All the rulers of Russia from Rurik to Putin in chronological order. Grand Dukes of Ancient Rus'

First of all, it should be noted that during the reign of the first Kyiv princes. Rus' developed, gained strength, fought for the unification of the Slavic tribes and their lands. It should be noted that the strengthening of ancient Russian statehood was inextricably linked with the struggle that Kyiv waged with the Khazars and others

nomadic tribes. Kievan Rus pursued an active foreign policy. Its rulers established diplomatic relations with neighboring countries. This was the time when the foundations of ancient Russian statehood were laid, cities and the culture of ancient Rus' developed. It is no coincidence that even in ancient times Kyiv was called “the mother of Russian cities.” The first ancient Russian ruler was Oleg (882-912?). With him

The custom of regular collection of tribute - polyudya - was established. At the same time, a clearly organized preparation of the entire infrastructure for the collection, storage and transportation of collected goods was created for sending them

to the markets of Byzantium. Oleg, defending the interests of Russian merchants, made trips to Constantinople and concluded a peace treaty with Byzantium. In people's memory he remained under the name " prophetic Oleg" Prince Igor (912-945), is considered the son of Rurik, it is from him (according to tradition) that the Rurik family descends. He made several trips to the Slavic lands and launched military raids on Byzantium and Asia Minor. This Kyiv prince ended his days very tragically. An attempt by Igor and his squad to collect tribute from the Drevlyan tribe a second time ended in an uprising, during which Igor was caught and executed. After Igor's death, his widow, Princess Olga (945-964), ascended the Kiev throne. She introduced customary norms for collecting tribute, lessons and regulations, and under her the system of graveyards was restored, i.e. places for collecting and storing goods.

Olga was one of the first in Rus' to convert to Christianity. She was subsequently canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church. Her son Svyatoslav (964-972) is known primarily as a warrior prince. Most of my short life he spent in campaigns and battles. He defeated the Khazar Khaganate and destroyed Khazar cities. Svyatoslav sought to gain a foothold on the Danube and move his capital there. However, in the spring of 972, returning from Bulgaria after a difficult war with Byzantium, he was killed by the Pechenegs on the Dnieper rapids.

After a long internecine war in 980, Svyatoslav’s son Vladimir (980-1015) ascended the Kiev throne. Under him, Kievan Rus expanded its borders even more. Vladimir undertook a series of campaigns between the Oka and Volga rivers. During this period, an attempt was made to gain a foothold on the shores of the Baltic. Vladimir

sought to strengthen his state. Under him, instead of tribal princes, his proteges were appointed as local managers. He stubbornly fought the Pechenegs and continued to strengthen the southern borders

states. In order to culturally integrate the lands, Vladimir first attempted to create a single pantheon of pagan gods in Kyiv. However, this attempt was unsuccessful. After that at 988

Vladimir converted to Christianity. The history of the adoption of Christianity shows that this process was lengthy and bears little resemblance to the “triumphant march” of the new faith across Rus'. It was difficult and

Information about the first rulers of Rus' is drawn mainly from chronicles. But since the earliest of the chronicles that have reached us, “The Tale of Bygone Years,” was compiled in the 1110s, ideas about the individuals who were at the head of the historical movement of Rus' in the 9th - early 10th centuries (that is, two and - especially - three centuries earlier, the creation of this code) is largely vague and often contradictory. Cue. The first ruler of Rus' (southern) was Kiy, who, according to the chronicle, founded Kyiv. As already noted, according to the convincing arguments of M.N. Tikhomirov, this happened at the turn of the 8th-9th centuries, in the 790-800s. The most significant thing is that the fate of Kiy, all his deeds appear as a kind of grain, the seed of the entire initial history, all the main achievements, the fruit of which was the creation of the state of Rus'.

Ryumrik (d. 879) - the chronicle founder of the statehood of Rus', the Varangian, the Novgorod prince and the founder of the princely, which later became the royal, Rurik dynasty.

Askomld (presumably Old Norse. Haskuldr or Htskuldr, other - Russian Askold) - Varangian from Rurik’s squad, Kiev prince in 864-882. (ruled together with Deer).

According to the Tale of Bygone Years, Askold and Dir were boyars of the Novgorod prince Rurik, who released them on a campaign against Constantinople. They settled in Kyiv, seizing power over the Polans, who at that time did not have their own prince and paid tribute to the Khazars (864).

Olemg (Vemshchiy Olemg, other - Russian Olg, d. 912) - Varangian, prince of Novgorod (from 879) and Kiev (from 882). Often seen as the founder Old Russian state.

The chronicle gives his nickname Prophetic, that is, one who knows the future, who sees the future. Named so immediately after returning from the 907 campaign against Byzantium.

Oleg II. As has already been said, after Oleg the Prophet, there was obviously a “second” Oleg who ruled, who in oral traditions merged with the first; it is possible that he was the son of the first. The reign of the “second” Oleg is documented by a “Khazar letter” compiled in the mid-10th century, which tells about the events of the late 930s - early 940s. The letter refers to the then ruler Khazar Khaganate Joseph, the Byzantine Emperor Roman I Lekapin (919-944) and the “Tsar of Rus'” Khlgu (Oleg). I quote the latest translation of a fragment of this letter, belonging to A.P. Novoseltsev.

