Principality of Smolensk

Grand Principality of Smolensk
Великое княжество Смоленское
1054–1508
Coat of arms (a silver bear on a red background) in Armorial Gymnich-Lyncenich (ca. 1430)
  Principality of Smolensk (1237)
Status

(1387-1404)

  • Part of Lithuania

(1404-1508)

CapitalSmolensk
Common languagesOld East Slavic
Religion
Eastern Orthodox Church
GovernmentMonarchy
Prince of Smolensk 
 1054–1059
Vyacheslav Yaroslavich
LegislatureVeche
History 
 Established
1054
 As a Lithuanian vassal state
1387
 Incorporation into Lithuania
1404
 Created Smolensk Voivodeship
1508
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Kievan Rus'
Smolensk Voivodeship
Today part ofRussia
Belarus

The Principality of Smolensk (eventually Grand Principality of Smolensk) was a Ruthenian lordship from the 11th to the 16th century. Until 1127, when it passed to Rostislav Mstislavich, the principality was part of the land of Kiev. The principality gradually came under Lithuanian influence and was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in 1404. The principality was reorganized into the Smolensk Voivodeship in 1508. The Principality of Moscow controlled the city from 1514 to 1611, then it was recaptured by the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. The Tsardom of Russia recaptured the city in 1654.