Years of reign of Russian rulers. Rulers of Russia, princes, tsars and presidents of Russia in chronological order, biographies of rulers and dates of reign

The activities of the ruling princes of the Rurik dynasty concentrated on the desire to expand the borders of the state while maintaining the unity of Rus'. Important milestones Old Russian history There was the unification by Prince Oleg of Novgorod and Kievan Rus, the military campaigns of Prince Svyatoslav, the baptism of Prince Vladimir and the spread of the Orthodox faith to the subject population. In the conditions of feudal fragmentation of Kievan Rus, the progressive reigns of Yaroslav the Wise, Vladimir Monomakh and Mstislav the Great were remarkable in their own way.

Prince's name	Years of power	Political position	Main actions
Rurik Varangian "Falcon"		Moderately aggressive. He sought to expand and secure the borders of the territories under his control.	According to the chronicle legend, he founded the Old Russian state.
Prince Oleg "Prophetic"		Dynamic. He strengthened the princely power in Kyiv in every possible way and forced the enemy to cooperate on an equal footing.	He united the North and South of Rus', went on campaigns against Constantinople, and drew up the first written agreement with Byzantium.
Prince Igor Rurikovich "Old"		Maximalist. Tried to continue the policy of Prince Oleg without much success	He continued his campaigns against Constantinople. Killed by the Drevlyans during Polyudye
Olga “Wise” “Saint”		Moderate. She sought to streamline the internal affairs of Kievan Rus.	She established standards for collecting tribute (lessons), gathering places (cemeteries) and replaced polyudye with a “cart”.
Svyatoslav Igorevich "Warrior", "Leopard"	Really began to rule in 964	Aggressively adventurous. He destroyed sources of danger by military means and expanded the territory of the state.	He conquered the Vyatichi tribes, destroyed the Khazar Khaganate, fought in Bulgaria, with Byzantium and the Pechenegs who killed him.
Yaropolk Svyatoslavich		Moderate-centrist. He sought to establish the integrity and authority of Rus'.	He established connections with Germany and did not interfere with the spread of Christianity in Rus'.
Vladimir Svyatoslavich "Red Sun" "Holy"		Progressive-maximalist. He sought the full entry of Rus' into a number of full-fledged European states.	Streamlining local government policies. Baptism of Rus'. Strengthening the borders of the state.
Svyatopolk Vladimirovich “Cursed”	For a year, the Poles helped recapture Kyiv	Reactionary-adventuristic. The desire to maintain power in Kyiv at any cost prevailed.	The policy of rapprochement with Poland to the detriment of Rus'. Murder of brothers Boris and Gleb.
Yaroslav Vladimirovich	Expelled from Kyiv for a year by Svyatopolk		The prince's vigorous activity improved life in Rus' in all areas. Dynastic marriages strengthened the interstate ties of Kievan Rus.
Izyaslav Yaroslavich	Twice lost and returned the Kyiv table	Confrontational. The desire to maintain their power in Kyiv.	He was at odds with his brothers. He was defeated at Alta by the Polovtsians. Relying on Poland.
Vseslav Bryachislavich "Sorcerer"		No political position has been recorded.	The only Polotsk prince who accidentally found himself on the Kiev throne.
Svyatoslav Yaroslavich			Defended the borders of Rus' in the south. Compiled a new collection of laws - “Izbornik”.
Vsevolod Yaroslavich “Peace-loving”	Was removed by Izyaslav	Moderately progressive. As a member of the Yaroslavich triumvirate, he sought to preserve the integrity of Rus'.	He fought with the Polovtsians, established connections with Europe. Participated in the compilation of “The Truth of the Yaroslavichs”.
Svyatopolk Izyaslavich		Confrontational.	He was distinguished by his hypocritical character and cruelty towards his subjects.
Vladimir Vsevolodovich “Monomakh”		Progressive. He tried to stop the strife.	Preserved the unity of Rus'. Defeated the Polovtsians. Supplemented existing codes of laws.
Mstislav Vladimirovich “The Great”			Participated in the Lyubech Congress. He went with his army against the Polovtsians. Defended the western borders of Rus' from warlike neighbors.

Historical contribution of the rulers of Kievan Rus

Story Old Russian state represents a typical development of early feudal political associations, which tended to fragment. However, during the existence of Kievan Rus, the social structure of the state was created, as well as favorable conditions for the development of the economy and culture. This was greatly facilitated by the activities of the rulers of Rus' - the Grand Dukes of Kyiv.

For almost 400 years of the existence of this title, it was worn completely different people- from adventurers and liberals to tyrants and conservatives.

Rurikovich

Over the years, Russia (from Rurik to Putin) has changed its political system many times. At first, rulers bore the title of prince. When, after a period of political fragmentation, a new Russian state, the owners of the Kremlin began to think about accepting the royal title.

This was accomplished under Ivan the Terrible (1547-1584). This one decided to marry into the kingdom. And this decision was not accidental. So the Moscow monarch emphasized that he was the legal successor. It was they who bestowed Orthodoxy on Russia. In the 16th century, Byzantium no longer existed (it fell under the onslaught of the Ottomans), so Ivan the Terrible rightly believed that his act would have serious symbolic significance.

Such historical figures as rendered big influence for the development of the entire country. In addition to changing his title, Ivan the Terrible also captured the Kazan and Astrakhan khanates, beginning Russian expansion to the East.

Ivan's son Fedor (1584-1598) was distinguished by his weak character and health. Nevertheless, under him the state continued to develop. The patriarchate was established. Rulers have always paid a lot of attention to the issue of succession to the throne. This time he became especially acute. Fedor had no children. When he died, the Rurik dynasty on the Moscow throne came to an end.

Time of Troubles

After Fyodor's death, Boris Godunov (1598-1605), his brother-in-law, came to power. He did not belong to the reigning family, and many considered him a usurper. With him because of natural disasters a colossal famine began. The tsars and presidents of Russia have always tried to maintain calm in the provinces. Due to the tense situation, Godunov was unable to do this. Several peasant uprisings took place in the country.

In addition, the adventurer Grishka Otrepyev called himself one of the sons of Ivan the Terrible and began a military campaign against Moscow. He actually managed to capture the capital and become king. Boris Godunov did not live to see this moment - he died from health complications. His son Feodor II was captured by the comrades of False Dmitry and killed.

The impostor ruled for only a year, after which he was overthrown during the Moscow uprising, inspired by disgruntled Russian boyars who did not like the fact that False Dmitry surrounded himself with Catholic Poles. decided to transfer the crown to Vasily Shuisky (1606-1610). During the Time of Troubles, the rulers of Russia often changed.

The princes, tsars and presidents of Russia had to carefully guard their power. Shuisky could not restrain her and was overthrown by the Polish interventionists.

The first Romanovs

When Moscow was liberated from foreign invaders in 1613, the question arose of who should be made sovereign. This text presents all the kings of Russia in order (with portraits). Now the time has come to talk about the rise to the throne of the Romanov dynasty.

The first sovereign from this family, Mikhail (1613-1645), was just a youth when he was put in charge of a huge country. His main goal began the struggle with Poland for the lands it captured during the Time of Troubles.

These were the biographies of the rulers and the dates of their reign until the middle of the 17th century. After Mikhail, his son Alexei (1645-1676) ruled. He annexed left-bank Ukraine and Kyiv to Russia. So, after several centuries of fragmentation and Lithuanian rule, the fraternal peoples finally began to live in one country.

Alexei had many sons. The eldest of them, Feodor III (1676-1682), died at a young age. After him came the simultaneous reign of two children - Ivan and Peter.

Peter the Great

Ivan Alekseevich was unable to govern the country. Therefore, in 1689, the sole reign of Peter the Great began. He completely rebuilt the country in a European manner. Russia - from Rurik to Putin (we will consider all the rulers in chronological order) - knows few examples of an era so saturated with changes.

Appeared new army and the fleet. For this, Peter started a war against Sweden. lasted 21 years North War. During it, the Swedish army was defeated, and the kingdom agreed to cede its southern Baltic lands. In this region, St. Petersburg, the new capital of Russia, was founded in 1703. Peter's successes made him think about changing his title. In 1721 he became emperor. However, this change did not abolish the royal title - in everyday speech, monarchs continued to be called kings.

The era of palace coups

Peter's death was followed by a long period of instability in power. Monarchs replaced each other with enviable regularity, which was facilitated by the Guard or certain courtiers, as a rule, at the head of these changes. This era was ruled by Catherine I (1725-1727), Peter II (1727-1730), Anna Ioannovna (1730-1740), Ivan VI (1740-1741), Elizaveta Petrovna (1741-1761) and Peter III (1761-1762) ).

The last of them was German by birth. Under Peter III's predecessor, Elizabeth, Russia waged a victorious war against Prussia. The new monarch renounced all his conquests, returned Berlin to the king and concluded a peace treaty. With this act he signed his own death warrant. The Guard organized another palace coup, after which Peter’s wife Catherine II took the throne.

Catherine II and Paul I

Catherine II (1762-1796) had a deep state mind. On the throne, she began to pursue a policy of enlightened absolutism. The Empress organized the work of the famous laid down commission, the purpose of which was to prepare a comprehensive project of reforms in Russia. She also wrote the Order. This document contained many considerations about the transformations necessary for the country. The reforms were curtailed when a peasant uprising led by Pugachev broke out in the Volga region in the 1770s.

All the tsars and presidents of Russia (we have listed all the royal persons in chronological order) made sure that the country looked decent in the external arena. She was no exception. She conducted several successful military campaigns against Turkey. As a result, Crimea and other important Black Sea regions were annexed to Russia. At the end of Catherine's reign, three divisions of Poland occurred. Thus, the Russian Empire received important acquisitions in the west.

After the death of the great empress, her son Paul I (1796-1801) came to power. This quarrelsome man was not liked by many in the St. Petersburg elite.

First half of the 19th century

In 1801, the next and last palace coup took place. A group of conspirators dealt with Pavel. His son Alexander I (1801-1825) was on the throne. His reign was Patriotic War and Napoleon's invasion. The rulers of the Russian state have not faced such serious enemy intervention for two centuries. Despite the capture of Moscow, Bonaparte was defeated. Alexander became the most popular and famous monarch of the Old World. He was also called the "liberator of Europe."

Within his country, Alexander in his youth tried to implement liberal reforms. Historical figures often change their policies as they age. So Alexander soon abandoned his ideas. He died in Taganrog in 1825 under mysterious circumstances.

At the beginning of the reign of his brother Nicholas I (1825-1855), the Decembrist uprising occurred. Because of this, conservative orders triumphed in the country for thirty years.

Second half of the 19th century

All the kings of Russia are presented here in order, with portraits. Next we will talk about the main reformer of Russian statehood - Alexander II (1855-1881). He initiated the manifesto for the liberation of the peasants. The destruction of serfdom allowed the Russian market and capitalism to develop. Economic growth began in the country. Reforms also affected the judiciary, local government, administrative and conscription systems. The monarch tried to get the country back on its feet and learn the lessons that the lost beginnings under Nicholas I taught him.

But Alexander's reforms were not enough for the radicals. Terrorists made several attempts on his life. In 1881 they achieved success. Alexander II died from a bomb explosion. The news came as a shock to the whole world.

Because of what happened, the son of the deceased monarch, Alexander III (1881-1894), forever became a tough reactionary and conservative. But most of all he is known as a peacemaker. During his reign, Russia did not wage a single war.

The last king

In 1894, Alexander III died. Power passed into the hands of Nicholas II (1894-1917) - his son and the last Russian monarch. By that time, the old world order with the absolute power of kings and kings had already outlived its usefulness. Russia - from Rurik to Putin - has known a lot of upheavals, but it was under Nicholas that more than ever happened.

