Belarusian Panyamonne in the early Middle Ages (10th–13th centuries)

Abstract

The article examines the political, ethnic and economic history of the Belarusian Panyamonne in the early Middle Ages (10th – 13th centuries). The Belorussian Panyamonne is a historical and ethnographic region of modern Belarus, located in the Neman river basin. The analysis of written and archaeological sources shows that the population of the region was poli-ethnic during this period. The East Slavic (Dregoviches, Volhynians, Krivichs) and the West Slavic (Mazovians) tribes came into contact with the Baltic tribes (Yotvingians, Lithuanians, Prussians). The cities of the Belarusian Panyamonne (Grodno, Slonim, Volkovysk, Novogrudok, Tureisk) were founded by the Slavs in the 11th – 13th centuries and quickly became centers of political, economic, and cultural life in the region. The unique architectural school was formed in 12th century in Grodno. In the middle of the 13th century the territory of the Belarusian Panyamonne became the center of the formation new political association - the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.