History

Polotsk (Polock, Poltesk or Polotesk) is the oldest town of our fatherland and one of the most ancient of the Eastern Slavs. First mentioned in «A Tale of Years Past» in 862, Polotsk has always been a major trading centre and an important fortress with a remarkably stormy history.

Polotsk is situated on the Western Dvina River at its confluence with the Polota. In ancient Scandinavian sagas Polotsk is mentioned long before prince Ruric. It is shown as a wealthy and powerful principality ruled by its own duke.

Western (Zapadnaya) Dvina River served as one of the branches of the famous ancient trade route from Varangians to Greeksa? (from the Baltic to the Black Sea). There was a busy waterway between Polotsk and Kiev. A water-way to the east, to Vitebsk and Smolensk, was also of great importance. Such an advantageous geographical location contributed to Polotskas fast economic, cultural and political development...