In 1904-1905 The country experienced a humiliating war with Japan. It was followed by the first revolution. Although the unrest was suppressed, the tsar had to make concessions to public opinion. He agreed to establish a constitutional monarchy and parliament.

Tsars and presidents of Russia at all times faced a certain opposition within the state. Now people could elect deputies who expressed these sentiments.

In 1914 the First World War. No one then suspected that it would end with the fall of several empires at once, including the Russian one. In 1917 it broke out February Revolution, and the last king had to abdicate the throne. Nicholas II and his family were shot by the Bolsheviks in the basement of the Ipatiev House in Yekaterinburg.

1st century, list of events
The country and population of ancient Rus' before the beginning of the state
Slavic peoples, our ancestors, have long lived on the vast Eastern European plain, irrigated by great rivers. It is unknown when they came here. They settled in different places of this huge but deserted country, and mainly along the great waterway: From the Varangian Sea (Baltic), Lake Nevo (Ladoga), the Volkhov River, Lake Ilmeni, the Lovat River, the Dnieper River to the Russian Sea (Black) . For the most part, the Slavs took their name from the place of settlement: They built Novgorod; along the Dnieper lived the glades, who had their own city of Kyiv; those who settled in the forests, not far from the clearings, were called Drevlyans; many other Slavic tribes with different names settled near Russian rivers and lakes. But the Slavs were not the only ones who lived in what is now Russia. Foreign peoples also lived here: To the north and northeast - the Finnish tribes (Chud, Ves, Merya, Muroma, Cheremis, Mordovians, etc.), to the west - Lithuania, to the south and southeast - the Turks (Khozars, Pechenegs, Cumans). The Slavs were mostly engaged in agriculture. They were ruled by their ancestors, but there was no peace between the tribes, and besides, they were offended by their neighbors. Then they themselves sent ambassadors across the Baltic sea to one of the Varangian tribes, which was called Russia (from which we all began to be called Russians), saying: “Our whole land is great and abundant, but there is no order (i.e., order) in it.” , come to reign and rule us, “three princes (brothers Rurik, Sineus, Truvor) from this tribe came with their squads, among whom there were many Slavs, and took places in Novgorod, Beloozero and Izborsk. This happened in 862. This year begins the hard work of the Russian people on the structure of their state.
Rurik (862-879)
Rurik's brothers died two years later, Rurik became the sole ruler of the country. He handed over the surrounding towns and villages to his confidants, who themselves carried out justice and reprisals. At the same time, two brothers, not from the clan of Rurik, Askold and Dir, occupied Kyiv and began to rule the glades.
Oleg (879-912)
After the death of Rurik, due to the minority of his son Igor, Oleg began to rule. He glorified himself with intelligence and belligerence, with a large army he went down the Dnieper, took Smolensk, Lyubech, Kyiv and made the latter his capital city. Askold and Dir were killed, and Oleg showed little Igor to the glades: “Here is the son of Rurik - your prince.” Oleg’s campaign against Greece is remarkable, which ended in Oleg’s complete victory and provided the Russians with preferential free trade rights in Constantinople. Oleg brought a lot of gold, expensive fabrics, wine and all kinds of wealth with him from the campaign. Rus' marveled at his exploits and nicknamed him “the prophetic Oleg.”
Igor (912-945)
Igor Rurikovich, following the example of Oleg, conquered neighboring tribes, forced them to pay tribute, repelled the attack of the Pechenegs and undertook a campaign in Greece, but not as successful as Oleg’s campaign. Igor was immoderate in his demands on the defeated tribes. The Drevlyans said: “If a wolf gets into the habit of attacking the sheep, he will carry out the whole flock. We will kill him.” And they killed Igor and his squad that was with him...”
Olga (945-957)
Olga, Igor's wife, according to the custom of that time, cruelly took revenge on the Drevlyans for the death of her husband and took their main city of Korosten. She was distinguished by a rare intelligence and great abilities for government. In her declining years she accepted Christianity and was canonized. The Christianity adopted by Olga was the first ray of true light, which was destined to warm the hearts of the Russian people.
general characteristics 1st century
Order in the Russian state begins with the calling of princes. The Grand Duke sits in Kyiv: He holds court here, goes for tribute (cart, polyudye). He appoints posadniks to the subordinate areas, with the right to have his own squad and collect tribute in his favor. The main concern of the first princes was the fight against restless nomads: At that time, the entire south was occupied by the Pechenegs, the Slavs paid tribute to the Khazars. To give scope and freedom to Russian trade, Russian princes undertake campaigns in Byzantium (Constantinople). The religion of the Russian Slavs was at first pagan: They worshiped thunder and lightning (Perun), the sun under different names, fire, wind, etc. But military and trade relations with Byzantium introduced the Russians to Christianity. So, there are instructions about the baptism of Askold. Under Igor, there was already a Christian church in Kyiv, Princess Olga was baptized in Constantinople (Constantinople). But, despite the concerns and activities of the rulers of the princes, in the general flow of the Russian people, disorder occurs, due to the need to fight neighboring tribes (self-defense) and the instability of order within the country.

2nd century, list of events
Vladimir St. Equal to the Apostles (980-1015)
The internecine wars of Yaropolk, Oleg and Vladimir, the sons of Svyatoslav, who distributed his lands to them during his lifetime, ended with the death of Yaropolk and Oleg and the triumph of Vladimir. Vladimir took Red Rus' from the Poles and fought against the Bulgarians and Pechenegs. He did not spare his rich booty for his squad and for decorating numerous idols. Christianity, adopted by Olga, had already managed to penetrate into Kyiv, where a church of St. Ilya. Greek preachers managed to persuade the prince himself to accept Christianity. The baptism of Vladimir and his entourage, and then all the people of Kiev, took place in 988. The Greek emperors, Vasily and Constantine, married their sister Anna to Vladimir. Christianity was actively spread by the princely squad and priests in all areas of the principality. The people loved Vladimir for his gentle disposition and rare love for his neighbors. Vladimir built cities and churches, and schools at the churches for teaching literacy. It was under him that the construction of a monastery in Rus' began. In folk songs and bylinas, the affectionate prince, Vladimir the Red Sun, is often mentioned; the Russian Church calls him the Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince.
Svyatopolk (1015-1019)
During his lifetime, Saint Vladimir divided the lands to his sons: Svyatopolk, Izyaslav, Yaroslav, Mstislav, Svyatoslav, Boris and Gleb. After the death of Vladimir, Svyatopolk took possession of Kiev and decided to get rid of all his brothers, for which he ordered the murder of Boris, Gleb and Svyatoslav, but was soon expelled from Kyiv by Yaroslav of Novgorod. With the help of his father-in-law, the Polish king Boleslav the Brave, Svyatopolk captured Kiev for the second time, but had to flee from there again and took his own life along the way. In folk songs, as the killer of his brothers, he is nicknamed “the accursed one.”
Yaroslav the Wise (1019-1054)
After the expulsion of the Holy Regiment and with the death of Mstislav of Tmutarakan, Prince Yaroslav became the sole ruler of the Russian land. Distinguished by his great intelligence, he skillfully ruled Russia: He took great care of the needs of the country, built cities (Yaroslav and Yuriev), erected churches (St. Sophia in Kyiv and Novgorod), established schools and promoted writing in Rus'. He is also responsible for publishing the first set of legal customs, known as “Russian truth”. To his sons: Izyaslav, Svyatoslav, Vsevolod, Igor, Vyacheslav, he gave the inheritance of the Russian land and advised them to live peacefully, amicably and in love among themselves, the people nicknamed Yaroslav “wise”.
Izyaslav (1054-1078)
Yaroslav's eldest son, Izyaslav I, after the death of his father took the Kiev throne, but after an unsuccessful campaign against the Polovtsians, the Kievans drove him out, and his brother Svyatoslav became the Grand Duke. After the death of the latter, Izyaslav returned to Kyiv again.
Svyatoslav (957-972)
The son of Igor and Olga, Svyatoslav, tempered himself in campaigns and wars and was distinguished by his stern character, honesty and directness. He went to the enemies with a warning: “I’m coming against you.” Svyatoslav annexed the Vyatichi, defeated the Khazars, took the Tmutarakan region and, despite the small squad, successfully fought on the Danube with the Bulgarians. After that, Svyatoslav went against the Greeks - he conquered Andrianople, among other things, and threatened Constantinople, but the Greeks agreed to peace. “Don’t go to the city,” they said, “take whatever tribute you want.” On the way back, Svyatoslav did not take precautions and was killed by the Pechenegs at the rapids of the Dnieper.
General characteristics of the 2nd century
The brothers of the Grand Duke receive control over separate parts (allotments) of the state, of which the most significant are: the Kiev principality (the largest and strongest), the Chernigov principality, the Rostov-Suzdal principality, the Galician-Volyn principality, and the Novgorod principality. Despite this division, the Russian land is still considered united. Yaroslav the Wise expands its borders to the Rosi River (a tributary of the Dnieper). Under Saint Vladimir, Christianity spread in Rus', and with it enlightenment with a strong Byzantine influence. The Kiev Metropolitan, subordinate to the Patriarch of Constantinople, becomes the head of the Russian Church. Representatives of the church, mostly Greeks, brought with them not only a new religion, but also new state concepts (about the rights and responsibilities of the prince and subjects) and new enlightenment. The princes acted in accordance with the church. They built temples, encouraged monasteries, and started schools. Of the monasteries, the most famous is Kiev-Pechersk, founded by St. Anthony and built by St. Theodosius. At this time, the ancient Russian historian, who recorded events year by year, appeared, the chronicler monk Nestor and many other ancient Russian writers of that time, mainly preachers. Printed books It didn’t exist yet, but everything was being rewritten, and the rewriting itself was considered pleasing to God. Thus, the general way of life is established under Byzantine influence, although people's life is distracted from the direct path by the constant struggle between rulers and princes and the need to protect their native land from the attacks of neighbors. Key Features this century: The beginning of the development of writing, but at the same time the struggle of the princes, the struggle with neighboring tribes, from which, in the words of the “word of Igor’s campaign,” “the Russian land will collapse.” Also an important feature was the beginning of the development of the idea of ​​love and peace, the idea of ​​Christianity, the beginning of educational ideas under the auspices of the church.

