One of the oldest Rus' principalities on the western Dvina, first mentioned in the Primary Chronicle in 862 as a town within the realm of Novgorod Rus'; developed its own Rurikid line distinct from Kiev and long asserted independence from the other Rus' principalities.
Formally incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in 1307, though retaining a measure of local autonomy into the 1390s.
Covers Polotsk's early distinct status among the Rus' principalities.