=grekov/><ref name=kost/><ref name=pat30/><ref name="Ryzhov">Ryzow, 1999</ref> This negative turn of events is omitted in the only contemporary source, Thietmar of Merseberg's ''Chronikon''.<ref>See VIII. chs 31—33; Warner (ed.), ''Chronicon'', 383—5.</ref> By contrast, his summary of the expedition, written in a part of the ''Chronikon'' not devoted to the expedition, recounts that:<blockquote>Duke Boleslav invaded the Russian king's realm with his army. After placing his long-exiled brother-in-law, the Russian's brother, on the throne, he returned in high spirits."<ref>VII. 66; Warner (ed.), ''Chronicon'', 354.</ref></blockquote>
+According to Thietmar, Boleslaw asked Yaroslav to return his daughter, whom Yaroslav had taken prisoner.<ref name="Wyprawa10"/> As Yaroslav refused, Boleslaw took members of Yaroslav's family to Poland as prisoners when he returned to his country in September. His captives included Vladimir's widow and Yaroslav's sister, Predslava, whose hand Boleslaw had sought earlier. Having been rebuffed, Boleslaw now took her as a [[concubine]].<ref name="Wyprawa10"/> The Polish duke also took some commoners as well as much of the treasury of Kiev.<ref name="Ryzhov"/> Among the notable commoners was the venerated Saint [[Moses the Hungarian]].<ref name=pat30/>
+In the past some historians  (such as Zhylenko and Kostomarov) have conjectured that Boleslaw decided to rule Kievan lands himself, though Boleslaw had no power base there and no Rurikid blood.<ref name=pat30/><ref name=kost/> <ref name="Wyprawa10"/>Boleslaw's main motivation, acccording to the interpretations of modern historians, was to regain the Cherven towns for his patrimony, while at the same time aiding his kinsman, to whom he had an obligation.<ref>Franklin & Shepard, ''Emergence of Rus'', 199, 253.</ref><ref name=Martin-45>Martin, ''Medieval Russia'', 45.</ref> The expedition also furnished an occassion to enrich his followers with Kiev's famous wealth, and indeed on many later occassions in the Kievan period the rulers of Poland, as well as Hungarians or Pechenegs, were paid to intervene in Rus succession disputes; in the case of Boleslaw II, the Polish monarch took the money without making any expedition.<ref>Franklin & Shepard, ''Emergence of Rus'', 257—8, 329—30.</ref> It was related by Thietmar that before departing, Boleslaw <blockquote>"was shown an unspeakable amount of treasure, most of which he distributed among his friends and supporters".<ref name=Thietmar834>VIII. 32; Warner (ed.), ''Chronicon'', 384.</ref></blockquote>
+== Aftermath ==
+Svyatopolk lost the throne soon afterwards and lost his life the following year.<ref name="Wyprawa11">''Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego'', 11</ref> As Boleslaw was involved in a conflict with [[Holy Roman Emperor]] [[Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor|Henry II]], he did not intervene on behalf of his son-in-law when he was deposed and instead signed a pact with Yaroslav, who had successfully regained the throne. Although he lost control of Kiev, Boleslaw succeeded in keeping the [[Red Ruthenia|Cherven Towns]]  captured by [[Vladimir the Great]] in 981; he was crowned [[King of Poland]] in 1025.<ref name="Wyprawa11"/> Yaroslav outlived Boleslaw and contributed greatly to the strengthening of [[Kievan Rus']].<ref name="Wyprawa12">''Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego'', 12</ref>
-== See also ==
-* [[Kiev Offensive (1920)]]
 == Notes ==
@@ Line 72: / Line 85: @@
 == References ==
-* ''Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego'' Chwała Oręża Polskiego Nr 2. [[Rzeczpospolita (newspaper)|Rzeczpospolita]] and [[Mówią Wieki]]. Various authors and editors (primary contributor [[Rafał Jaworski]]). [[5 August]] [[2006]] {{pl icon}}