3rd century, list of events
Vsevolod - I (1078-1093)
Vsevolod I could be a useful ruler. This prince was pious, truthful, loved education very much and knew five languages, but the Polovtsian raids, famine, pestilence and turmoil in the country did not favor his principality. He held onto the throne only thanks to his son Vladimir, nicknamed Monomakh.
Svyatopolk - II (1093-1113)
The son of Izyaslav -I, Svyatopolk -II, who inherited the Kiev throne after Vsevolod -I, was characterized by spinelessness and was not able to pacify the civil strife of the princes over the possession of cities. At the congress in Lyubich Pereslavl in 1097, the princes kissed the cross “for each to own his father’s land,” but soon Prince David Igorevich blinded Prince Vasilko. The princes gathered again for a congress in the year 1100, and deprived David of Volhynia; at the suggestion of Vladimir Monomakh, they decided at the Dolob congress, in 1103, to undertake a joint campaign against the Polovtsians, the Russians defeated the Polovtsians on the Sal River (in 1111) and took a lot of cattle: cattle, sheep, horses, etc. The Polovtsian princes alone killed up to 20 people . The fame of this victory spread far among the Greeks, Hungarians and other Slavs. Russian land.
Vladimir Monomakh (1113-1125)
Despite the seniority of the Svyatoslavichs, after the death of Svyatopolk II, Vladimir Monomakh was elected to the Kiev throne, who, according to the chronicle, “wanted good for the brethren and the whole Russian land.” He stood out for his great abilities, rare intelligence, courage and tirelessness. He was happy in his campaigns against the Polovtsians. He humbled the princes with his severity. The remarkable “teaching to children” he left behind, in which he gives purely Christian moral teaching and high example the prince's service to his homeland.
Mstislav - I (1125-1132)
Resembling his father Monomakh, Monomakh's son, Mstislav I, lived in harmony with his brothers in mind and character, inspiring respect and fear in the rebellious princes. So, he expelled the Polovtsian princes who disobeyed him to Greece, and instead of them, he installed his son to rule in the city of Polotsk.
Yaropolk (1132-1139)
Mstislav's brother, Yaropolk, son of Monomakh, decided to transfer the inheritance not to his brother Vyacheslav, but to his nephew. Thanks to the discord that arose from here, the Monomakhovichs lost the Kiev throne, which passed to the descendants of Oleg Svyatoslavovich - the Olegovichs.
Vsevolod - II (1139-1146)
Having achieved a great reign, Vsevolod wanted to consolidate the Kiev throne in his family and handed it over to his brother Igor Olegovich. But not recognized by the people of Kiev and tonsured a monk, Igor was soon killed.
Izyaslav - II (1146-1154)
The people of Kiev recognized Izyaslav II Mstislavovich, who vividly resembled his famous grandfather Monomakh with his intelligence, brilliant talents, courage and friendliness. With the accession of Izyaslav II to the grand-princely throne, the concept of seniority, rooted in ancient Rus', was violated: In one family, a nephew could not be a grand duke during his uncle’s lifetime. A stubborn struggle begins between Yuri Vladimirovich, the prince of Rostov-Suzdal, and Izyaslav II. Izyaslav was expelled from Kyiv twice, but still retained the throne until his death.
Yuri Dolgoruky (1154-1157)
The death of Izyaslav II opens Yuri, later called Dolgoruky by the people, access to the Kyiv throne, on which he, three years later, dies as a Grand Duke.
Mstislav - II (1157-1169)
After long strife between the princes, Mstislav II Izyaslavovich was confirmed on the Kiev throne. He is expelled from there by Andrei Yuryevich, nicknamed Bogolyubsky. At the same time, Andrei ravaged Kyiv (1169).
Andrey Bogolyubsky (1169-1174)
Having accepted the title of grand duke, Andrei Yuryevich transferred the throne to Vladimir on the Klyazma, and from then on Kyiv began to lose its primacy position. The stern and strict Andrei wanted to be autocratic, i.e., to rule Russia without a council or squads. Andrei Bogolyubsky mercilessly pursued the disgruntled boyars, they plotted against Andrei's life and killed him.
General characteristics of the 3rd century
After the death of Yaroslav the Wise, the Russian land was divided between his sons according to their relative seniority and the comparative profitability of the regions: The older the prince was, the better and richer the region was given to him. When someone from the princely family died, the younger relatives, following the deceased, moved from volost to volost. This redistribution of land in the 12th century was replaced by appanages, when one princely line was established in a certain area. But the usual order of the princely possession was often disrupted by disastrous quarrels between the princes, all the more disastrous because at that time the Black Sea steppe was occupied by the Polovtsians instead of the Pechenegs. However, if not in the south, then Slavic colonization (mainly Novgorod) is rising in the east and northeast of Rus'. The region was still headed by the prince, who consulted with the boyars from the warriors. Legislative power belonged to the veche of townspeople. Especially on for a long time the veche in Novgorod was important. The region was divided into districts (verei, graveyards), governed by persons appointed by the prince. The court was conducted by princely judges (tiuns) according to a collection of customary law, i.e., on the basis of folk customs of “Russian truth”. The church, which was in charge of family, religious and moral order, took a wide part in worldly affairs. The preachers Hilarion, Cyril, and Abbot Daniel visited the holy land and left a pious description of their pilgrimage.
Thus, in this century, under the influence of the church, religious faith, family life and moral foundations are developing, the colonization of Slavic tribes is taking place, the judiciary is being organized, for which the guide is the collection of laws "Russian Truth", but the fragmentation of the Russian land into destinies and the resulting discord and wars do not make it possible to establish a general state order, and entail a weakening of the people's forces and bring on Tatar enslavers; only the preaching of humility, obedience and love supports and approves the people's bearing all the hardships of life.

4th century, list of events
Vsevolod - III (1176-1212)
After the struggle and strife that arose following the death of Andrei Bogolyubsky between the ancient (Rostov, Suzdal) and new (Vladimir, Pereslavl) cities of the Suzdal region, Andrei’s brother, Vsevolod III “Big Nest” (the father of a large family), established himself in Vladimir. The prince was far-sighted and firm, having achieved a great degree of courage - although he did not live in Kyiv, he nevertheless bore the title of Grand Duke and was the first of the Russian princes to force him to swear allegiance to “himself and his children.”
Constantine - I (1212-1219)
The Grand Duke's throne was transferred by Vsevolod III not to his eldest son Constantine, with whom he was dissatisfied, but to his second son Yuri. In the feud that arose from this, Vsevolod’s third son, Yaroslav, also sided with Yuri, but Mstislav the Udaloy took the side of Constantine. Konstantin and Mstislav won (Battle of Lipetsk 1216) and Konstantin took the princely throne. After his death, the throne passed to Yuri.
Yuri - II (1219-1238)
Yuri waged successful wars with the Mordovians and the Volga Bulgarians. At the very extreme point of Russian possessions on the Volga, he built Nizhny Novgorod. During his reign in southeastern Europe from Central Asia The Mongols appeared in 1224 at Kalka (now within the borders of Yekaterinoslav); the Mongols inflicted a terrible defeat first on the Polovtsians, who roamed the southern Russian steppes, and then on the Russian princes who came to the aid of the Polovtsians. The Mongols placed the captured princes under the boards and sat down to feast on them. After the Battle of Kalka, the Mongols went to Central Asia and returned only 13 years later under the leadership of Batu, they ravaged the principalities of Ryazan and Suzdal, defeated a large army of the Grand Duke at the City River, and Yuri fell here, they destroyed southern Rus' for two years and Kyiv was destroyed. All Russian principalities had to recognize the heavy Tatar yoke over themselves, and the city of Sarai on the Volga River became the capital of the horde.
Yaroslav - II (1238-1252)
Yaroslav Vsevolodovich, Prince of Novgorod, by the grace of the Khan of the Golden Horde, sat on the grand-ducal throne. He actively took care of the restoration of Rus', devastated by the Mongols.
Alexander Nevsky (1252-1263)
Alexander Yaroslavovich was first the Prince of Novgorod. In 1240, he defeated the Swedes on the Neva and was nicknamed Nevsky for this victory: They say that Alexander Nevsky himself beat up many Swedes and “put a seal on the face of the leader Birger with his sharp spear.” Two years later, Alexander destroyed German army in the “Battle on the Ice”: In addition, he successfully waged wars with Lithuania and Chud. Having received the khan's label for the grand reign, Alexander appeared as a “intercessor and intercessor” for the Russian land. Four times he went to the horde with a bow, taking the khans a lot of silver and gold. Alexander Nevsky was canonized, and Peter the Great transferred his relics to St. Petersburg to the Alexander Nevsky Lavra.
Daniel - I (1229-1264)
While Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky acted in the northeast of Rus', Daniil Romanovich reigned in the southwest of Rus'. Smart, brave and noble Daniil Romanovich Galitsky, after the invasion of the Tatars, again brought his possessions to a flourishing state. The crusade against the Tatars promised to him by the Pope did not take place, and Daniel had to humble himself before the Mongols in order to protect southwestern Rus' from the heavy yoke. After the end of his family, the Polish king Casimir III, in 1340, took possession of Galicia.
General characteristics of the 4th century
During this period, the importance of southwestern Rus' gradually decreased. Princely strife, heavy taxation of the lower classes of the population, the continuous attack on Rus' by the steppe nomads of the Polovtsians - all this drives the people from the Dnieper region, on the one hand, to the region of the river. Vistula, on the other hand - to the northeast, across the river. Ugra between the Oka and Volga rivers. Thanks to this, the Vladimir-Suzdal land in the northeast is strengthening, cities are being built, trade and industry are reviving, Great Russian people. Andrei Bogolyubsky puts forward the idea of ​​a strong one-man princely power. Vladimir on the Klyazma is gradually becoming the new political center of Rus'. The process of new development was delayed by the Tatar invasion. The Tatars, having devastated Rus', imposed another tribute on it (at first it was collected by the khan’s officials “Baskaks”, and then by the princes themselves). Fortunately, the Tatars were far away and did not interfere in the internal government of Rus' and did not embarrass the Orthodox Church. But still influence Tatar yoke It was difficult: No wonder proverbs developed: “Angrier than an evil Tatar,” “an ill-fitting guest, worse than a Tatar,” etc. The Tatar yoke stopped the industry and trade of the people, slowed down the beginning of enlightenment, cut us off from relations with educated peoples, and introduced a lot of rudeness into our lives ( corporal punishment, seclusion of women, cunning and deceit, oppression of the weak). Only faith and piety continue to support the Russian people in difficult times of the Tatars. Exhausted by material and spiritual needs, Russian people found solace in prayer in monasteries, churches, and parishes.

