Rise of the Polotsk Principality

Name: Rise of the Polotsk Principality
Start: 901
End: 1000

Type Event Region Eastern Europe Time 901–1000

In the 10th century Polotsk grew along the Western Dvina into a major northern political center of Kievan Rus', founded by the Varangian noble Rogvol…

Timeline

901–980Polotsk · BelarusThe Scandinavian noble Rogvolod built a fortress at Polotsk on the Western Dvina, ruled the local Slavic tribes, opened trade networks to the Baltic Sea, and laid the groundwork for the principality.
980Polotsk · BelarusGrand Prince Vladimir of Kiev marched to defeat and kill Rogvolod in order to marry Rogneda, bringing Polotsk into the Rurikid dynasty's domain and linking the northern stronghold with the Kievan regime.
980–1000Polotsk · BelarusVladimir's eldest son Izyaslav was granted rule over Polotsk, forming a hereditary local principality that controlled the Dvina basin and took part in the political struggles among the Rus' principalities, becoming an important source of Belarusian historical culture.

Sources

Primary Chronicle (Tale of Bygone Years)
The Oxford History of Poland-Lithuania, Vol. I — Robert I. Frost (2015)