Nizhny Lomov

Nizhny Lomov grew beside the Lomovka as a fortified town on the southern frontier of the Russian state. Founded in 1635 by order of Tsar Michael, its wooden fort formed part of a defensive line against raids from the steppe. The town endured attacks and was captured by forces associated with Stenka Razin's uprising in 1670. Later, as the frontier moved southward, its markets gained importance on routes carrying goods toward the great fair at Nizhny Novgorod.