The lands of Belarus during the Middle Ages became part of Kievan Rus' and were split between different principalities, including Polotsk, Turov, Vitebsk, and others. Following the Mongol invasions of the 13th century, these lands were absorbed by the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which later was merged into the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth in the 16th century.
Vladimir I and princess Rogneda of Polotsk (painting of 1770)
The Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the 15th century. The territory of modern-day Belarus was fully within its borders.
Position of Grand Duchy of Lithuania in Eastern Europe until 1434
Church of the Saviour's Transfiguration in Zaslawye (1577)
The House of Radziwiłł is a Polish princely family of Lithuanian origin, and one of the most powerful magnate families originating from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and later also prominent in the Crown of the Kingdom of Poland.
Trąby coat of arms, granted to Kristinas Astikas' family in 1413
Mikołaj "the Black" Radziwiłł (1515–1565), perhaps the most influential member of the family. He rallied opposition to the Lublin Union between Lithuania and Poland.
The coat of arms as granted in 1547 by the Holy Roman Emperor.
Mikołaj "the Brown" Radziwiłł (1512–1584)
