Vladimir

Vladimir, capital of a government in the heart of Russia, stands on the left bank of the Kliasma, 120 miles NE. of Moscow by rail. It was founded in the 12th century, was the seat of a principality (see RUSSIA), and in the 14th century practically capital of Russia. It contains many historical remains, as the Kreml, the 'Golden Gate,' built in 1158, ruins of old fortifications, and many ancient churches. It is now a decayed provincial town. Pop. 19,305. The government has an area (18,864 sq. m.) as large as the kingdom of Servia; pop. (1897) 1,570,733.