The lecture will discuss what the territory of the future city was like before its founding. The focus will be on the natural conditions, population, and early mentions of these places. Listeners will learn about the early history of the Prineva lands and discover that the emergence of the city was preceded by a long and rich period. The formation of the Neva River and the first mentions of these territories in Novgorod chronicles will be highlighted, allowing us to trace how the region was settled long before Peter's reforms. Particular attention will be given to the Finnish population of the region and its role in the life of these places. The lecture will also show what traces of the pre-Petrine past can be found today in the urban environment and how they are woven into the modern appearance of the city. The meeting will be conducted by historian and sociologist Viktor Kabak. Registration is available on Timepad. KUDAGO knows where to go in St. Petersburg.