5th century, list of events
Yaroslav - III (1264-1272)
After the death of Alexander Nevsky, the dispute between Vasily and Yaroslav, Alexander's brothers, over the grand-ducal throne was resolved by the khan in favor of Yaroslav, in addition, he had previously been invited by the Novgorodians to reign, but was unable to get along with them, he even called on the Tatars against them . The metropolitan reconciled the prince with the Novgorodians and the prince was again “brought to the cross” by them.
Vasily - I (1272-1276)
Vasily I, of Kostroma, having received the grand-ducal throne according to the old order, discovered his claims to Novgorod, where Dmitry, the son of Alexander Nevsky, was already reigning. He soon achieved his goal. The desire of each Grand Duke to take possession of Novgorod was explained by the desire to strengthen his own principality, weakened by division into appanages.
Dmitry - I (1276-1294)
The Grand Duchy of Dmitry I of Pereslavl proceeded almost entirely in the struggle with his brother Andrei Alexandrovich over the rights of the Grand Duke. Three times Dmitry escaped from his brother and the Tatar regiments accompanying him, but when he returned, thanks to his allies, he again established himself on the throne. After the third flight, he finally asked Andrei for peace and received his Pereslavl principality.
Andrew - II (1294-1304)
Pursuing the greatest possible expansion of his possessions at the expense of other principalities, Andrei Alexandrovich decided to take possession of Pereslavl, in which Prince Ivan Dmitrievich died childless. This is where civil strife arose between Tver and Moscow; this dispute continued even after Andrei’s death.
Saint Michael (1304-1319)
Mikhail Yaroslavovich of Tverskoy, having given more output (tribute) to the khan, received the label for the grand duke primarily before Yuri Danilovich, the Prince of Moscow. But while he was at war with Novgorod, Yuri, with the help of the treacherous Khan's ambassador Kavgady, managed to slander Mikhail in front of Khan Uzbek. The Uzbek summoned Mikhail to the horde, where he tortured him for a long time, and then handed him over to the hands of murderers. At the same time, Mikhail, in order not to bring misfortune to the heads of his neighbors, did not agree to take advantage of the opportunity to escape.
Yuri - III (1320-1326)
Having married the sister of Khan Konchak, in Orthodoxy Agafya, Yuri acquired great strength and help from the Tatars who were related to him. But soon, thanks to the claims of Prince Dmitry, the son of Mikhail, who was tortured by Khan, he had to report to the horde. Here, at the first meeting with Dmitry, Yuri was killed by him, in revenge for the death of his father and for a violation of morality (marriage to a Tatar). Content
Dmitry - II (1326)
Dmitry Mikhailovich, nicknamed "formidable eyes", for the murder of Yuri III, was executed by the khan for arbitrariness.
Alexander Tverskoy (1326-1338)
The brother of Dmitry II, executed in the horde, Alexander Mikhailovich, was confirmed as khan on the grand-ducal throne. He was distinguished by his kindness and was loved by the people, but he ruined himself by allowing the Tver people to kill the hated Khan's ambassador Shchelkan. The Khan sent 50,000 Tatar troops against Alexander. Alexander fled from the khan's wrath to Pskov, and from there to Lithuania. Ten years later, Alexander of Tver returned and was forgiven by the khan. However, not getting along with the Prince of Moscow Ivan Kalita, Alexander was slandered by him before the khan, the khan summoned him to the horde and executed him.
John I Kalita (1320-1341)
John I Danilovich, a cautious and cunning prince, nicknamed Kalita (money purse) for his frugality, devastated the Tver principality with the help of the Tatars, taking advantage of the opportunity of violence of the indignant Tver residents against the Tatars. He took upon himself the collection of tribute from all over Rus' for the Tatars and, greatly enriched by this, bought cities from appanage princes. In 1326, the metropolitanate from Vladimir, thanks to the efforts of Kalita, was transferred to Moscow, and here, according to Metropolitan Peter, the Assumption Cathedral was founded. Since then, Moscow, as the seat of the Metropolitan of All Rus', has acquired the significance of a Russian center.
Simeon the Proud (1341-1353)
To Simeon Ioannovich, who inherited the grand-ducal throne after John I, the Tatar Khan “gave all the Russian princes under his hand,” calling himself the prince of all Rus'. Simeon treated other Russian princes as his assistants; he died childless from a pestilence.
John - II (1353-1359)
According to the will of his brother Simeon the Proud, John II Ioannovich, a meek and peace-loving prince, followed in everything the advice of Metropolitan Alexei, who enjoyed great importance in the Horde. During this time, Moscow's relations with the Tatars improved significantly.
General characteristics of the 5th century
Thanks to many favorable conditions, the importance of Moscow is growing. The convenient geographical location between southwestern and northeastern Russia and protection from external enemies attracts more and more people here. Smart and practical Moscow princes take advantage of increasing income to expand their estates. It was of great significance that the Metropolitan moved to Moscow. Ecclesiastical meaning Moscow's political role also strengthened. Simultaneously with the collection northeastern Rus' near Moscow, in the southwest, the Lithuanian state is emerging.
Thus, the suffering and misfortune of the people, the humiliation of princely power under the influence of the heavy oppression of the Tatar khans little by little awakens the consciousness of the need to unite power. The center of unification is revealed - Moscow. All that is needed is strength and energy for the unification to become stronger and to be able to overthrow the oppressor - the Tatars. Representatives of the church also play a significant role in this association, influencing both the princes and the people with their words.

6th century, list of events
Dmitry - III Donskoy (1363-1389)
When John II died, his son Dmitry was still young, so the khan gave the great reign to Dmitry Konstantinovich of Suzdal (1359-1363). But the Moscow boyars, who benefited from the strengthening of the Moscow prince, achieved a great reign for Dmitry Ioannovich. Dmitry Konstantinovich submitted to force, and other princes of northeastern Rus' also submitted to Dmitry Ioannovich. Meanwhile, Rus''s attitude towards the Tatars changed significantly. Civil strife in the horde allowed Dmitry not to pay tribute to the Tatars at all. Khan Mamai decided to remind Rus' of the times of Batu and, in alliance with Jagiell, the Prince of Lithuania, moved a huge army to Russian soil. Prince Dmitry with the princes subject to Moscow went to meet Mamaia, having previously received a blessing from the Trinity Monastery St. Sergius. The battle of Dmitry with Mamai on the Kulikovo field, near the Don River, on September 8, 1380, ended with the triumph of the Russians, although, according to the chronicle, thanks to the losses, “the entire Russian land was completely depleted of governors and all kinds of troops.” The need for unity to repel the enemy has now become especially recognized in Rus'. Dmitry, nicknamed Donskoy for the Battle of Kulikovo, did not stop caring about strengthening Moscow until the end of his days.
Vasily - I (1389-1425)
Sharing the reign with his father, Vasily I ascended the throne as an experienced prince and, following the example of his predecessors, actively expanded the boundaries of the Moscow principality: He acquired Nizhny Novgorod and other cities. In 1395, Rus' was in danger of an invasion by Timur, the formidable Tatar khan. Meanwhile, Vasily did not pay tribute to the Tatars, but collected it into the grand ducal treasury. In 1408, the Tatar Murza Edigei attacked Moscow, but after receiving a ransom of 3,000 rubles, he lifted the siege from it. In the same year, after long disputes between Vasily I and the Lithuanian prince Vytautas, both cautious and cunning, the Ugra River was designated as the extreme border of Lithuanian possessions on the Russian side.
Vasily - II the Dark (1425-1462)
Yuri Dmitrievich Galitsky took advantage of Vasily II's youth, declaring his claims to seniority. But at the trial in the horde, the khan leaned in favor of Vasily, thanks to the efforts of the smart Moscow boyar Ivan Vsevolozhsky. The boyar hoped to marry his daughter to Vasily, but was disappointed in his hopes: Offended, he left Moscow to Yuri Dmitrievich and assisted him in taking possession of the grand-ducal throne, on which Yuri died in 1434, when Yuri’s son Vasily the Oblique decided to inherit his father’s power, then all the princes rebelled against him. Vasily -II took him prisoner and blinded him: Then Dmitry Shemyaka, brother of Vasily Kosoy, captured Vasily II by cunning, blinded him and took the Moscow throne. Soon, however, Shemyaka had to give the throne to Vasily II. During the reign of Vasily II, the Greek metropolitan Isidore accepted the Florentine Union (1439), for this Vasily II put Isidore in custody, and the Ryazan Bishop John was installed as metropolitan. Thus, from now on, Russian metropolitans are appointed by a council of Russian bishops. Behind last years Grand Duchy, the internal structure of the Grand Duchy was the subject of the main concerns of Vasily II.
General characteristics of the 6th century
The process of uniting Rus' around Moscow continued. Rivalry with Lithuania begins as a result of the desire of Moscow and Lithuania to unite the entire Russian nation under their rule. The chances of both were more or less the same until the Lithuanian prince Jagiello married the Polish queen Jadwiga and thus began Polish influence in Rus'. This strengthening of Lithuania forced many to reach out to Moscow as an all-Russian center. With the gradual rise of Moscow, the great princes of Moscow sought to destroy the rule of the Tatar khans, which was facilitated by the fall from the Golden Horde of two khanates - the Crimean and Kazan. And so, the desire for unification grows stronger, favorable circumstances emerge: On the one hand, the rise of Moscow, on the other, the weakening of the Tatars, the disintegration of their formidable power. The attempts of the princes to overthrow the yoke begin to gain more chances of success, and a new road is shining before Russia.

7th century, list of events
John - III (1462-1505)
Accepted by his father as a co-ruler, John III Vasilyevich ascended the grand-ducal throne as the full owner of Rus'. He first severely punished the Novgorodians who had decided to become Lithuanian subjects, and in 1478, “for a new offense,” he finally subjugated them. At this time, the Novgorodians lost their veche and self-government, and the Novgorod mayor Maria and the veche bell were sent to John’s camp. In 1485, after the final conquest of other appanages more or less dependent on the Moscow principality, John finally annexed the Tver principality to Moscow. By this time, the Tatars were divided into three independent hordes: Golden, Kazan and Crimean. They were at enmity with each other and were no longer afraid of the Russians. Having secured himself from the Kazan Tatars and entered into an alliance with the Crimean Khan Mengli-Girey, John III in 1480 tore up the Khan's basma, ordered the Khan's ambassadors to be taken to execution, and then overthrew the Tatar yoke without bloodshed. John also emerged victorious in the fight against Lithuania; Alexander of Lithuania ceded the northern region to John. Having been widowed back in 1467, John III entered into marriage with Sophia Palaeologus, the last Byzantine princess, and combined the coat of arms of the Moscow principality, depicting St. George the Victorious, with the double-headed eagle of the Byzantine Empire. From then on, John surrounds himself with splendor and luxury, enters into relations with Western Europe, in relation to the boyars he already shows more independence. He cared a lot about the external decoration of the capital, erected cathedrals in Moscow: Assumption, Archangel, Annunciation, built a stone palace, the Faceted Chamber and several towers of the Moscow Kremlin. In 1497, John published a collection of laws called “Code of Laws”. Since the time of John III, the right to mint coins belongs only to the Grand Duke of Moscow.
Vasily - III (1505-1533)
The son of John III from his marriage to Sophia, Palaeologus Vasily III, was distinguished by his pride and inaccessibility, punishing the descendants of appanage princes and boyars under his control who dared to contradict him. He is "the last collector of the Russian land." Having annexed the last appanages (Pskov, the northern principality), he completely destroyed specific system. He fought twice with Lithuania, following the teachings of the Lithuanian nobleman Mikhail Glinsky, who entered his service, and finally, in 1514, he took Smolensk from the Lithuanians. The war with Kazan and Crimea was difficult for Vasily, but ended in the punishment of Kazan: Trade was diverted from there to the Makaryev fair, which was later moved to Nizhny. Vasily divorced his wife Solomonia and married Princess Elena Glinskaya, which further aroused the boyars who were dissatisfied with him against him. From this marriage Vasily had a son, John.
Elena Glinskaya (1533-1538)
Appointed ruler of the state by Vasily III, the mother of three-year-old John Elena Glinskaya immediately took drastic measures against the boyars who were dissatisfied with her. She made peace with Lithuania and decided to fight the Crimean Tatars, who boldly attacked Russian possessions, but in the midst of preparations for a desperate struggle she died suddenly.
John - IV the Terrible (1538-1584)
Left at the age of 8 in the hands of the boyars, the intelligent and talented Ivan Vasilyevich grew up amid the struggle of parties over the rule of the state, among violence, secret murders and incessant exile. Having himself often suffered oppression from the boyars, he learned to hate them, and the cruelty, riotousness and rudeness that surrounded him contributed to the hardening of his heart. In 1547, John was crowned king and was the first of the Russian sovereigns to take the title of “Tsar of Moscow and All Rus'.” John's marriage to Anastasia Romanova, thanks to the latter's excellent spiritual qualities, had a beneficial effect on him. At the same time, the unrest and disasters that began in the capital and the terrible fires had a strong effect on the impressionable John. He brought honest and kind advisers Sylvester and Adashev closer to him and took up internal affairs. The Tsar convened the electors in 1550 for the first Zemsky Sobor, which approved the first Tsar's code of law, in next year a conciliar resolution was issued for the clergy, called Stoglav. In 1552, Ivan conquered Kazan, which dominated the entire Volga region, and in 1556 the kingdom of Astrakhan was annexed to the Moscow state. The desire to establish himself on the shores of the Baltic Sea forced John to start the Livonian War, which brought him into conflict with Poland and Sweden. The war began quite successfully, but ended with the most unfavorable truce for John with Poland and Sweden: John not only did not establish himself on the shores of the Baltic, but also lost the coast of the Gulf of Finland, after the removal of Sylvester and Adashev who fell out of favor and with the death of the meek Queen Anastasia, in character John there was a significant change for the worse, but the flight of Prince Andrei Kurbsky to Poland aroused John's suspicion of the loyalty of all his boyars. The sad era of "searches", disgrace and executions began. John left Moscow, went with his entourage to the Alexandrovskaya Sloboda and here surrounded himself with guardsmen, whom John contrasted with the rest of the land, the zemshchina. The guardsmen greatly abused their extensive rights. At this time, the holy Metropolitan Philip died, denouncing the king of lawlessness. In 1570, John defeated Novgorod, which was reported to have entered into secret agreements with Poland. In 1582, the Don Cossacks under the command of Ermak conquered the vast Siberian kingdom to the Moscow state. Three years before his death, John, in a fit of anger, hit his son John on the head with a rod, and his son died from this blow. John IV received the popular nickname of the Terrible.
General characteristics of the 7th century
“Collecting” Rus' is already becoming a conscious and persistent task of the Moscow princes. The last destinies are falling.
The state borders coincide with the ethnographic borders of the Great Russian people. Politics from local, Moscow, turns into national Great Russian. In accordance with this, the importance of the prince also increases: He takes the title of sovereign, and soon the king of all Rus' and autocrat. The eldest son receives all the advantages over the younger ones. The struggle that arose between the tsar and the boyars (its reasons are especially clearly revealed in the correspondence of Tsar Ivan the Terrible with the boyar Andrei Kurbsky) ends in favor of the tsar. The hereditary nobility - the boyars - are being pushed aside by the distinguished people - the nobles. In the middle of the 16th century, book printing began in Rus'. The first book to be published was “Acts and Epistles of the Apostles” (1564). After the overthrow of the Tatar yoke, we again come face to face with Western Europe. Its influence penetrates to us through southwestern Rus', which was already drawn into Polish education (culture), especially after the Union of Lublin in 1569. In the 16th century, the Russian Church was freed from subordination to the Greek Church. Metropolitans are installed in Rus' by local bishops at the direction of the grand dukes. The clergy and church continue to act in accordance with the princes. The latter are greatly supported by the Trinity-Sergius Lavra and the Joseph-Volokolamsky Monastery. Thus, the dawn of a new life lights up: The development of educational influence begins, although internal troubles, like a legacy passed from appanage princes to the emerging upper class of boyars, interfere with the correct development of both state and folk life. The civil strife of the princes ended - the civil strife (disputes, localism, envy) of the boyars began.

