Modern Pskov Oblast is a place with a rich military history. The first people settled here in the 7th century, and from the very beginning they were forced to fight for their land. This was the arena for the political struggle between ancient Rus’ and the western military orders. The primary means of protection were fortress walls, which were initially built from wood and then rebuilt in stone. Settlers knocked them down, rebuilt them, reinforced them and repaired them. There are enough fortified constructions in Pskov Oblast to compile a true encyclopedia of military constructions. RTG TV host Andrey Ivanov visited the old fortresses in the towns of Izborsk, Pskov, Porkhov and Gdov, finding out just how many hidden passages were housed inside the fortress walls and how to use his ears to determine where they’re located.