Dorogobuzh ()'s a historic town straddling the Dnieper River in Smolensk Oblast, Russia, 125 km to the east of Smolensk and 71 km west of Vyazma. Population: 12,250 (2002 Census). The town originated before the Mongol invasion of Rus' as a fortress defending eastern approaches to Smolensk. In 1508, Vasily III sent Italian masters to build a wooden fort there. The town was ravaged during the Time of Troubles, and its population was reduced to 10 men in 1614. Between 1611 and 1668 the town belonge… (More on Dorogobuzh)