Principality of Smolensk
In the 12th century, the area belonged to Principality of Smolensk and subsequently to Principality of Toropets. In the beginning of the 13th century, it was included into Principality of Rzhev. From the 13th century, the area was the battlefield between Vladimir-Suzdal (later the Grand Duchy of Moscow) and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and changed hands many times. The first locality in the current area of the district, the selo of Urdom, was mentioned in the chronicles in 1323. In the end of the 14th century, the area was finally under control of Moscow.