 Known from the 17th century, the slides were built to a height of between 70 and 80 feet (21 to 24 m), had a 50-degree initial slope, and were reinforced by wooden supports.In the 18th century they were especially popular in St. Petersburg and surroundings, from where their usage and popularity spread to the rest of Europe.Sometimes wheeled carts were used instead of tracks, like in the built in Catherine II's residence in Oranienbaum.