8th century, list of events
Fyodor Ioannovich (1584-1598)
The second son of John IV, Fyodor, was distinguished by his illness and weak mental abilities, which is why the government of the state soon passed into the hands of the tsar’s brother-in-law, the intelligent and far-sighted boyar Boris Godunov. Having removed all his opponents by disgrace and exile, Godunov surrounded himself with devoted people and became the sovereign ruler of the state. He maintains relations with Western states, builds cities and fortifications on the borders of Rus' and established an Arkhangelsk harbor on the White Sea. According to his thoughts, an independent all-Russian patriarchate was approved and the peasants were finally attached to the land. In 1591, Tsarevich Dmitry, the brother of the childless Tsar Fyodor and his heir, was killed, and six years later Fyodor himself died.
Boris Godunov (1598-1605)
After the abdication of the throne of Tsarina Irina, the wife of Tsar Fyodor and Godunov’s sister, Boris’s adherents, at the insistence of Patriarch Job, convened a Zemsky Sobor, which elected Boris Godunov. The tsar's suspicion and fear of intrigues on the part of the boyars caused disgrace and exile, and the boyar Fyodor Nikitich Romanov was cut under the name of the monk Philaret, and his young son Mikhail was exiled to Beloozero. The boyars became embittered against Boris, and the popular disasters that befell the Muscovite kingdom - a three-year crop failure and pestilence - prompted the people to blame Tsar Boris for everything. The tsar tried to help the starving, added income from government buildings (the bell tower of Ivan the Great), distributed alms, but the people still grumbled, willingly believing rumors about the appearance of the legitimate Tsar Dmitry. In the midst of preparations for the fight against False Dmitry, Godunov died suddenly, bequeathing his throne to his son Fedor.
False Dmitry (1605-1606)
Grigory Otrepyev, as they say, a fugitive monk supported by the Poles, declared himself Tsarevich Dmitry, who allegedly escaped from the murderers in Uglich. With several thousand people he entered Russia. The army sent to the meeting went over to the side of False Dmitry, who was recognized by them as king, and Fyodor Godunov was killed. False Dmitry was a very developed man, distinguished by his intelligence and good nature, he was diligently engaged in state affairs, but he aroused the displeasure of the people and clergy with his disrespect for old Russian customs. The boyars, having spread a rumor about the impostor tsar, led by Vasily Shuisky, formed a conspiracy and killed False Dmitry.
Vasily Shuisky (1606-1610)
The old, indecisive and inexperienced Vasily Shuisky was elected tsar by the boyars and townspeople, and his power was limited. Thanks to rumors that arose about the rescue of the murdered False Dmitry, new unrest began in Russia, which was intensified by the rebellion of the slave Ivan Bolotnikov and the appearance of False Dmitry II, the “Tushino thief” in Tushino. The Polish king went to war against Moscow, and his commanders scattered the Russian troops. Then Tsar Vasily was “reduced” from the throne and forcibly tonsured a monk. A troubled time of interregnum has begun in Russia.
Mikhail Fedorovich (1613-1645)
Thanks to the letters sent out by the Trinity Lavra calling for the defense of the fatherland and Orthodoxy, a large militia under the leadership of Prince Dmitry Pozharsky, with the active participation of the Nizhny Novgorod zemstvo elder Kozma Minin Sukhoruky, headed towards Moscow and, after much effort, liberated the capital from the Poles and rebels. On February 21, 1613, the Great Zemstvo Duma elected Mikhail Fedorovich Romanov as king; after much begging, he ascended the throne and began to pacify internal and external enemies. Mikhail concluded the Stolbov Treaty with Sweden, and the Deulino Treaty (1618) with Poland. According to this last treaty, after a long captivity, Filaret, the tsar's parent, was returned to Russia and was immediately elevated to the rank of patriarch. Filaret became co-ruler and reliable adviser to his son. At the end of the reign of Mikhail Fedorovich, Russia had already significantly recovered from the horrors of the Time of Troubles and began to enter into friendly relations with Western states.
Alexey Mikhailovich (1645-1676)
Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich was one of the best people of ancient Rus'. He not only performed fasts and church rituals, but also had a church feeling. He was of a gentle and “much quiet” character; having offended someone in a short anger, he could not calm down for a long time and sought reconciliation. The tsar's closest advisers in the early years were his uncle b. I. Morozov, in the 50s Patriarch Nikon, in the end boyar A. S. Matveev. Taxes that were unbearable for the people, the injustice of officials, echoes of the old unrest, caused a series of popular riots in different cities (Moscow, Solvychegodsk, Ustyug, Novgorod, Pskov, the riot of Razin, Bryukhovetsky, etc.) and at different times. The voluntary annexation of Little Russia to the Moscow state caused two wars between Russia and Poland. Russia was able to endure these heavy blows only thanks to the concentration of power, unity, correctness and continuity in orders. Of the internal orders under Alexander Mikhailovich, the most significant are: the Council Code of 1649 and, as an addition to it, the new trade charter and new decree articles on robbery and murder and on estates. New central institutions were founded: Orders of secret affairs, grain, reitar, accounting affairs, Little Russian, monastery. Heavy classes are permanently assigned to the place of residence. In the church, Patriarch Nikon undertook the necessary reform - the correction of liturgical books, which, however, caused a schism, i.e., a falling away from the Russian Church. Russian colonialists became famous in Siberia: A. Bulygin, O. Stepanov, E. Khabarov, and others. New cities appeared: Nerchinsk, Irkutsk, Selenginsk. The best people in Moscow were already creating the need for science and transformation. These are the persons as boyars: A.L. Ordyn-Nashchekin, A.S. Matveev, Prince V. Golitsin. After the death of Tsar Alexei, from his first marriage to Maria Milaslavskaya there were children, two sons: Fyodor and John and several daughters; from his second marriage to Natalya Naryshkina, a son, Peter, was born in 1672.
General characteristics of the 8th century
Most of this period is occupied by "turmoil in the Moscow state." The impetus and pretext was the end of the dynasty, the real reason was the selfishness and injustice of the boyars, the ignorance of the people, who had lost the habit of respecting the honor and property of their neighbors during the Tatar yoke, the Cossacks and other “walking” people, and finally the Poles. Strong national and religious ties saved Rus', but having driven out the Poles, the Russians did not completely stop the unrest; its echoes can be seen in the riots of the time of Alexei Mikhailovich. Supreme power XVI-XVII centuries it became so strong that it does not need protection. The rights of the service class are strengthened and developed; it has taken a huge amount of land into its hands. Peasants are attached to the land for economic interests. The representative of the Russian Church, in accordance with the new order, receives the title of patriarch. The government and the patriarch are busy correcting liturgical books, into which many errors have crept in due to the ignorance and illiteracy of copyists and sometimes translators. This correction was completed under Patriarch Nikon. Many did not accept the correction and fell away from the Orthodox Church.

