Editing History of Belarus (section)

===Kievan Rus'===
[[File:Anton Losenko. Vladimir and Rogneda.jpg|right|thumb|[[Vladimir I of Kiev|Vladimir I]] and princess [[Rogneda of Polotsk]] (painting of 1770)]]
Between the 9th and 12th centuries, the [[Principality of Polotsk]] (now in northern Belarus) emerged as the dominant center of power in the territory of Belarus, while the [[Principality of Turov and Pinsk|Principality of Turov]] south of it was a lesser power.

The Principality of Polotsk repeatedly asserted its sovereignty in relation to the other centers of Rus', becoming a political capital, the [[episcopal see]] of a bishopric and the controller of [[vassal]] territories among [[Balts]] in the west. The city's [[Saint Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk|Cathedral of the Holy Wisdom]] (1044–66), though completely rebuilt over the years, remains a symbol of this independent-mindedness, rivaling churches of the same name in Novgorod and Kiev, referring to the original [[Hagia Sophia]] in [[Constantinople]] (and hence to claims of imperial prestige, authority and sovereignty). Cultural achievements of the Polotsk period include the work of the nun [[Euphrosyne of Polotsk]] (1120–1173), who built monasteries, transcribed books, promoted literacy and sponsored art (including local artisan [[Lazar Bohsha]]'s famous "[[Cross of Saint Euphrosyne|Cross of Euphrosyne]]", a national symbol and treasure stolen during [[World War II]]), and the prolific, original Church Slavonic sermons and writings of Bishop [[Kirill of Turov]] (1130–1182).