Moscow 869 years old

"Come to me, brother, to Moscow"
The year 1147 is the first recorded mention of Moscow and hence taken as the city's birthday;  this records the moment when Prince Yury Dolgoruky (acknowledged as the city's founder) called upon his brother to meet him in a settlement on the banks of the Moscow River (or something to that effect).  The Mongols arrived exactly 90 years later - in 1237 - and burnt down the town.  They were back again recently - this time on a charm offensive.

Here's an interesting photo  of Moscow - as seen from the International Space Station - photo taken by Cosmonaut Sergey Ryzansky.