9th century, list of events
Fyodor Alekseevich (1676-1682)
Under Tsar Fyodor Alekseevich, the so-called Little Russian question ended: Eastern Little Russia and Zaporozhye remained with Moscow, and the western part went to Turkey. Under him, localism was abolished - the custom of Moscow boyars to consider the service of their ancestors when taking a place in the military and civil service, in court ceremonies and at the royal table. At the insistence of the tsar, Nikon and Matveev were returned from exile. Tsar Fyodor Alekseevich died childless.
Ivan Alekseevich (1682-1689)
Thanks to Streltsy revolt, Ivan Alekseevich, frail and weak-minded, was recognized as tsar along with the unanimously elected Peter Alekseevich, but Tsarevich Ivan did not take any part in state affairs; he died in 1696. Russia was ruled by Princess Sofia at this time.
Sophia - ruler (1682-1689)
By general opinion, Sofia Alekseevna was “a great mind and the most tender insights, a maiden filled with more masculine intelligence.” She stopped the unrest of the schismatics, curbed the rebellious archers, concluded an “eternal peace” with the Poles that was beneficial for Russia and the Treaty of Nerchinsk with China, and undertook campaigns against the Crimean Tatars. Sophia fell victim to her lust for power. Peter penetrated her plans and imprisoned her in the Novodevichy Convent, where she died in 1704.
Peter the Great (1682-1725)
Tsar Peter the Great Alekseevich is one of the geniuses. His mental strength was extraordinary: a fast, highly embracing mind, an iron will and continuous work. Until the age of 10, Peter goes through an ancient Russian, almost church school; from the age of 10 he becomes a witness bloody events Streltsy rebellion: The intrigues of Sophia the ruler drive him out of the Kremlin palace: He leads an extremely active life, among war games, classes in mathematical and technical sciences and trips to the palace villages. Peter completes his education abroad. He saw a lot, learned a lot and developed extraordinary intelligence and efficiency. He demanded the same from others. Giving all of himself to the service of Russia, Peter believed “in its great future.” He patronized foreigners not for their own sake, but for the sake of the development of sciences, arts, factories and trade in the country. Even before his trip abroad, Peter took the Azov fortress from the Turks. In 1700, in alliance with Denmark and Poland, Peter began the Northern War against Sweden. The first military actions of the Russians against the Swedes, who fought under the command of their young but gifted king Charles XII, were unsuccessful and ended in a major defeat of the Russian troops near Narva: But soon, thanks to Peter’s tireless preparation of new regiments to fight the enemy, the Swedes began to suffer from the Russians defeats. Peter took the Swedish fortress of Noteburg, an ancient nut, in Ingria, renamed it Shlisselburg and in 1703 founded the new capital of St. Petersburg on the banks of the Neva, and founded the fortress of Kronstadt on the island of Kotlin. By founding St. Petersburg, Peter created a strong fortress that provided Russia with access to the Baltic Sea, a convenient port to which many trade routes from the Russian north and center were drawn together, and finally, a new capital that facilitated our relations with Western Europe. Meanwhile Charles XII, having conquered Poland and using the help of the traitor Mazepa, the Little Russian hetman, quickly moved to Little Russia and here in 1709 besieged the city of Poltava. The Poltava battle ended in complete triumph for Peter, Charles XII fled to Turkey and caused the Prut campaign, which was unsuccessful for Russia. Russia had to give up Azov, but the ongoing northern war was happy and ended with the Peace of Nystad, according to which Sweden renounced Livonia, Estonia, Ingria and part of Finland with the city of Vyborg. Peter was given the title of Emperor of All Russia. Of Peter's internal transformations, the most remarkable are: The abolition of the patriarchate in 1700 and the transfer of control of all church affairs into the hands of the "locum tenens of the patriarchal throne", and from 1721 of the Holy Synod, the establishment of a governing senate; in 1711, instead of the former boyar duma, a collegium instead “orders” for each individual branch of government, the transformation of estates, the division of the state into 12 provinces and the establishment of court courts in the most important cities, the organization of special schools and colleges and the creation of a regular army. Everywhere, directly involved in everything, the sovereign transformer cared about the development of Russian trade and industry, about ending the seclusion of women, about softening the morals of society, about improving the life of the lower strata of the people and had a remarkable ability to choose his associates, among whom are famous: Menshikov, Sheremetyev, Dolgoruky , the Golitsyn brothers, Kurakin, Matveev, Shafirov, Yaguzhinsky and foreigners - Osterman, Bruce, Minikh and others. Peter's son from his divorced wife Lopukhina, Tsarevich Alexei, for his obvious disgust at his father's transformations, was put on trial by Peter. The Tsarevich was sentenced to death, but the Tsarevich died before the sentence was carried out. From Peter’s second marriage to Ekaterina Alekseevna, two daughters were born: Anna and Elizaveta. Peter died after catching a cold while rescuing drowning soldiers during a great flood and was named the Great by posterity.
Catherine - I (1725-1727)
Peter the Great did not leave a will. The throne passed to his wife Catherine, not without struggle between different parties. Catherine I opened the Academy of Sciences in 1726, sent Bering to trip around the world and, at the request of Menshikov and his other supporters, established the Supreme Privy Council, Menshikov seized government power into his own hands and persuaded the Empress to appoint Tsarevich Peter Alekseevich, the son of Tsarevich Alexei Petrovich, as heir, and allow him, upon reaching adulthood, to marry Menshikov’s daughter , Princess Maria. During the minority of Tsarevich Peter, Menshikov was appointed ruler of the state.
Peter - II (1727-1730)
Peter II was not king for long and, moreover, all the time under the influence of others. The greedy and autocratic Menshikov fell, but the long-armed ones emerged. To strengthen their influence, they tried in every possible way to distract the emperor from his business with fun and amusements, and decided to marry him to Princess E. A. Dolgoruky. This intention was thwarted early death Petra from smallpox.
Anna Ioannovna (1730-1740)
The Supreme Privy Council decided to limit autocracy and chose the daughter of Tsar John Alekseevich, the Dowager Duchess of Courland Anna Ioannovna, but she was crowned an autocratic empress. The Supreme Privy Council was destroyed and replaced by an equal cabinet. The Russian nobles gave way to the Courlander Biron and the Germans Minich and Ostern. The administration was cruel and disastrous for Russia: At the slightest displeasure, “word and deed” were heard, and those who grumbled were tortured, executed or exiled. In 1733, Russia intervened in the affairs of Poland, and this war cost big casualties: The regions conquered under Peter I were returned to Persia. Of the internal orders of Anna Ioannovna, the most worthy of attention are: Limiting the service life of nobles to 25 years, eliminating the law on single inheritance, establishing a cadet corps in St. Petersburg, increasing the guards of the Izmailovo and cavalry regiments. Before her death, Anna Ioannovna appointed the infant Ivan Antonovich, the son of her niece Anna Leopoldovna, as heir to the throne, and confirmed Biron as regent of the state. Biron was soon overthrown, however, and Anna Leopoldovna, who was completely incapable of governing the state, was declared ruler.
Elizaveta Petrovna (1741-1761)
Many were dissatisfied with Anna Leopoldovna's reign. The Guard carried out a coup and proclaimed the daughter of Peter the Great, Princess Elizabeth, empress. In order to strengthen the throne, Anna Petrovna’s son, Pyotr Fedorovich, was appointed her heir. Under Elizabeth, Russia fought two wars: the Swedish and the so-called Seven Years' War. The war with Sweden ended in peace in Åbo in 1743, according to which part of Finland up to the Kymen River was annexed to Russia. Taking part in the seven-year war (Austria and France with Prussia), Elizaveta Petrovna, in the person of her commanders, greatly constrained the King of Prussia, Frederick II, but the death of the empress served to stop further military actions against Prussia. Of the internal events of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, the most important is the destruction of the cabinet. The Empress returned the Senate to its former significance. She also restored the former magistrate. In 1744, a decree was issued abolishing the death penalty for criminal offenses. She divided Russia into five recruiting districts and established an order in recruitment. The establishment of the first loan banks in Russia for nobles and merchants in 1754, the opening in 1755, according to Lomonosov's plan, of the first university in Moscow and the founding of the first theater in 1756 were beneficial. The Empress's zealous associates in implementing reasonable reforms were Counts Peter and Ivan Shuvalov.
Peter - III (1761-1762)
Good-natured, but incapable of governing the vast Russian state, Peter III aroused all layers of Russian society against himself with his attraction to everything German, to the detriment of Russian interests. He reformed the troops according to the Prussian model, and he made a lot of concessions to Frederick II. The decrees of Peter III on the freedom of the nobility and on the destruction of the secret office were not sufficiently specific. Her attitude towards the empress pushed her towards a coup; on June 28, 1762, Peter III abdicated the throne and soon died alone, abandoned by everyone.
General characteristics of the 9th century
The most important issue in the foreign policy of the Moscow state during this time was the attitude towards Poland, which had captured southwestern Rus'. The annexation of Little Russia to Moscow, which took place back in 1654, and Moscow’s general support for the Russian people and Orthodox faith in the southwest caused a series of wars with Poland. The time of Peter the Great, being a continuation of the foreign and domestic policies of the state of the 17th century, was marked by special energy in carrying out the reforms planned by life. In education, Russia is subject to Western European influence. Writers assimilate the Western European literary form and are active assistants to the government in protecting and disseminating education (Fedor Prokopovich, Stefan Yavorsky, Pososhkov, Tatishchev, Kantemir, Lomonosov, Sumarokov).

10th century, list of events
Catherine - II (1762-1796)
The reign of Catherine II is one of the most remarkable after Peter the Great. By nature, Catherine had great mind and character. Self-education and observation expanded her horizons. With the help of skillfully chosen associates, the Empress created a brilliant period in Russian history. During her reign there were two wars with Turkey. In the first, Rumyantsev Zadunaisky and Orlov Chesmensky especially distinguished themselves. Thanks to their victories, Russia acquired the shores of the Sea of ​​Azov, and Turkey recognized the independence of Crimea. At Potemkin's insistence, Crimea was occupied by the Russians. Cities began to emerge in Novorossiya. The Russian Black Sea Fleet appears. Türkiye declares a second war. They became famous in it: Suvorov, the capture of the Izmail fortress and the victories at Fokshanakh and Rymnik. Türkiye recognized all the northern shores of the Black Sea as Russian possessions. At the very beginning of her reign, Catherine had to intervene in Polish affairs. Unrest in the Polish state and the oppression of dissidents (non-Catholics) was the cause of the Polish partitions. Under the first section, Russia received most Livonia and Belarus to the Dvina, Druch and Dnieper, in the second section the rest of Belarus, Ukraine, Podolia and the eastern part of Polesie and Volyn, in the third section - Lithuania. The wars with Sweden and Persia were fruitless. Popular disasters include the appearance of the plague in Moscow in 1771 and the Pugachev rebellion in 1773-1775. The empress was occupied with more than one external struggle. Her internal transformations are also very remarkable. First of all, Catherine promotes the development of classes. She gives letters of grant to the nobility, prenatal status. In connection with class reforms, a “commission was convened to draft a new code,” something like Zemsky Cathedral. Catherine herself wrote an “instruction” for the leadership of this commission, but the goal was not achieved at all and the commission was soon dissolved. Regarding the provinces, the empress adhered to a policy of centralization. The establishment of the provinces in 1775 divided Russia into 50 provinces, with increased power of governors. In economic terms, the following are important: the transfer of church property to the management of the board of savings, the establishment of a state bank, the introduction of a tax farming system. Catherine II’s numerous concerns about public health were the medical board, smallpox vaccination and education. Cadet corps (engineering and artillery), the Smolny Institute for girls, orphanages in Moscow were established in St. Petersburg, a general charter for public schools was developed, and a Russian academy was opened for the scientific processing of the Russian language. Catherine II, gifted with literary talent, patronized literature and herself took an active part in it. In her comedies, fairy tales and other articles, she served the cause of education no less than with her laws. During her reign, besides Lomonosov, the most famous writers were Derzhavin, Fonvizin and Novikov.
Paul - I (1796-1801)
Emperor Paul I did not approve of the transformations of his sovereign mother and in many ways deviated from her plans and views on governing the state. Upon ascending the throne, he wanted to deal exclusively with state affairs and stop preparations for war with France. He was soon forced to come to the aid of European states in the fight against France. He called Suvorov out of disgrace and sent him to “save the kings.” The Russians inflicted a series of defeats on the French and made an unprecedented crossing of the Alps (Devil's Bridge), but the allies prevented the matter from being completed and Paul I recalled his troops to Russia. Of the internal transformations of Emperor Paul I, the following are remarkable: “Institutions on the imperial family”, on the order of succession to the throne, significant relief for serfs (3-day corvee), the establishment of new women's institutions and the opening of a university in Dorpat.
Alexander - I the Blessed (1801-1825)
Raised by his grandmother, the empress Catherine II and having received a thorough education, Alexander I Pavlovich, upon accession to the throne, declared that he would rule “according to the laws and the heart” of Catherine II, and follow her wise intentions. The first years of the reign of the young emperor were filled with the most rosy hopes. A number of liberation measures of various kinds caused delight in society. But increasingly complicated foreign relations diverted attention from internal tasks. Alexander I was forced to fight Napoleon at the beginning in an alliance with Austria, and the Russians were defeated at Austerlitz: Then in an alliance with Prussia. After the defeat of the Russians at Friedland, Alexander concluded the Peace of Tilzin. Russia accepted Napoleon's continental system, i.e., it pledged not to trade with England. The burden of this system for Russia and Napoleon’s violation of his promises led to a rupture and the war of 1812. Napoleon, at the head of a huge army, invaded Russia: The Russians began to retreat into the country: Such tactics were followed by the commanders Barclay de Tolly and Kutuzov (council in Fili). A bloody battle took place on the Borodino field, but to no avail. Napoleon occupied Moscow, but it was burned by the inhabitants: The French experienced cold and hunger: Then Napoleon moved south: Along the way he was defeated at Maloyaroslavets: His army still suffered from a lack of provisions and severe frosts: When crossing the Berezina River they were almost destroyed the very remains great army. On December 25, 1812, Russia celebrated the liberation of the Russian land from the invasion of the “twelve languages.” Continuing the fight against Napoleon outside Russia in an alliance with Prussia, Austria and Sweden, Alexander I in 1814, after a series of brilliant victories at Kulm, Leipzig and Fer-Champenoise, solemnly entered Paris. In 1815, at the “Congress of Vienna”, the Duchy of Warsaw annexed Russia and a “holy alliance” was concluded between Russia, Prussia and Austria. Of the reforms of Emperor Alexander I, the following are especially remarkable: The establishment of the State Council (1800), ministries (1802) and the Committee of Ministers, the founding of Kazan, Kharkov and St. Petersburg universities, as well as pedagogical institutes and gymnasiums. Tsarsko-Selo lyceums and corps, taking measures to establish a peasant class, in order to facilitate their significant life. The most significant associates of the emperor were: At the beginning of Novosiltsev, Stroganov, Kochubey, then Speransky and at the end of the reign of Arakcheev. At the end of his reign, the emperor's mood was one of fatigue and disappointment. The ardent dreams of youth remained unfulfilled. The reason for this lay in the vagueness of the dreams themselves, the inability to find practical means for their implementation, and partly in the lack of employees. Alexander I trusted Arakcheev, but Arakcheev aroused displeasure among the people with his military settlements. Emperor Alexander I died childless.
Nicholas (1825-1855)
As a result of the abdication of Konstantin Pavlovich, brother of Emperor Alexander I, his younger brother Emperor Nicholas I ascended the throne. In the war with Persia, in 1828, he acquired the khanates of Erivan and Nakhichevan under the Turkmanchay Peace and received a large indemnity. Turkey's war over Greece, which it oppressed, after a series of Russian victories over the Turks, ended with the Peace of Andrianople, which recognized the independence of Greece, defined the Prut and Danube rivers as the borders of Russia and ensured the possibility of the safe existence of Serbia. The Polish uprising, after a series of battles, was suppressed in 1832, the constitution in Poland was destroyed. In 1839, the Uniates reunited with the Orthodox Church. As a result of a new break with Turkey, which was aided by England, France and Sardinia, Emperor Nicholas I had to endure a stubborn struggle with his strongest enemy. They concentrated in Sevastopol, heroically defended by Russian troops. In 1853, the entire Turkish fleet was destroyed at the Battle of Sinop. During the defense of Sevastopol, Emperor Nicholas I suddenly fell ill and died. The fruitful work of Emperor Nicholas I on the internal structure of Russia was marked by: The publication in 1830 of the “complete collection of laws of the Russian Empire”, 45 volumes (this work was led by Speransky and was generously awarded by the emperor, he was elevated to the rank of count and received the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called ). By taking measures to improve the life of peasants, by founding the Kyiv University of St. Vladimir, technological and pedagogical institutes, military academy, law school and cadet corps, holding the Nikolaev and Tsarsko-Selo railways. During the reign of Emperor Nicholas I, great writers of the Russian land showed themselves: Karamzin, Zhukovsky, both of whom actually belonged to the previous reign, Krylov, Griboedov, Pushkin, Lermontov, Gogol, Belinsky. Content
General characteristics of the 10th century
State life is becoming more complicated. In foreign policy, issues are resolved: Polish, Turkish or Eastern. Having gone through several stages from the most favorable in 1829-1833 to the Sevastopol disaster, the Eastern question became a pan-European one. Russia is being drawn into European politics (the fight against Napoleon, the fight against the European revolution). Internally, the central and regional administration is being reformed. Productive forces countries are developing, education is acquiring a national character, especially in the field of art.

