Polotsk
Country: Belarus
Region: Europe
Period: 10th-13th c.CE
Location: 55.483333°N, 28.8°E
Description
Polotak (modern-day Polotsk) was the capital of the Principality of Polotsk, one of the oldest and most significant Slavic principalities in the Eastern Slavic region. Located in present-day Belarus, it played a crucial role in the early history of the region, serving as a political, cultural, and religious center. The principality was founded in the 9th century, and Polotsk became a key player in the Viking and Byzantine spheres of influence during the Middle Ages.
Modern Remains
Today, Polotsk is a small city in Belarus, with several remnants of its medieval past. The Saint Sophia Cathedral, built in the 11th century, stands as a testament to the principality's Christian heritage. Archaeological sites around the city continue to uncover artifacts from the Viking and Kievan Rus periods. The Polotsk History and Culture Museum preserves and displays these historical findings, making the city an important landmark for those studying the early history of Belarus and Eastern Europe.