Olga was one of the first Rurikids to convert to Christianity. While serving as regent for Igor’s son Sviatoslav between 945 and 961, when he was too young to rule on his own, she chose to be baptized at Constantinople. The Primary Chronicle reports that the Byzantine emperor Constantine proposed to her. Her refusal was clever: “How can you marry me, after yourself baptizing me and calling me your daughter? For among Christians that is unlawful, as you yourself must know.” Constantine apparently took no offense since he quickly admitted defeat: “Olga, you have outwitted me.” The two players
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