Belarus, located in the centre of Europe, has a rich history, which began in the Stone Age. Its geographical location is the more interesting that the country is located precisely at the point of collision West and the East.

In ancient times this area has been the scene of the Battle of different peoples: the ancient Germans and Balts, Slavs and nomads Great steppe. First states, which were prodused by the Slavs, combined of different races, many people of different linguistic and ethnic groups. Actually forming of Belarusian people linked to a powerful medieval State, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, uniting a vast territory. Belarusian land has become the core and foundation of the State. The variety way of life of the country, several religions, co-existed here, as well as the overall historical destiny influenced folding unique society with the original cultural environment.

The Grand Duchy of Lithuania emerged from the consolidation of the several States as a result of a complex geopolitical situation in Eastern Europe. Invasion Mongols and the Order of the crusaders tried to conquer the land. The new State became a shield of Europe against Mongolian invaders. For hundreds of years, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania led a bitter struggle against the first tataro-mongol and then against Moscow growing State. Permanent war led to the emergence of a strong defense line in the east of the State: along the stream canals of rivers the Dnieper, the Western Dvina and the river Pripyat, which was built some 60 castles and strongholds.

In the 16th century hit Grand Duchy of Lithuania went to federal union with the Kingdom of Poland, creating the largest state in Europe – Rech Pospolitaya. New State virtually its history held in the fight against the strongest opponents in Europe at the time-Russia, Sweden and the Ottoman Empire. In addition, Rech Pospolitaya was famous for its achievements in science and culture. There was established the perfect legislation of the time. So it was a sourse of a democratic society for the first time in Europe. The name of the State- Rech Pospolitaya -translated from the Polish language as a “republic”. May 3, 1791 the Parliament adopted the first European constitution.

The ever-present threat of conquest brought together all the people who lived in the territory of that State: Belarusian’s, Ukrainians, Poles, Jews, Tatars, Gypsies, Germans, Latvians and Lithuanians. Many languages and religions coexisted peacefully in one country. In urban areas could see a nearby church, a Roman-Catholic church, kirh, mosque and synagogue. And in the woods can be found pagan heathen. The main religion was uniatstvo - it is a unique phenomenon, which was a consolidation of the eastern and western Christianity. Two Christmas and two Easter were celebrated there on teaching both Christianity. In the culture and the home had a calling strong elements of ancient traditions. It explains loving and tolerance the Belarusian people, which is famous for it to the whole world.

At the end of the 18th century, a helped and devastated war Rech Pospolitaya was divided between Russia, Austria and Prussia. Belarusian land ceded to the Russian Empire. Three attempts national liberation movement uprising, which was brutally oppressed by Russian authorities resulted in the almost total loss of national aristocracy and intellectuals. “The restrictive laws” and assimilation policy for a century led the Belarus has become a docile appendage Russia. After the revolution in 1917, for the first time, Belarus has gained formal sovereignty in borders close to the ethnic-in the USSR was formed Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic (BSSR). During the first half of the twentieth century, Belarus survived three revolutions, civil and two world wars, as well as the totalitarian regime of Stalin to learn an enormous amount of destruction and lost millions of its inhabitants. No nation in the world at that time saw anything of the sort.

Today The Republic of Belarus, which became independent after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, is seeking only to the development of the economy and the State, as well as for the well-being and prosperity of its citizens. The greatest dream of Belarus is peace. The main features of the Belarusian people, which is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe are encouraging, tolerance and hospitality. The architectural monuments, and the culture and way of life is a fusion artsy West and East. Belarus real pearl is Belovezhskaya Puscha, the last deer woods Europe, carefully stored Belarusian sovereigns for centuries.

Author Litvinov Pavel

Translated by Veronika Danysh