Was Smolensk ever part of Poland?

Heavy fortifications did not prevent the fortress from being taken by the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1611 after a long twenty-month siege, during the Time of Troubles and Dimitriads. Weakened Muscovy temporarily ceded Smolensk land to the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth in the Truce of Deulino.

What does Smolensk mean in Russian?

Smolensk. / (Russian smaˈljɛnsk, English ˈsmɒlɛnsk) / noun. a city in W Russia, on the Dnieper River: a major commercial centre in medieval times; scene of severe fighting (1941 and 1943) in World War II.

Was Smolensk in the Pale of Settlement?

Though Smolensk was not included into the Pale of Settlement, in the 18th and 19th centuries the number of Jews in the city gradually increased and in 1896 had reached 4651 persons (about ten percent of the city’s population).

Why is Smolensk holy?

The Smolensk Hodigitria Icon of the Theotokos, or “She who leads the way,” was, according to Church Tradition, painted by the holy Evangelist Luke during the earthly life of the Most Holy Theotokos. It allegedly went from Antioch to Jerusalem, then to Constantinople, where it was kept in the Blachernae Church.

Why is Smolensk important?

From July to September 1941 one of the bitterest battles of World War II was fought in and around Smolensk, helping prevent the Germans from advancing to Moscow before winter could set in. In September 1943 another great battle forced the Germans to abandon the city.

Why is it called the Pale?

These four “obedient shires” were the only part of Ireland still under the control of the English crown. The king’s perimeter was marked with wooden fence posts pounded into the Irish turf. These were called “pales,” from the Latin palus, meaning “stake.” A last “ditch” attempt to thwart cattle rustlers.

Who won Battle of Smolensk?

Soviet victory
The Smolensk operation was a decisive Soviet victory and a stinging defeat for the Wehrmacht. Although quite modest compared to later offensive operations (not more than 200–250 kilometers or 120–150 miles were gained in depth), the Soviet advance during this operation was important from several points of view.