Vitebsk was founded in the year 974 by the Kiev princess Olga, but in the annals it is mentioned for the first time much later, in 1021. Vitebsk and Polotsk teams participated in many legendary historical battles. In the period of feudalization of the IX-XI centuries, individual cities grew and grew, new states were formed, among which the Grand Duchy of Russia, Lithuania and Zhemtoy. By the end of the 13th century, many Belarusian lands became part of it, including Vitebsk. In the 15th century it and Polotsk were important cultural and commercial centers. Trade was carried out not only between different areas of the Grand Duchy, but also with Czech Republic, Germany, Italy and many other states.
The unification of these lands played a very significant role in the development and formation of the Belarusian ethos. It was after it that an original culture began to form and the life of the indigenous population acquired its unique characteristics. In the 16th century, architecture developed actively, which was able to embody all the national peculiarities and traditions of the Belarusian people. During this period, powerful fortresses, beautiful palaces and castles were of great worth, and newly constructed temples began to be painted with frescoes. The population of Vitebsk province was mainly Orthodox. Vitebsk suffered severe trials during the war of 1812, and in the 19th century, numerous liberation movements were constantly influencing public life. During the Second World War, the city was inhabited by more than 100 thousand people; Vitebsk was considered one of the largest industrial cities in the Western Region. Now Vitebsk is a beautiful modern city, which is known for its unique cultural and spiritual traditions. It is very popular among tourists who are interested in history and prefer to rest in dynamically developing cities.
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