One of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe was first mentioned in chronicles, the Tale Of Bygone Years, in 862. Polotsk was a major trading center, and was on the way of the major trade route From the Varangians to the Greeks. The town is the "cradle" of the Belarusian statehood and culture, the capital of the first principality, home to the famous Slav educators Euphrosyne of Polotsk, Francysk Skaryna, Simeon of Polotsk. The most ancient town of Belarus cherishes its cultural heritage, including the majestic churches and Orthodox sanctities, like the restored Cross of Euphrosyne of Polotsk.