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Questions about Tarutino, Russia

Short answers, pulled from the story.

Where is Tarutino Russia located?

Tarutino Russia sits on the banks of the Nara River within Kaluga Oblast. The village lies eight kilometers from Maloyaroslavets along the river's path.

Who owned the land in Tarutino before 1900?

Prince Simeon the Proud received the land through a treaty with his brothers dated 1348. The House of Naryshkin maintained feudal ownership from the end of the 17th century until the late 19th century, and Sergei Rumyantsev became the last member of the Rumyantsev line to hold the property.

When did the Battle of Tarutino take place?

Russian troops under Graf von Bennigsen launched a surprise attack on French forces on the 18th of October 1812. Joachim Murat commanded the retreating French army during this engagement while Cossack troops led by Count Orlov-Denisov attacked the French flank.

What happened to Tarutino during World War II?

Nazi forces occupied Tarutino from October to December 1941. German troops heavily mined the area upon their departure in late 1941, and sections of the wooden interior including the iconostasis were burned for warmth during the extreme cold of winter 1941-1942.

Who is buried at the memorial site in Tarutino Russia?

Soldiers of the Red Army who died between October and December 1941 are buried in a flowerbed covered mass grave. A memorial board lists the six-hundred and thirty nine soldiers buried there alongside a T-34 tank mounted on a plinth.