Biarescie was first mentioned in the primary chronicle, "The Tale of Bygone Years", in the records of the year 1019 in connection with the desperate struggle between Duke of Noŭharad Jaraslaŭ and Duke of Turaŭ Sviatapolk for the throne in Kyiv. After a decisive battle on the Alta river, Duke Sviatapolk was defeated and the remnants of his retinue fled to Poland. An uphill battle and defeat undermined the health of Duke Sviatapolk. Weakened and emaciated, he was brought on a stretcher to Biarescie. The year 1019 is considered the beginning of the chronology of the city of Brest.