Minsk Castle is a fortification that laid the foundation for the capital of modern Belarus. Unfortunately, it did not survive, however, in historical documents you can find many records with its description. They give an idea of its appearance and events that took place inside the fortress walls, as well as outside them.
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 foundation of the fortification was to protect 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 famous descendant of the Rurikovich, who ruled the Principality of Polotsk for more than 57 years, needed a fortress that would protect his possessions and trade routes from the south and west.
Battle of Nemiga
The first mention of the Minsk fortress, or rather Menesque, 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 chamber refused to open the gate, but the resistance of the Minskers was soon broken. The Yaroslavich brothers captured and devastated the city, and then defeated Vseslav Bryachislavich’s ripened troops in a battle on the Nemiga River.
In the 12th century
In 1101, after the death of the old prince, his heirs divided the father's possessions. As a result, Menesk came under the control 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.
By 1104, Minsk Castle had again become quite a powerful fortification and withstood the siege of the troops led by the Kiev governor Putyata, who was accompanied by princes Yaroslav Vladimirovich and Oleg Svyatoslavich. After 12 years, about 2 months later, Vladimir Monomakh also tried to seize the fortress, who, however, had to retreat, making sure of the futility of the assault.
The second half of the 12th century on the lands that today make up the territory of modern Belarus was marked by bloody internecine wars. The Polotsk prince Rogvolod Borisovich took an active part in them. Written evidence that his troops unsuccessfully besieged the Minsk Castle in 1159, 1160 and 1161 was preserved.
In the 13-16 centuries
Oddly enough, practically no information has been preserved about what happened in the Minsk Castle and its environs from the beginning of the 1200s until the mid-1320s. We can only assume that due to the Mongol-Tatar invasion, the raids of the Golden Horde and the collapse of the Old Russian state, the princedom greatly weakened and began to seek support from Lithuania, which was gaining influence. This is evidenced by a record in a document dated 1324. After 120 years, the Grand Duke of Lithuania Casimir the Fourth granted Minsk the charter of privileged cities. Later, with his son, he received Magdeburg Law. Thus, the modern capital of Belarus is on a par with many famous cities of medieval Europe. During this period, special duties and taxes began to be levied on the maintenance of the castle, and it was considered 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-Girey approached the walls of the Minsk Castle. It is known that the defenders of the city before the battle defended a prayer service in the castle church, however, it ended with the defeat of the defenders. Tatars ravaged Minsk and stole tens of thousands of men, children and women. At the same time, the castle remained impregnable.
In 1547, a great misfortune in the form of a terrible fire almost destroyed Minsk. The castle (photos of drawings made according to the results of archaeological excavations see above) partially burned down. Work on its restoration was carried out very slowly and in insufficient volume. Soon he lost his significance, became desolate and began to collapse.
Further story
Unfortunately, it is impossible to inspect the Minsk Castle in Minsk today. If by the end of the 18th - to the beginning of the 19th centuries earthen ramparts were still noticeable, then for more than 100 years it is impossible to find even them. 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, based on the preserved descriptions, the castle church will be restored, and a new complex will be built on the bank of Svisloch, between the metro station and the fountain in front of the Sports Palace. It is planned that it will include a lower market, an underground museum, as well as a large ground model, which is a fragment of ancient Minsk of the 12th century. At the same time, the labor reserves gym located at 2 Pobediteley Avenue will have to be demolished.
Castle description
Most evidence of the appearance and design features of the fortress is preserved in documents of the 18th century. In particular, it is known that on the northern, western and southwestern sides of the castle, the terrain was swampy, which ensured the construction had good defense capability. The artificial wood-earth shaft also contributed to this goal. He allowed to open fire from the loopholes in the city walls around their 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: Area Square on March 8), more precisely, its walls, had a height of 5 m, and together with a rampart - 13 m. The defensive earth embankment had two breaks - in the north and in the south. Great street passed through them. The entrance to the fortress territory was protected on one side by a ledge of the shaft, which made it possible to fire at the enemy from the flanks if he wanted to break into the gate.
As a result of archaeological excavations, it was found that the territory of the castle was paved with wooden flooring and divided between separate estates, which were enclosed courtyards built up with various buildings.
Now you know how Minsk was founded. The castle (where it is located, see above) in the event of its reconstruction can become one of the main attractions of the capital of Belarus, so we hope that soon this historic building can be seen in all its glory.