Scientists claim that the history of Voronezh officially begins in 1568, although archeological monuments and artifacts associated with the tribes of the Abashev culture have been found on the territory of the region. One of the archaeological complexes located in the northern part of the city contains more than 500 burial mounds, as well as monuments dating back to the 8th – 10th centuries.
Foundation of Voronezh
The city appeared on the map initially as a fortress, named after a small river that flowed nearby. The construction was supervised by the Voronezh voivode Semyon Saburov.
The first information about the settlement dates back to 1585, but the date of foundation is considered to be the year the fortification was built - 1586. The first inhabitants had a hard time, since in 1590 the settlement was almost completely burned by the Circassians, and had to be rebuilt.
Struggle for power on land and at sea
During the Time of Troubles in Russia, the inhabitants of Voronezh supported False Dmitry I and False Dmitry II, and not the official government. Moreover, this applied not only to Moscow, but also to its local authorities. For example, in 1648, under the leadership of Gerasim Krivushin, the inhabitants revolted.
The end of the 17th century was a turning point for Voronezh, at this time the question of creating a military fleet was tough, first to fight the Ottoman Empire, then with Sweden. It was this city that became the place of the creation of the Voronezh Admiralty, the first St. Andrew's flag was created here, under which the Russian fleet won many victories. Over 15 years, more than 200 ships were built, and practically without the participation of foreign specialists. Thanks to such a pace, the fleet quickly conquered the fortress of Azov, in connection with this victory, a peace was signed with the Ottoman Empire.
From an administrative-territorial point of view, the city was first part of the Azov province, which was then renamed into Voronezh (in 1725). Therefore, the capital of the province was moved from Azov to Voronezh.
The war goes on
During the XIX-XX centuries. Voronezh more than once had to be at the epicenter of military events, in the 19th century it was the famous Patriotic War of 1812 and the Crimean War. The city has repeatedly found itself in martial law, participated in hostilities and helped from the rear.
The twentieth century did not bring cardinal changes for the residents of Voronezh, on the contrary, it was marked by the bloody events of the First and Second World Wars, revolutionary actions, the struggle for Soviet power and against the German invaders.
And only after the end of the Great Patriotic War, Voronezh residents began to organize a peaceful life, restored buildings and structures, opened industrial enterprises, began to develop science and culture. Now Voronezh is one of the most beautiful cities in central Russia, which is confidently moving into the future, not forgetting the lessons of history.
