Principality of Polotsk facts for kids

Principality of Polotsk (vassal of Rus' to 1021, part of Lithuania since 1307) Полацкае княства
9th century–1397
Capital	Polotsk
Common languages	Old East Slavic
Religion	Eastern Orthodox Church
Government	Principality
Prince of Polotsk
• 1044—1101	Vseslav
Legislature	Veche
History
• Established	9th century
• Incorporation into Lithuania	1397
Succeeded by Grand Duchy of Lithuania

The Principality of Polotsk, also known as the Kingdom of Polotsk or the Duchy of Polotsk was a medieval principality of the Early East Slavs. It was considered one of the principalities in the Kievan Rus'. It had a wide degree of power to make its own rules. It was started around the ancient town of Polotsk. It is not clear the date it started. Polotsk is mentioned in the mid 9th century as part of Novgorod. In the second half of 10th century Polotsk was ruled by its own dynasty. The first ruler that is mentioned in the history was a semi-legendary Rogvolod (? - 978). Rogvolod is better known as the father of Rogneda. The Principality was in several succession crises of the 11-12th centuries and a war with the Land of Novgorod. By the 13th century it was added into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. At the time it was largest the principality stretched over large parts of today's northern and central Belarus and a smaller part of today's southeastern Latvia.

Images for kids

• 

  Polocensis Ducatus on the map of Lithuania by Gerardus Mercator

• 

  Principality of Polotsk within Kievan Rus in the 11th century

• 

  Saint Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk (rebuilt in the mid-18th century)

• 

  The Orsha Gospel Book was created in Polotsk during the town's period of decline in the 13th century.