Veliky Novgorod has been known since the 9th century. At least that's what is officially accepted. However, the Brockhaus and Efron dictionary says that the population of the city in the XIV century was about 400 thousand, which suggests that it was formed much earlier. (Later Novgorod lost its significance and almost became depopulated - according to the revision of 1719, the taxable population was considered 2303 souls).
But until the 16th century, Novgorod was the largest inhabited center. For comparison - 8 thousand people lived in Berlin in the XIV century, in Paris - 100 thousand people, in London - 50 thousand people.
It is curious that in Novgorod there was almost universal literacy - birch bark letters are still found here for any reason - from schoolchildren's notes to love letters.
It is interesting that already in the XII century in Novgorod there was a real water supply and sewerage system, made of hollow logs inside, which have survived to this day. And the question arises - how were such neat holes made throughout the length of the log?
Promotional video:
Natalia Trubinovskaya