Principality of Vitebsk: Map & History
The Principality of Vitebsk was a Ruthenian principality centered on the city of Vitebsk in modern Belarus, that existed from its founding in 1101 until it was nominally inherited into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in 1320.
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The Principality of Vitebsk was a Ruthenian principality centered on the city of Vitebsk in modern Belarus, that existed from its founding in 1101 until it was nominally inherited into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in 1320. Vitebsk would later fall under the complete authority of Lithuania in 1508.
Modern Countries Once Part of Principality of Vitebsk
At its mapped extent, Principality of Vitebsk covered territory in 1 present-day country. The period shown is when the mapped borders include that country, and the note says how much of it.
Largest Present-Day Cities in Its Territory
Each opens on the live map inside Principality of Vitebsk's borders of that time.
Derived by testing mapped cities against this polity's dated territorial polygons, so the list is indicative and follows the borders in the source dataset.
Principality of Vitebsk in Depth
History
The area around Vitebsk was controlled by the Principality of Polotsk beginning from the 10th century. Following the death of Vseslav of Polotsk in 1101, Polotsk was divided into six smaller principalities each to be inherited by one of his six surviving sons. Vseslav's second-born son, Sviatoslav Vseslavich inherited the lands surrounding Vitebsk and started the Vitebsk branch of the princes of Polotsk.
In 1106, Sviatoslav had partaken in a raid against the Baltic tribes in Semigallia with his brothers. In 1127, the prince of Kiev, Mstislav Vladimirovich, began a war with the princes of Polotsk over trade routes and pillaged several cities including Polotsk.
Sections adapted from Wikipedia: Principality of Vitebsk (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Principality of Vitebsk: Key Facts
| Capital | Vitebsk |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1101 |
| Dissolved | 1508 |
Facts from Wikidata Q2621010 (CC0).
Principality of Vitebsk Timeline
Key historical inflections from foundation to peak territorial expansion
Expansion to peak recorded area of 34,385 km² in 1182 CE.
Principality of Vitebsk: Frequently Asked Questions
When did Principality of Vitebsk exist?
Principality of Vitebsk is dated to 1111 CE – 1187 CE, in the High & Late Middle Ages era.
What was the capital of Principality of Vitebsk?
The capital of Principality of Vitebsk was Vitebsk.
How large was Principality of Vitebsk at its peak?
At its peak in 1182 AD Principality of Vitebsk covered about 34,385 km².
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