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.
A visitor poses with a 3D art work during a Japanese Trick Art exhibition at a shopping mall in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, December 4, 2012. (Photo by Dita Alangkara/AP Photo)
The Enigma coding machine used by the Germans in WWII on display at Bletchley Park National Code Centre, November 25, 2004 in Bletchley, England. (Photo by Ian Waldie/Getty Images)
A model showcases “The Bride” by Stephane Rolland on the catwalk as part of Women's Fashion Week Haute Couture program at Marina Bay Sands on October 30, 2011 in Singapore. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
Britain's Princess Elizabeth clasps her hands in sympathy as Sergeant Jean Bayliss faints at her feet during an inspection of the guard of honour of the Women's Royal Army Corps at Shrewsbury Castle, Shropshire, on July 6, 1949. (Photo by AP Photo)
A quartet of showgirls in costume sit at an outdoor table and drink from mugs at Disneyland amusement park, Anaheim, California, 1955. (Photo by Loomis Dean/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images)