Day 3. Christianity
Now we are at the place called The Upper Citadel. Take a look at the Dzvina. This river remembers all of Ragvalod, Ragneda, Iziaslau and his grandson Usiaslau, who was called "The Sorcerer" and reigned during 57 years in Polatsk in the 11th century (the tradition of the long ruling seems reviving now). During that period the Polatsk Principality belonged to Kyivan Rus only 4 years. With Usiaslau the Principality got all attributes of the state: its own territory (upto the Baltic Sea), own army, own government, own money. This Price was very active. He attacked both Novgorod and Smolensk. And he took the church-bells from the Novgorod's Sophia away and brought them to Polatsk. Though he was attacked in revenge also, but he did proove the whole Europe that the Polatsk Principality felt very well and didn't depend on anyone.
As the symbol of that independence the Polatsk Sophia was constructed at that time, not worse than the Kyievan or the Novgorodian ones. It had seven domes. Here the ambassadors were invited, peace agreements and war declarations took place, the Principality's treasury was stored and the ancient library was situated. All these are the indication of the long rich history of culture, architecture and literacy on Belarusian territory. Nowadays Usiaslau wouldn't recognize his cathedral. It was ruined in the 18th century. But it stood quite a long from 1066 till 1710 ! Later we will talk about how and by whom it was ruined and who had found the determination and resources to renew the life of Polatsk shrine.
Let's move on into the 12th century. It's interesting to see the huge stone near the St. Sophia's Cathedral, which the memorial of the 12th century's literacy. It's named by the elder son of Usiaslau - Barys. After Usiaslau's death the Polatsk Principality was divided between his sons and the memory about the elder Borys was left on this stone. He ordered to cut down the cross and the incryption on it : "God, help the slave of yours, Barys". Among the scientists there is no single decision about this incryption. But we can suppose that Barys wanted to accustom his folk, which had an old habit of nature-worship, to the church. That's may be why the cross, the new religion's symbol at that time, appeared on the stone. The Christianity first appeared in Polatsk in 992. Some link this incryption to the years of hunger at 1127-1128. Who knows, may be this stone really helped the pagan people to fulfill their wishes. Let's imaginary touch the Barys Stone and ask for something. Give it a try - may be it will materialize !
Honor to our ancestors, in the 12th century they had already literacy and were smart and educated, either man or women. The most educated woman of the 12th century left the memory about herselt till nowadays - the Polatsk daughter Pradslava, who is famous with the name Euphrosyne of Polatsk. By the way, she was the granddaughter of Usiaslau the Sorcerer. By her order the Transfiguration Church and the monastery was founded. All those have survived till nowadays. Next day, let's guide to the monastery and see everything with our own eyes.