Successor principality of Kievan Rus' on the upper Dnieper, made independent in 1125 when Rostislav Mstislavich became prince, founding the Rostislavichi dynasty that held Smolensk into the early 15th century.
Contested between Lithuania and Moscow for two centuries: Grand Duke Vytautas of Lithuania captured it in 1395/1404; Moscow briefly retook it in 1514 before losing it again in 1611 during the Time of Troubles; it remained under Polish-Lithuanian control until reconquered by Russia in 1667, ending its life as a distinct principality.
The atlas holds 3 border frames for Principality of Smolensk — the shape you scrub through changes in 1125 · 1230 · 1308.
Covers Smolensk's establishment as an independent Rurikid principality in 1125.
Traces Smolensk through Lithuanian and Muscovite contestation.