11th century, list of events
Alexander - II Liberator (1855-1881)
Alexander II ended the difficult eastern war with the Parisian peace on conditions that were very painful for Russia. Russia ceded to Turkey the mouth of the Danube, part of Bessarabia, Kars and pledged not to establish a fleet in the Black Sea. According to the Aigun Treaty with China in 1858, Russia acquired the vast Amur region, and in 1860 the Ussuri region. In 1864, the Caucasus was finally annexed to Russia, and the leader of the Caucasian highlanders, Shamil, was captured and sent to Russia. In 1863, the Polish rebellion was pacified, the need to protect the eastern border of Russia from the raids of nomads caused our conquest in Central Asia (Turkestan, Khiva). Thanks to some changes in Western Europe, Russia freed itself in 1871 from the harsh conditions of the Paris Treaty: Our right to have a navy on the Black Sea was restored. In 1877, the violence of the Turks against the Orthodox subjects of the Sultan in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the unequal struggle of the Slavic principalities of Serbia and Montenegro with Turkey prompted Emperor Alexander II to take upon himself the defense of the oppressed Christians. The war was waged with varying success against a powerful enemy, and the capture of Kars in 1877 and Plevna with the capture of the Turkish commander-in-chief Ottoman Pasha were especially remarkable. This war revealed the courage and tirelessness of the Russian troops (winter crossing through the Balkans). It ended in 1878. The Treaty of San Stefano, which ensured the independence of Serbia and Montenegro and established the Bulgarian Principality. The Treaty of San Stefano was slightly modified at the Berlin Congress that same year. The emperor's reign was marked by a number of “great reforms” that significantly moved Russian life forward. Of these transformations, the most important: the liberation of the peasants in 1861 and the publication of the “regulations on the structure of the peasants”, the granting of a public, fair, speedy, merciful and dear court to subjects in 1864, zemstvo and city self-government, the publication in 1874 of the charter on military conscription, mandatory for all classes of the state, the establishment of Novorossiysk universities in Odessa and Warsaw, the founding of philological institutes in St. Petersburg and Nizhyn “there used to be a legal lyceum here” and teachers’ seminaries and institutes, the opening of women’s gymnasiums and pro-gymnasiums, and the improvement of communications. Alexander II died on March 1, 1881 at the hands of assassins. The name “liberator” remains in his descendants.
Emperor Alexander - III (1881-1894)
Experienced in state affairs, already upon his accession to the throne, Emperor Alexander III showed a lot of firmness and self-control in governing the state. Emperor Alexander III cared a lot about the needs of the peasant class: He gave it new power in the person of “zemstvo bosses”, established parochial schools, in the interests of improving National economy The Ministry of Agriculture was established. The construction of new railways, of which the most remarkable are the Siberian and Central Asian, contributed to the rise of Russian trade and industry. Energetically concerned about strengthening Russia's military position and for this purpose strengthening the Russian border both from land and from sea, the emperor adhered to a wise policy of non-interference in European affairs. In 1892, Emperor Alexander III entered into friendly relations with France, which was marked for the first time by the arrival of the French squadron in Kronstadt. The Emperor, after a serious illness, died in Livadia on October 20, 1894. The voice of the people gave him the nickname "king-peacemaker."
Sovereign Emperor Nikolai Alexandrovich
The now safely reigning Emperor Nikolai Alexandrovich, the eldest son of the deceased Emperor Alexander III, with his peace-loving policies and cordial responsiveness, immediately attracted the hearts of both his loyal subjects and the people of the whole world. Remaining faithful to the state traditions of his sovereign father, Emperor Nikolai Alexandrovich, in constant concern for the people's welfare, expressed his love not only for his subjects, but also for humanity in general, in a number of manifestos. In this case, the imperial manifesto of August 12, 1898, with its proposal to the powers for general disarmament, is remarkable. A conference of representatives of the powers, convened in The Hague to discuss this proposal, developed a number of measures aimed at preventing a bloody clash of peoples.
General characteristics of the 11th century
The grandiose movement of Russia to the east, the protection of peace to the west and south, “great reforms”, the widespread development of education. Russian literature and art in general, imbued with a high humane feeling and bright faith in the future of the Russian people, are the subject of our pride and European surprise. Goncharov, Turgenev, Dostoevsky, L. Tolstoy, our artists are no less famous in Europe than here.

We know about who the first princes in Rus' were from the works of chroniclers - Nestor, who lived at the turn of the 11th-12th centuries, his contemporary Sylvester and the semi-legendary Joachim, about the reality of whose existence historians cannot assert with complete certainty. It is from their pages that “deeds long ago” come to life before us past years", the memory of which is kept only in the depths of silent steppe mounds and in folk legends.

The first prince of Ancient Rus'

The chronicler Nestor was canonized, therefore, during his lifetime he did not lie, and therefore we will believe everything that he wrote, especially since we, admittedly, have no choice. So, in the middle of the 9th century, the Novgorodians, together with the Krivichi, Chud and the whole, invited three Varangian brothers to rule - Rurik, Sineus and Truvor. The chronicler explains such a strange desire - to voluntarily surrender oneself to the power of foreigners - by the fact that our ancestors lost hope of independently establishing order in their vast lands, and therefore decided to turn to the Varangians for help.

By the way, at all times there have been skeptics among historians. In their opinion, the warlike Scandinavians simply seized the Russian lands and began to rule them, and the legend of voluntary calling was composed only for the sake of trampled national pride. However, this version has also not been proven and is based only on idle reasoning and speculation, and therefore, it is not worth talking about. In the generally accepted view, the first prince of Kievan Rus was an invited guest here.

Reign on the banks of the Volkhov

The first Varangian prince in Rus' was Rurik. He settled in Novgorod in 862. At the same time, his younger brothers began to rule in the estates allotted to them - Sineus in Beloozero, and Truvor in Izborsk. It is curious that Smolensk and Polotsk did not allow foreigners in - either without them the order in the cities was exemplary, or the Varangians simply did not have enough strength to break their resistance. Two years later, Sineus and Truvor simultaneously die, as they say now, “under unclear circumstances,” and their lands are annexed to the possessions of their elder brother Rurik. This became the basis for the subsequent creation of the Russian monarchy.

The chroniclers mentioned above attribute another an important event. Two Varangian princes, Askold and Dir, accompanied by a squad, set off on a campaign against Constantinople, but before reaching the Byzantine capital, they captured the small Dnieper city of Kiev, which later became the capital Ancient Rus'. The campaign they planned to Byzantium did not bring glory, but as the first Kyiv princes Askold and Dir entered our history forever. And although the first Varangian prince in Rus' was Rurik, they also played an important role in the formation of the state.

The treacherous capture of Kyiv

When in 879, after fifteen years of sole reign, Rurik died, he left his young son Igor as heir to the princely throne, and until he came of age appointed his relative Oleg as ruler, the same one whom descendants would call the Prophetic. From the first days, the new ruler showed himself to be a powerful, warlike man and devoid of excessive morality. Oleg conquers Smolensk and Lyubech, everywhere covering his actions with the name of the young prince Igor, in whose interests he allegedly acts. Having begun the conquest of the Dnieper lands, he captured Kyiv by cunning and, having killed Askold and Dir, became its ruler. It is to him that the chroniclers attribute the words that Kyiv is the mother of Russian cities.

Conqueror and conqueror of lands

At the end of the 9th century, the Russian lands were still very scattered, and between Novgorod and Kiev stretched significant territories, populated by foreigners. Oleg and his large retinue conquered many peoples who had until then maintained their independence. These were the Ilmen Slavs, the Chud, Vesi, Drevlyan tribes and many other inhabitants of forests and steppes. Having united them under his rule, he gathered the lands of Novgorod and Kyiv into a single powerful state.

His campaigns put an end to the dominance of the Khazar Kaganate, long years controlled southern territories. Oleg also became famous for his successful campaign against Byzantium, during which, as a sign of victory, he nailed his famous shield, praised by both Pushkin and Vysotsky, to the gates of Constantinople. He returned home with rich booty. The prince died at a ripe old age, satiated with life and glory. Whether the cause of death was the snake that bit him and crawled out of the horse’s skull, or whether it was just a work of fiction is unknown, but the prince’s life itself was brighter and more amazing than any legend.

Massive influx of Scandinavians to Rus'

As can be seen from the above, the first princes in Rus', immigrants from the Scandinavian peoples, saw their main task in the conquest of new lands and the creation of a single state capable of resisting those numerous enemies who continuously encroached on its integrity.

