But Sviatoslaf was victor, and the territory was annexed to Russia, and Russian nobles were placed in feudal possession of its provinces.

The conqueror then followed down the Don to the Sea of Azof, fighting sanguinary battles all the way, but everywhere victorious.

The terror of his arms inspired wide-spread consternation, and many tribes, throwing aside their weapons, bowed the neck to the Russian king, and implored his clemency.
Sviatoslaf returned to Kief with waving banners, exulting in his renown.

He was stimulated, not satiated, by this success; and now planned another expedition still more perilous and grand.

On the south of the Danube, near its mouth, was Bulgaria, a vast realm, populous and powerful, which had long bid defiance to all the forces of the Roman empire.