Principality of Chernigov
It was first mentioned in the Nikon Chronicle in 1146 as a part of the Principality of Chernigov. The name comes from the Mtsena River, a tributary of the Zusha, beside which the fortress stood. In 1238, Mtsensk was destroyed by Batu Khan. Since 1320, it was under the rule of Lithuania, eventually becoming a part of the Muscovy in 1505. Since the beginning of the 19th century, Mtsensk was rapidly developing as an industrial town.