History of Everything

The Most Genocidal Saint: Olga of Kiev

History of Everything

Show Notes

Olga of Kiev ruled the Rus’ – a medieval people in Ukraine related to the Vikings – for over 15 years. She is primarily known for her christianizing influence on the Rus’ lands during her later years in power. But the start of her regency is just as compelling a story.

She became leader of the Rus’ because her husband, the grand prince, was atrociously killed by the Drevlian tribe while their son was still an infant. Obsessed with revenge, Olga’s early reign was consumed by a systemic and ruthless payback campaign against the Drevlians.

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