During these years, seeing the success of their fellow tribesmen in Rus', Scandinavians rushed to the Novgorod and Kyiv lands in large numbers, wanting to grab their piece, but, finding themselves among a large and resilient people, they inevitably assimilated into it and soon became part of it. The activities of the first princes of Rus', of course, relied on their support, but over time the foreigners gave way to the indigenous inhabitants.

Period of Igor's reign

With the death of Oleg, his successor appeared on the historical stage, the son of Rurik, who had matured by that time, the young Prince Igor. All his life he tried to achieve the same fame that Oleg got, but fate was not kind to him. Having undertaken two campaigns against Byzantium, Igor became famous not so much for his military success as for his incredible cruelty towards civilians in the countries through which his army moved.

However, he did not return home empty-handed, bringing back abundant booty from his campaigns. His actions against the steppe Pecheneg robbers, whom he managed to drive away to Bessarabia, were also successful. Naturally ambitious and ambitious, the prince ended his life very ingloriously. Once again collecting tribute from the Drevlyans under his control, with his irrepressible greed he drove them to the extreme, and they, revolting and killing their squad, betrayed him to a brutal death. His actions expressed the entire policy of the first princes of Rus' - the search for fame and wealth at any cost. Unencumbered by any moral standards, they considered all paths leading to achieving the goal acceptable.

Princess, canonized

After Igor's death, power passed to his widow, Princess Olga, whom the prince married in 903. Beginning her reign, she brutally dealt with the Drevlyans, her husband’s killers, sparing neither the elderly nor children. The princess set out on the campaign with her young son Svyatoslav, wanting to early years accustom him to swearing.

According to most historians, Olga, as a ruler, deserves praise, and this is due primarily to her wise decisions and good deeds. This woman managed to adequately represent Rus' in the world. Her special merit is that she was the first to bring the light of Orthodoxy to Russian soil. For this, the church canonized her as a saint. While still a pagan, in 957 she headed an embassy heading to Byzantium. Olga understood that without Christianity it was impossible to strengthen the prestige of the state and the ruling dynasty.

Newly baptized servant of God Elena

The sacrament of Baptism was performed on her in the Church of St. Sophia personally by the patriarch, and as godfather The emperor himself spoke. The princess emerged from the holy font with the new name Elena. Unfortunately, having returned to Kyiv, she was unable to persuade her son Svyatoslav, like all the first princes in Rus', who worshiped Perun, to accept the faith of Christ. All of boundless Rus' remained in the darkness of paganism, which was to be illuminated by her grandson, the future Prince of Kyiv Vladimir, with the rays of true faith.

Prince-conqueror Svyatoslav

Princess Olga died in 969 and was buried according to Christian custom. A characteristic feature of her reign was that she limited her activities only to concerns government, leaving the male princes to wage war and assert her power with the sword. Even Svyatoslav, having matured and received all the princely powers, was busy with campaigns, boldly left the state in the care of his mother.

Having inherited power from his mother, Prince Svyatoslav devoted himself entirely to military campaigns, wanting to revive the glory of Rus', which shone so brightly during the time of Prince Oleg. By the way, he was perhaps the first to begin to follow the laws of knightly honor. The prince, for example, considered it unworthy to attack the enemy by surprise, and it was to him that the famous phrase “I’m coming at you!”

Possessing an iron will, a clear mind and military leadership talent, Svyatoslav managed to annex many lands to Rus' over the years of his reign, significantly expanding its territory. Like all the first princes in Rus', he was a conqueror, one of those who, with his sword, conquered a sixth of the land for the future Russian state.

The struggle for power and the victory of Prince Vladimir

The death of Svyatoslav became the beginning of a struggle for power between his three sons - Yaropolk, Oleg and Vladimir, each of whom, having his own legal inheritance, sought to seize the territories of his brothers by treachery and force. After several years of mutual hostility and intrigue, Vladimir won, becoming the sole and rightful ruler.

He, like his father, showed extraordinary military leadership abilities, pacifying the revolts of the peoples under his control and conquering new ones. However, the main merit that truly immortalized his name was the Baptism of Rus', which took place in 988 and put the young state on a par with European countries, which had long before received the light of the Christian faith.

The end of the life of the holy prince

But at the end of his life, the Baptist of Rus' was destined to experience many bitter moments. The passion for power consumed the soul of his son Yaroslav, who ruled in Novgorod, and he rebelled against his own father. To pacify him, Vladimir was forced to send a squad under the command of his other son Boris to the rebellious city. This caused the prince severe psychological trauma, from which he was unable to recover and died on July 15, 1015.

For his services to the state and the Russian Orthodox Church Prince Vladimir entered the history of our homeland with the addition of the epithet Great or Holy to his name. A special proof of the people's love for this outstanding man is the trace that he left in the folk epic, which mentioned him in epics about Ilya Muromets, Dobrynya of Novgorod and many other Russian heroes.

Ancient Rus': the first princes

This is how the formation of Russia took place, rising from the darkness of paganism and becoming over time a powerful power, one of the legislators of European politics. But since Rus', during the reign of the first princes, stood out from among other nations, establishing its superiority over them, it had a long and hard way, which included the process of evolution of state power. It continued throughout the entire period of Russian autocracy.

The concept of “the first Russian prince in Rus'” can be considered very conditional. The entire family of Rurik princes, which originated from the legendary Varangian who came to the banks of the Volkhov in 862 and ended with the death of Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich, carries Scandinavian blood, and it is hardly fair to call its members purely Russian. Numerous appanage princes who were not directly related to this dynasty also mostly had either Tatar or Western European roots.

But who the first prince of all Rus' is can be said with some accuracy. It is known from the chronicles that for the first time the title, which emphasized that its owner was not just the Grand Duke, but the ruler of “all Rus',” was awarded to Mikhail Yaroslavovich Tverskoy, who ruled at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries. The first Moscow prince of all Rus' is also reliably known. It was Ivan Kalita. His followers also bore the same title, right up to the first Russian Tsar Ivan the Terrible. The main line of their foreign policy was the expansion of borders Russian state and the annexation of new lands to it. Domestic policy boiled down to the comprehensive strengthening of centralized princely power.

The first rulers of Ancient Rus' (from the formation of the state to the period of feudal fragmentation).

The founder of the Rurik dynasty, the first ancient Russian prince.
According to the Tale of Bygone Years, he was called to reign in 862 by the Ilmen Slovenes, Chud and all of the Varangian lands.
He reigned first in Ladoga, and then in all Novgorod lands.
Before his death, he transferred power to his relative (or senior warrior) - Oleg.

The first real ruler of Ancient Rus', who united the lands of the Slavic tribes along the path “from the Varangians to the Greeks.”
In 882 he captured Kyiv and made it the capital of the ancient Russian state, killing Askold and Dir, who had previously reigned there.
He subjugated the tribes of the Drevlyans, Northerners, and Radimichi.
Strengthened the foreign policy situation. In 907, he made a successful military campaign against Constantinople, which resulted in two beneficial for Rus' peace treaties(907 and 911).

He expanded the borders of the Old Russian state, subjugating the Ulich tribe and contributing to the founding of Russian settlements on the Taman Peninsula.
He repelled the raids of the Pecheneg nomads.
Organized military campaigns against Byzantium:
1) 941 - ended in failure;
2) 944 - conclusion of a mutually beneficial agreement.
Killed by the Drevlyans while collecting tribute in 945.

The wife of Prince Igor, she ruled in Rus' during the childhood of her son Svyatoslav and during his military campaigns.
For the first time, she established a clear procedure for collecting tribute (“polyudya”) by introducing:
1) lessons in determining the exact amounts of tribute;
2) graveyards - establishing places for collecting tribute.
She visited Byzantium in 957 and converted to Christianity under the name Helen.
In 968 she led the defense of Kyiv from the Pechenegs.

Son of Prince Igor and Princess Olga.
Initiator and leader of many military campaigns:
- Defeat of the Khazar Kaganate and its capital Itil (965)
- Hiking to Danube Bulgaria. Wars with Byzantium (968 - 971)
- Military clashes with the Pechenegs (969 - 972)
- Treaty between Russia and Byzantium (971)
Killed by the Pechenegs during their return from Bulgaria in 972 on the Dnieper rapids.

In 972 - 980 The first internecine war for power takes place between the sons of Svyatoslav - Vladimir and Yaropolk. Vladimir wins and establishes himself on Kiev throne.
980 - Vladimir carries out pagan reform. A pantheon of pagan gods is created, led by Perun. An attempt to adapt paganism to the needs of the Old Russian state and society ended in failure.
988 - adoption of Christianity in Rus'.
(Reasons for accepting Christianity:
- the need to strengthen the power of the Kyiv prince and the need for state unification on a new spiritual basis;
- justification of social inequality;
- the need to introduce Rus' to pan-European political realities, spiritual and cultural values.
The meaning of accepting Christianity:
- strengthened the state and the power of the prince;
- increased the international authority of Rus';
- contributed to the introduction of Rus' to Byzantine culture.)
Under Vladimir, the Old Russian state was further expanded and strengthened. Vladimir finally conquered the Radimichi, made successful campaigns against the Poles and Pechenegs, and founded new fortress-cities: Pereyaslavl, Belgorod, etc.

He established himself on the Kiev throne after long strife with Svyatopolk the Accursed (he received his nickname after the murder of his brothers Boris and Gleb, who were later canonized as saints) and Mstislav of Tmutarakan.
He contributed to the flourishing of the Old Russian state, patronized education and construction.
Contributed to the rise of the international authority of Rus'. Established broad dynastic ties with European and Byzantine courts.
Conducted military campaigns:
- to the Baltic states;
- to the Polish-Lithuanian lands;
- to Byzantium.
Finally defeated the Pechenegs.
Prince Yaroslav the Wise is the founder of written Russian legislation ("Russian Truth", "Pravda Yaroslav").

Grandson of Yaroslav the Wise, son of Prince Vsevolod the First and Maria, daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine the Ninth Monomakh. Prince of Smolensk (from 1067), Chernigov (from 1078), Pereyaslavl (from 1093), Grand Prince of Kiev (from 1113).
Prince Vladimir Monomakh - organizer of successful campaigns against the Polovtsians (1103, 1109, 1111)
He advocated the unity of Rus'. Participant of the congress of ancient Russian princes in Lyubech (1097), which discussed the harmfulness of civil strife, the principles of ownership and inheritance of princely lands.
He was called to reign in Kyiv during the popular uprising of 1113, which followed the death of Svyatopolk II. Reigned until 1125
He put into effect the “Charter of Vladimir Monomakh”, where interest on loans was legally limited and it was forbidden to enslave dependent people working off their debt.
Stopped the collapse of the Old Russian state. He wrote a “Teaching,” in which he condemned strife and called for the unity of the Russian land.
Continued the policy of strengthening dynastic connections with Europe. He was married to the daughter of the English king Harold the Second - Gita.

Son of Vladimir Monomakh. Prince of Novgorod (1088 - 1093 and 1095 - 1117), Rostov and Smolensk (1093 - 1095), Belgorod and co-ruler of Vladimir Monomakh in Kyiv (1117 - 1125). From 1125 to 1132 - autocratic ruler of Kyiv.
He continued the policy of Vladimir Monomakh and managed to preserve a unified Old Russian state.
Annexed the Principality of Polotsk to Kyiv in 1127.
Organized successful campaigns against the Polovtsians, Lithuania, and the Chernigov prince Oleg Svyatoslavovich.
After his death, almost all the principalities came out of obedience to Kyiv. A specific period begins - feudal fragmentation.