Principality of Beloozero

The Principality of Beloozero (Russian: Белозерское княжество) was a Russian principality which flourished between the 13th and 15th centuries in the Russian North. In terms of the current administrative division of Russia, the principality was located in the west of Vologda Oblast, around the south of Lake Beloye. Its capital was Beloozero (now Belozersk), one of the five original towns mentioned in the Primary Chronicle. It was closely associated with Rostov until it became independent in 1238 during the Mongol invasions. Dmitry Donskoy secured control over Beloozero and passed it to his descendants; it was formally annexed to Moscow by Ivan III.