+* ''Wyprawa Kijowska Chrobrego'' Chwała Oręża Polskiego Nr 2. [[Rzeczpospolita (newspaper)|Rzeczpospolita]] and [[Mówią Wieki]]. Various authors and editors. [[5 August]] [[2006]] {{pl icon}}
+* {{citation |last= Barford |first= P. M. |authorlink= |title= The Early Slavs: Culture and Society in Early Medieval Eastern Europe | date= 200 1|publisher= Cornell University Press |location= Ithaca |isbn= 0-8014-3977-9}}
-* Konstantin Ryzow  (1999). ''All monarchs of the world: Russia: 600 short biographies.'' Moscow: Veche, Veche. ISBN 5-7838-0268-9. (''Рыжов Константин (1999).'' Все монархи мира: Россия: 600 кратких жизнеописаний (in Russian). Москва: Вече.), {{LCCN|98||160491}} {{ru icon}}
 * [[Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary]] (1900s) [http://gatchina3000.ru/brockhaus-and-efron-encyclopedic-dictionary/013/13677.htm Болеслав Пяст] {{ru icon}}
 * [[Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary]] (1900s) [http://gatchina3000.ru/brockhaus-and-efron-encyclopedic-dictionary/091/91813.htm Святополк I Владимирович] {{ru icon}}
+* {{citation | editor-last = Cross | editor-first = Samuel Hazzard | editor2-last = Sherbowitz-Wetzor| editor2-first= Olgerd  | title = The Russian Primary Chronicle: Laurentian Text | place = Cambridge, MA | publisher = Medieval Academy of America | year = 1953 | series = The Medieval Academy of America Publication No. 60 | isbn =}}
-* [[Boris Grekov]] (1882&ndash;1953), ''"Kievskaya Rus'"'', AST, 2004, ISBN   5-17-025449-0 {{ru icon}}
+* {{citation |last= Franklin |first= Simon |authorlink= | last2= Shepard | first2= Jonathan | author2-link = |title=The Emergence of Rus, 750-1200 |date= 1996 |series=Longman History of Russia |publisher= Longman |location= London & New York |isbn= 0-582-49091X}}
+* [[Boris Grekov|Grekov, Boris]] (1882&ndash;1953), ''"Kievskaya Rus'"'', AST, 2004, ISBN   5-17-025449-0 {{ru icon}}
+* {{citation |last= Martin |first= Janet |authorlink= |title=Medieval Russia, 970-1584| date= 1995 | series= Cambridge Medieval Textbooks |publisher= Cambridge University Press |location= Cambridge |isbn= 0-521-36832-4}}
 * "[http://litopys.org.ua/paterikon/paterikon.htm Патерик Києво-Печерський]", organized, adapted into Ukrainian, and footnoted by Iryna Zhylenko, Kiev, 2001. [http://litopys.org.ua/paterikon/pat30.htm Sec. 30 and editor's notes] {{uk icon}}
-* [[Nikolay Kostomarov]] (1817&ndash;85), "Russkaya istoriya v zhizneopisaniyakh ee glavneyshikh deyateley"  ("Russian History in Biographies of its main figures"), Moskva (Moscow), "Mysl'", 1993 , ISBN 5244007424, {{LCCN|94||152432}} [http://www.magister.msk.ru/library/history/kostomar/kostom02.htm#3 Section 2: Yaroslav] {{ru icon}}
+* [[Nikolay Kostomarov|Kostomarov, Nikolay]] (1817&ndash;85), "Russkaya istoriya v zhizneopisaniyakh ee glavneyshikh deyateley"  ("Russian History in Biographies of its main figures"), Moskva (Moscow), "Mysl'", 1993 , ISBN 5244007424, {{LCCN|94||152432}} [http://www.magister.msk.ru/library/history/kostomar/kostom02.htm#3 Section 2: Yaroslav] {{ru icon}}
+* Ryzow ,Konstantin,   (1999). ''All monarchs of the world: Russia: 600 short biographies.'' Moscow: Veche, Veche. ISBN 5-7838-0268-9. (''Рыжов Константин (1999).'' Все монархи мира: Россия: 600 кратких жизнеописаний (in Russian). Москва: Вече.), {{LCCN|98||160491}} {{ru icon}}
+* {{citation | editor-last = Warner | editor-first = David A.  | title = Ottonian Germany: The Chronicon of Thietmar f Merseburg | place = Manchester & New York | publisher = Manchester University Press | year = 2001 | series = Manchester Medieval Sources Series | isbn = 0-7190-4926-1}}
 == Further reading ==