Rzhev was founded in the Middle Ages. It belonged to Principality of Smolensk and subsequently to Principality of Toropets. From the 13th century, the area was the battlefield between Vladimir-Suzdal (later the Grand Duchy of Moscow) and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and changed hands many times. In the 13th century, Principality of Rzhev existed with the capital in Rzhev. In the end of the 14th century, the area was finally under control of Moscow, and in the 15th century, it was briefly given to Principality of Tver (which itself was annexed by Moscow shortly afterwards).
