The State Duma approved renaming Rostov to Rostov Veliky The city of Rostov, located in the Yaroslavl region, will be renamed Rostov Veliky, reports RIA Novosti. The corresponding bill was supported by Russian parliamentarians. The document passed its first reading in the State Duma on November 26. The proposal was also endorsed by the Russian Government, which believes that the name "Rostov Veliky" is rooted in historical tradition and reflects the city’s status as an important historical and cultural center. The renaming will formalize the name in legal terms. Rostov Veliky is nearly three centuries older than Moscow. Dubbed the "pearl of the Golden Ring of Russia," the city is famous for its stunning churches and ancient crafts. It is also considered the birthplace of the legendary hero Alyosha Popovich. The first mention of Rostov appears in the "Tale of Bygone Years" in 862, marking the city's official founding year. At that time, it was ruled by Rurik, the founder of the first Russian dynasty of princes and tsars. For a long time, Rostov was a prominent city in Northeast Russia. It played a key role in spreading Christianity in the region in 991. Its political significance declined in the 12th century when the capital of the Rostov-Suzdal principality moved to Suzdal. However, Rostov remained a major cultural and religious center until it was ravaged by the Poles during the Time of Troubles. The city was quickly rebuilt, experiencing a golden age in the 17th century. Meanwhile, Rostov-on-Don earned the nickname "Rostov Papa" in the 19th century due to its notorious criminal culture. It became a hub for people with criminal backgrounds and grew rapidly in population and wealth. Today, Rostov-on-Don is a tourist destination known for its culinary culture, historic architecture, and the Don River embankment.