Belgorod history is closely connected with the history of the Ancient Russia, that is why the destiny of this early city reflects all periods of State development during XV – XXI centuries. Ancient settlements located on the territory of modern Belgorod near river Severskiy Donets on Central Russian Uplands were the first to oppose numerous approaches of Golden Horde which considered Chernigov-Seversk land the best place for summer wandering. In XV century this opposition was interrupted by Grand Duchy of Lithuania gaining this region from Golden Horde. The lands got into the situation of the compromise – they were officially owned by Lithuanians, populated by Russian tillers – the subjects of Lithuanian princes, and the Horde still used these lands for summer wandering. After Golden Horde decay in XVI century Seversk lands were owned by Prince Basil Shemyachich. The militant prince held the border between Russia and Lithuania surely, although Seversk settlement was the territory of Russia then – the rights of Moscow for these lands were stated after Lithuania defeat in 1503.

Uncompromising struggle against Crimean Tatars became the next epoch of Seversk lands evolution. In order to track enemies’ displacement the government decided to arrange «near» and «distant outposts» – hidden temporary fortifications containing keepers and guards. The best location for the «distant outposts» was Severskiy Donets. There were seven outposts located along the river. The most northern one called «Karpovskaya» stayed on the territory of modern Jakovlevskiy district of Belgorod region. And the most southern one called «Aydarskaya» was located on the territory of modern Rostov region. The deterioration of situation of struggle against Crimea forced Russia to conduct reforms reinforcing the frontier. The building of Belgorod fortress was the final result of these reforms. The building had been begun in 1593 at the time of rule of Tsar Fedor Ioanovich and was completed by princes Nozdrevaty and Volkonsky. It was ruined by Lithuanians during one of their raids. But the stronghold was rebuilt again by the people serving in it in 1622. The new fortress was built on the other shore of Donets. This place is called the old town today. Belgorod fortress was the center of Belgorod frontier. The ring of Belgorod chamber bell spread many miles across the towns. In 1669 the stronghold was honored by striking clock which was the present from Moscow. Belgorod got its coat of arms in 1712. It was depicted against the standard of Belgorod regiment.

In 1727 a new province was founded with its center in Belgorod. It included 34 towns; among those were Kursk, Bryansk, Orel, etc. The size of Belgorod province exceeded the area of an average European state of that time. In 1775 Catherine II promoted Kursk to the status of province city since it brought more income to the state treasury than Belgorod did. Belgorod became a county town from that time. Despite the status decrease Belgorod kept developing during the rule of tsars and later when the communist party came to power. A huge city infrastructure growth, housing and socio-cultural objects volume increase were sighted during that period. The time of rule of the Soviet power in Belgorod is also associated with intensive growth of industrial production. After the Great Patriotic War in 1954 Belgorod area was formed again, many factories and plants were put in action, the majority of which keeps working until now.

 

Modern Belgorod is one of the most comfortable and favorable cities of Russian Federation. It keeps growing every year. New residential areas building goes with transport infrastructure development. New highways and transport interchanges are being built along with inner roads with modern asphalt cover. Population growth drives the establishment of new kindergartens, schools and socio-cultural institutions. Belgorod is an ancient city. But it looks fresh and modern. The ebullient and active city gratifies with many young faces on the streets. The number of students in Belgorod exceeds 70 thousand people. These young people getting their education in numerous High Schools and colleges are the future of the great city.