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Rus Vikings attack Constantinople

The siege of Constantinople in 860 was the only major military expedition of the Rus' recorded in Byzantine and western European sources.

The siege of Constantinople in 860 was the only major military expedition of the Rus' recorded in Byzantine and western European sources. The casus belli was the construction of the fortress Sarkel by Byzantine engineers, restricting the Rus' trade route along the Don River in favour of the Khazars. Accounts vary, with discrepancies between contemporary and later sources, and the outcome is unknown in detail.

It is known from Byzantine sources that the Rus' caught Constantinople unprepared; preoccupied by the ongoing Arab–Byzantine wars, the empire was unable, at least initially, to make an effective response to the attack.

Historical Significance

The siege of Constantinople in 860 was the only major military expedition of the Rus' recorded in Byzantine and western European sources.

Events Before

  1. St Leo IV dies, ending his reign as Catholic Pope; he will be succeeded by Benedict III

    St Leo IV dies, ending his reign as Catholic Pope; he will be succeeded by Benedict III

  2. Benedict III begins his reign as Catholic Pope

    Pope Joan (Latin: Ioannes Anglicus; 855–857) is a woman who purportedly reigned as popess (female pope) for two years during the Middle Ages.

  3. Aethelwulf, King of Wessex marries Judith aged 12, daughter of Charles the Bold of Francia in Verberie

    Aethelwulf, King of Wessex marries Judith aged 12, daughter of Charles the Bold of Francia in Verberie

  4. Benedict III's reign as Catholic Pope ends with his death

    Pope Benedict III (Latin: Benedictus III; died 17 April 858) was the bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 29 September 855 to his death on 17 April 858.

  5. Nicholas I succeeds Benedict III as pope

    Pope Benedict III (Latin: Benedictus III; died 17 April 858) was the bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 29 September 855 to his death on 17 April 858.

Events After

  1. Boudouin Iron Arm & Count of Flanders, elopes with Princess Judith, daughter King Charles of West Francia

    Boudouin Iron Arm & Count of Flanders, elopes with Princess Judith, daughter King Charles of West Francia

  2. The Edict of Pistres of Charles the Bald orders defensive measures against the Vikings

    The Edict of Pistres of Charles the Bald orders defensive measures against the Vikings

  3. Pope Nicholas I answers the envoys of Boris (Ad consulta vestra)

    Pope Nicholas I answers the envoys of Boris (Ad consulta vestra)

  4. Adrian II begins his reign as Catholic Pope

    Pope Nicholas I (Latin: Nicolaus I; c. 800 – 13 November 867), called Nicholas the Great, was the bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 24 April 858 until his death on 13 November 867.

  5. "The Diamond Sutra", the world's oldest surviving and dated printed book is printed in Chinese and made into a scroll

    "The Diamond Sutra", the world's oldest surviving and dated printed book is printed in Chinese and made into a scroll

More from the 860s

Boudouin Iron Arm & Count of Flanders, elopes with Princess Judith, daughter King Charles of West Francia

Boudouin Iron Arm & Count of Flanders, elopes with Princess Judith, daughter King Charles of West Francia

"The Diamond Sutra", the world's oldest surviving and dated printed book is printed in Chinese and made into a scroll

"The Diamond Sutra", the world's oldest surviving and dated printed book is printed in Chinese and made into a scroll

The Edict of Pistres of Charles the Bald orders defensive measures against the Vikings

The Edict of Pistres of Charles the Bald orders defensive measures against the Vikings

Peace of Koblenz: Charles the Bald, Louis the German, and Lotharius II

Peace of Koblenz: Charles the Bald, Louis the German, and Lotharius II

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on June 18, 860?
The siege of Constantinople in 860 was the only major military expedition of the Rus' recorded in Byzantine and western European sources. The casus belli was the construction of the fortress Sarkel by Byzantine engineers, restricting the Rus' trade route along the Don River in favour of the Khazars. Accounts vary, with discrepancies between contemporary and later sources, and the outcome is unknown in detail.
Why is Rus Vikings attack Constantinople significant?
The siege of Constantinople in 860 was the only major military expedition of the Rus' recorded in Byzantine and western European sources.

Explore More

June 18 in HistoryYear 860