 The area was attractive because it gave an easy access to control of the most important waterways, and was a subject of frequent wars.In the 13th century, it was controlled by the Lithuania.In 1335, the war between Lithuania and the Grand Duchy of Moscow started, and in the beginning of the 15th century the area was transferred to the Grand Duchy of Moscow and was subordinate to Rzhev Principality, which was subordinate to Moscow.