Igor Marzalyuk. Screenshot of the video
MINSK, 13 April (BelTA) - What made Princess Anastasia of Slutsk renowned, and what authority did she earn among the residents of the city where her children were born was discussed by Igor Marzalyuk, Chairman of the Standing Commission on Education, Culture and Science of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus, in the recent episode of BelTA project True History. Lectures.
Princess Anastasia of Slutsk came from the same lineage as the Mstislavl princes Semyon and his son Yuri, who made a significant contribution to the development of their lands. “She is a princess sometimes referred to as the Belarusian Joan of Arc. Although, in my view, she was even more impressive,” the historian noted.
Igor Marzalyuk emphasized that Anastasia of Slutsk took an active part in defeating the Crimean Tatar hordes in the early 16th century. “She was the daughter of Prince Ivan of Mstislavl, son of Yuri of Mstislavl. Anastasia married Prince Semyon of Slutsk. Beginning in 1502, their family was forced to repel Crimean Tatar raids. In the summer of 1503, a 3,000-strong Tatar detachment suddenly appeared near Slutsk. Prince Semyon was away at the time. But his wife carried the fiery blood of the Mstislavl victors over the German crusaders. And so, despite being pregnant (in due time she would give birth to her second child, a daughter named Aleksandra), Anastasia donned armor, led the troops against the Tatars, and drove the enemy away from the city walls. Beyond the Pripyat River, the Tatars were overtaken by her husband Semyon, who arrived with reinforcements led by Stanislav Kishka, Albreht Gashtold, and Yuri Nemirovich. In 1505, Prince Semyon died, leaving Anastasia with their 12-year-old son, the heir, Prince Yuri. Before his death, Semyon appointed his wife as guardian. The Tatars soon returned to the walls of Slutsk, and once again Anastasia became the soul of the city’s defense. Mstislavl was her birthplace, but Slutsk was the birthplace of her son and the place where she became a sovereign princess. Her authority among the city’s defenders was unquestioned, and the enemy was defeated once again. The city was never taken, and the courageous princess received gratitude from Grand Duke of Lithuania Casimir Jagiellon for defending Slutsk and Slutsk Principality. So let us remember: during her rule, Slutsk was never captured by the enemy,” Igor Marzalyuk stressed.
He also described the character of the fearless princess. “She was a very thorough person; she delved into everything. Among her achievements was the creation of new castles and city fortifications in Slutsk, which turned the city into an impregnable citadel,” the historian added.
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