Minsk Castle: History

Minsk Castle is a fortification, which laid the foundation for the capital of modern Belarus. Unfortunately, it did not survive, but in historical documents one can find many records with its description. They give an idea of its appearance and the events that took place inside the fortress walls, as well as beyond.

Base

Minsk Castle was built in the second half of the 11th century at the confluence of the Svisloch and Nemiga rivers. The purpose of the basis of the strengthening was the protection of the southern borders of the Principality of Polotsk. Scientists believe that the order to lay the castle, most likely, came from Vseslav Bryachislavich, nicknamed the Sorcerer. This well-known descendant of the Rurik people, who ruled the Polotsk principality for more than 57 years, needed a fortress that would protect its possessions and trade routes from the south and west.

The Battle of Nemiga

The first mention of the fortress Minsk, or rather Menesk, is contained in the famous "Tale of Bygone Years". There is a record that in 1067 the sons of Yaroslav the Wise, who ruled in Kiev, came with an army under his walls. The city council refused to open the gates, but the resistance of the Minskers was soon broken. Brothers Yaroslavichi captured and ravaged the city, and then defeated the troops of Vseslav Bryachislovich in the army on the Nemiga river.

In the 12th century

In 1101, after the death of the old prince, his heirs shared the possessions of his father. As a result, Menesk passed under the direction of Gleb Vseslavich, who declared the city the capital of his separate principality. Thanks to the new status and favorable geographical position, the city began to develop at an accelerated pace.

Already by 1104 the Minsk Castle again became a powerful enough fortress and withstood the siege of the troops led by the Kiev governor Putyata, accompanied by princes Yaroslav Vladimirovich and Oleg Svyatoslavich. After 12 years, about 2 months, the monastery tried to capture the fortress and Vladimir Monomakh, who, however, had to retreat, convinced of the futility of the assault.

The second half of the 12th century on the lands that today constitute the territory of modern Belarus was marked by bloody internecine wars. In them the Polotsk prince Rogvolod Borisovich took an active part. Preserved written evidence that his troops unsuccessfully besieged the Minsk Castle in 1159, 1160 and 1161 years.

In the 13-16th centuries

Strange as it may seem, there was practically no information about what was happening in the Minsk Castle and its surroundings from the early 1200s until the middle of the 1320s. One can only assume that because of the Mongol-Tatar invasion, the raids of the Golden Horde and the breakdown of the Old Russian state, the principality was greatly weakened and began to seek support from Lithuania gaining influence. This is evidenced by a record in a document dated 1324 year. After 120 years the Grand Duke of Lithuania Kazimir the Fourth granted Minsk a charter of privileged cities. Later, with his son, he received the Magdeburg right. Thus, the modern capital of Belarus has become one with many famous cities of medieval Europe. During this period special duties and taxes were levied on the maintenance of the castle, and it was considered to be the political, military and cultural center of the region, as well as the residence of princes and governors. In addition, until the end of the 15th century the fortress was of military importance.

16th century

In 1505 the horde of the Crimean Khan Mahmet-Giray came to the walls of the Minsk castle. It is known that defenders of the city before the battle defended a moleben in the castle church, but it ended in defeat defenders. The Tatars ravaged Minsk and hijacked tens of thousands of men, children and women. The castle remained unapproachable.

In 1547, a great misfortune in the form of a terrible fire practically destroyed Minsk. The lock (photos of the drawings, made according to the results of archaeological excavations see above) partially burned down. The work to restore it was carried out very slowly and inadequate. Soon he lost his meaning, came to desolation and began to collapse.

Further history

Unfortunately, today Minsk Castle in Minsk is impossible to inspect. If the earthen ramparts were still visible by the end of the 18th century - by the beginning of the 19th centuries, it was impossible to find even them for more than 100 years. It is known that in recent years the authorities of the capital of Belarus have plans to reconstruct this ancient fortress. It is assumed that on the basis of the surviving descriptions the castle church will be restored, and on the shore of Svisloch, between the metro station and the fountain in front of the Sports Palace, a new complex will be built. It is planned that its structure will include the lower market, the underground museum, as well as a large land model, which is a fragment of ancient 12th century Minsk. In this case, you have to demolish the gym "Labor Reserves", located at Prospect Pobediteley, 2.

Description of the castle

The most evidence of the appearance and design features of the fortress is preserved in the documents of the 18th century. In particular, it is known that from the north, west and south-west side of the castle the area was swamped, which provided good defensive construction. The artificial tree-tree shaft also contributed to this goal. He allowed to open fire from loopholes in the city walls along their entire perimeter. Initially, the shaft had a width at the base of 14 m at the base, but later it was expanded to 22-25 m and it reliably defended Minsk. The castle (address: the area of the Square on March 8), more precisely, its walls, had a height of 5 m, and together with the shaft - 13 m. The defensive earthen mound had two ruptures - in the north and in the south. Through them passed the Great Street. The entrance to the territory of the fortress was on one side protected by a ledge of the shaft, which allowed firing at the enemy from the flanks, in case he wanted to break through the gate.

As a result of archaeological excavations it was established that the castle's territory was paved with wooden decking and divided among individual estates, which were closed courtyards, built up by various buildings.

Now you know how Minsk was founded. The castle (where it is located, see above) in case of its reconstruction can become one of the main sights of the capital of Belarus, so let's hope that soon this historical building can be seen in all its glory.