... Moscow Region ? ... Zaraysk was founded prior to 13th century, first as a part of Ryazan' principality. ... the period in the beginning of 17th century, when Russia was in chaos and the statehood was in danger ? ... Between 17th and the beginning of 19th centuries Zaraysk established itself as an important trade center, but lost its significance in the second half of 19th century, when the highway and the railroad from Moscow to Ryazan' and further South bypassed the town. ... Photo: Denis Kabanov ....