Igor of Kiev vs Theophilos

Igor launched a naval attack on Constantinople. The Byzantine fleet, using Greek fire, destroyed most of Igor's ships. The campaign failed, forcing Igor to retreat and later negotiate a less favorable treaty in 944.

Following his failed campaign, Igor signed a treaty with the Byzantine Empire. The treaty renewed trade relations but imposed restrictions on Rus merchants and required Igor to provide military assistance to Byzantium.

Igor attempted to collect excessive tribute from the Drevlians, an East Slavic tribe. The Drevlians rebelled, captured Igor, and killed him by tying him to bent trees that tore his body apart. His death triggered Olga's revenge.

Theophilos succeeded his father Michael II as Byzantine emperor. He was the last emperor to actively support iconoclasm. His reign was marked by military campaigns against the Arabs and cultural patronage.

Theophilos continued the iconoclast policies of his predecessors, persecuting icon venerators. He ordered the execution of the painter Lazarus and the exile of the monk Theodore the Studite. His death in 842 ended the iconoclast period.

Theophilos led several campaigns against the Abbasid Caliphate, including a major expedition in 838 that resulted in the sack of the Byzantine city of Amorium. The loss of Amorium was a significant blow to Byzantine prestige.

Theophilos built the Bryas Palace near Constantinople, modeled after Arab palaces he admired. The palace featured elaborate gardens, fountains, and mosaics. It reflected his interest in Islamic culture and architecture.