Principality of Drutsk

Duchy of Drutsk
Князство Друцкое (Sla)
1101–1565


Coat of arms

Capital Drutsk
Languages Old Belarusian
Religion Eastern Orthodox Church
Government Monarchy
Prince of Polotsk
 •  1044—1101 Vseslav
History
 •  Division of the Principality of Polatsk 1101
 •  Disestablished 1565
Preceded by 		Succeeded by
Principality of Polatsk
Grand Duchy of Lithuania

The Duchy of Drutsk (Belarusian: Княства Друцкае) was a state with the centre in Drutsk on the lands of modern Belarus in the Early Middle Ages.

The independent Duchy of Drutsk was established after the death of Vseslav, the Prince of Polotsk, in 1101 and the division of the Polatsk territory between Vseslav's sons. Drutsk was given to Rogvolod-Boris.

By the end of the 12th century, the Duchy of Drutsk was almost entirely independent from the Principality of Polotsk, the local dukes have played an active part in the struggle for power among other Ruthenian dukes. The Duchy became dependent on the Principality of Minsk in the second half of the 13th century and of the Principality of Vitebsk in early 14th century. It is believed that Algirdas, Grand Duke of Lithuania, acquired the Duchy by marriage to Maria of Vitebsk. The Duchy became part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania where it existed as an autonomous principality until an administrative reform in 1565–1566, when it was included into the Orsha powiat of Vitebsk Voivodeship.

Coordinates: 54°20′N 29°45′E / 54.333°N 29.750°E / 54.333; 29.750


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