Paphlagonian expedition of the Rus'

The Paphlagonian expedition of the Rus' was an attack by the Rus' on cities along the Propontis (Sea of Marmara) and the coast of Paphlagonia. This event marked the first known time that the Rus' came into contact with the Byzantine Empire. However, the exact date of this expedition is still debated by historians. Some believe it might have been part of the larger Rus'–Byzantine War that happened in the year 860.

Paphlagonian expedition

The Paphlagonian expedition was an attack by the Rus' on cities along the Propontis (Sea of Marmara) and the coast of Paphlagonia. This event is described in the Life of Saint George of Amastris, a historical religious text. According to this text, the Rus' were known for their harsh behavior. They attacked the area after the death of St. George around the year 806. When they reached the city of Amastris, the people survived with help from St. George. Many believe this is the first written record showing the Rus' moving into southeastern Europe. Some later stories talk about other attacks by the Rus' in the 790s, but these are not found in older Greek versions of the text.

Date of the expedition

Figuring out when the Paphlagonian expedition happened is very important, but it is difficult. Some believe it took place in the 800s, while others think it may have been later. One scholar thought it happened around the years 825–830, but another argued it might actually be the same event as a known attack in 860. Some even suggest it could have been as early as 818 or 819, or as late as 941. Because the information comes from an old and complicated source, historians are still unsure about the exact date.