city, Mogilyov oblast (administrative region), east-central Belarus, on the right bank of the Berezina River. Founded in the 16th century, it was held in turn by Lithuania, Poland, and Russia and was the scene of a major battle in World War II. The fortress of 1769 survives. Industries include engineering, machine building, chemicals, woodworking, and the manufacture of tires, clothing, and footwear. Pop. (1991 est.) 223,000.