The earliest historic references to Minsk date to the 11th century 1067, when it was noted as a provincial city within the principality of Polotsk. The settlement developed on the rivers. In 1242, Minsk became a part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. It received town privileges in 1499.
Limpopo - Around 15 000 crocodiles escaped from the Rakwena Crocodile Farm into the Limpopo River during flooding in the past week, it was reported on Thursday.
These timeless postcards offer an eye-opening glimpse into life in Japan in the early 20th century. Taken from hand-colored photographs, the postcards showcase the still beauty of the country, depicting a nation on the cusp of modernization. The images feature solemn fishermen, bustling streets, temples and shrines: a country yet to be influenced by Western culture. The tinting effect brings out the rich colors of the natural surroundings, with trees, flowers and cherry blossoms jumping from the original black-and-white images. Here: Toyokuni Shrine Nakanoshima, Osaka, Japan. (Photo by New York Public Library/Caters News)
Supporter Mette Peluce, 11, waits for U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders to speak in East Los Angeles, California, U.S. May 23, 2016. (Photo by Lucy Nicholson/Reuters)
The stern of the stranded cargo vessel Rena grounded on the Astrolabe Reef is seen on October 20, 2011 in Tauranga, New Zealand. Salvage crews continue to pump oil off the ship in an effort to remove as much as possible before bad weather predicted for the evening threatens to break the vessel and release more oil into the sea. Over 300 tonnes of oil has leaked from Rena since it hit the reef on October 5. (Photo by New Zealand Defence Force via Getty Images)
Jorge (2nd R), 31, who is among members of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and his brother Paulo, 28, (R) laugh at Arouche Square in downtown Sao Paulo, Brazil, November 20, 2016. (Photo by Nacho Doce/Reuters)
Brazilian model Izabel Goulart for the screening of the film “Sink Or Swim (Le Grand Bain)” at the 71st Cannes Film Festival, France on May 13, 2018. (Photo by Stephane Mahe/Reuters)
An Israeli tank moves into position in the Israeli controlled Golan Heights during fighting between forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad and rebels in the Druze village of Khader in Syria, Tuesday, June 16, 2015. As many as 20 members of the Druze minority sect were killed last week, the deadliest violence against the Druze since Syria's conflict started in March 2011, sparking fears of a massacre against the sect. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)