Katyn

Katyn lies west of Smolensk beside the upper Dnieper, in a country of wooded banks and river valleys. The Dnieper formed part of the long route between the Baltic and the Black Sea, with portages connecting it to northern rivers. Smolensk's position on that route made the surrounding district a meeting place for merchants and armies. The river continues west from here before turning south through the lands beyond Smolensk.