Principality of Beloozero: Map & History

History

The Primary Chronicle states that Rurik sent the Ves tribe to Beloozero. But even before this, the town already had their own aboriginal inhabitants. Simon Franklin cautions against taking the chronicle at present value; of legendary tales of brothers founding a new city and a new ruling dynasty, similar to other mythological origin stories that happened across different cultures.

During the Rurik period, Rostov and Beloozero were under the authority of Novgorod but were later detached and governed directly from Kiev, during the late 11th century.

Economy

The chronicle suggests a high importance to Beloozero as it was the residence of Rurik's brother, yet the town did not develop into a major political center, however, it became a frequent port of call. Even though Beloozero was a small rural settlement, Scandinavian items such as combs have been excavated there, suggesting extensive trade networks. Furthermore, 10th-century fragments found in Beloozero suggest imports from the southern regions to the town. Kievan glassware was traded in Beloozero, indicating trade contacts between the towns.