CHAPTER II.. Growth and Consolidation of Russia.

GROWTH AND CONSOLIDATION OF RUSSIA.

From 910 to 973.

Expedition to Constantinople.--Treaty with the Emperor.--Last Days of Oleg.--His Death.--Igor Assumes the Scepter.--His Expedition to the Don.--Descent Upon Constantinople.--His Defeat.--Second Expedition.--Pusillanimity of the Greeks.--Death of Igor.--Regency of Olga.--Her Character.--Succession of Sviatoslaf.--His Impiety and Ambition.--Conquest of Bulgaria.--Division of the Empire.--Defeat, Ruin and Death of Sviatoslaf.--Civil War.--Death of Oleg.--Flight of Vladimir.--Supremacy of Yaropolk.