Prince Igor made two military campaigns against Byzantium. The first, in 941, ended unsuccessfully. It was also preceded by an unsuccessful military campaign against Khazaria, during which Rus', acting at the request of Byzantium, attacked the Khazar city of Samkerts on the Taman Peninsula, but was defeated by the Khazar commander Pesach, and then turned its arms against Byzantium. The second campaign against Byzantium took place in 944. It ended with an agreement that confirmed many provisions previous agreements 907 and 911, but which abolished duty-free trade. In 943 or 944, a campaign was made against Berdaa. In 945, Igor was killed while collecting tribute from the Drevlyans. After Igor's death, due to the minority of his son Svyatoslav, real power was in the hands of Igor's widow, Princess Olga. She became the first ruler of the Old Russian state to officially accept Christianity of the Byzantine rite (according to the most reasoned version, in 957, although other dates are also proposed). However, around 959 Olga invited the German bishop Adalbert and priests of the Latin rite to Rus' (after the failure of their mission they were forced to leave Kyiv).

Around 962, the matured Svyatoslav took power into his own hands. His first action was the subjugation of the Vyatichi (964), who were the last of all the East Slavic tribes to pay tribute to the Khazars. In 965, Svyatoslav made a campaign against the Khazar Kaganate, taking its main cities by storm: Sarkel, Semender and the capital Itil. On the site of the city of Sarkela, he built the Belaya Vezha fortress. Svyatoslav also made two trips to Bulgaria, where he intended to create his own state with its capital in the Danube region. He was killed in a battle with the Pechenegs while returning to Kyiv from an unsuccessful campaign in 972.

After the death of Svyatoslav, civil strife broke out for the right to the throne (972-978 or 980). The eldest son Yaropolk became the great prince of Kyiv, Oleg received the Drevlyan lands, Vladimir - Novgorod. In 977, Yaropolk defeated Oleg’s squad, Oleg died. Vladimir fled “overseas”, but returned 2 years later with a Varangian squad. During the civil strife, Svyatoslav's son Vladimir Svyatoslavich (reigned 980-1015) defended his rights to the throne. Under him, the formation of the state territory of Ancient Rus' was completed, the Cherven cities and Carpathian Rus' were annexed.

Vladimir I Svyatoslavich (Holy, Great, Red Sun, Equal to the Apostles) (956-1015) - Grand Duke of Kiev from 980, under whom the formation of Russian statehood was completed. In 980 he defeated the army of his brother Yaropolk and killed him. By campaigns against the Vyatichi, Radimichi and Bulgarians he strengthened the Old Russian state. Conquered Chervona Rus (Galicia) on both sides of the Carpathians, defeated the Yatvingians. Cherven, Przemysl and other cities were captured from the Poles. Under him, the first crossing line was built along the Stugna, Sula and Desna rivers. There was a flourishing of the economy and culture (“the epic period of Russian history”). The minting of coins in Rus' began - “seryabreniki” and “zlatnikov” of Vladimir Svyatoslavich. The first years of his reign were marred by the cruelty of his character, zealous worship of idols and a penchant for polygamy. After the Korsun history in 988 he began the Christianization of Rus'. The Church canonized him and called him “equal to the apostles.” At nine largest centers In Rus', he put his sons to reign: in Novgorod (the land of the Slovenes) - Vysheslav, later Yaroslav, in Polotsk (Krivichi) - Izyaslav, in Turov (Dregovichi) - Svyatopolk, in the land of the Drevlyans - Svyatoslav, in Vladimir-Volynsky (Volynians) - Vsevolod, Smolensk (Krivichi) - Stanislav, Rostov - the land of the Finnish-speaking tribe Merya) - Yaroslav, later Boris, in Murom (Finnish-speaking tribe of the Murom) - Gleb, Tmutarakan - Mstislav. After the death of Vladimir, a fierce struggle for power unfolds between his heirs. That. under Vladimir I, Russian statehood strengthened:

Vladimir II Vsevolodovich (Monomakh) (1053-1125) - grandson of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine Monomakh and Yaroslav the Wise, Grand Duke Kyiv at 1113, 3 MY-1125. Supporter of strengthening the unity of Rus'. In conditions when the heirs of Yaroslav the Wise fought for Kyiv, he continued to reign in southern Pereyaslavl and guard the borders of the state. He pursued an active foreign policy. Made 83 military campaigns. By this, Vladimir gained authority among the people of Kiev, which predetermined his invitation by the townspeople to the throne. He repelled the danger from the Polovtsians; one of the hordes, led by Sharukan’s son Otrok, was forced to leave the Don region to North Caucasus. In 1116-1118, Vladimir organized a large-scale military and political attack on Byzantium. The Byzantine historian Michael Psellus wrote: “This barbarian tribe is constantly seething with anger and hatred towards the Roman power and is looking for a pretext for war with us.” The Kiev prince set as his goal to place his son-in-law Leon on the throne of Constantinople, posing as the son of the Byzantine emperor Roman IV Diogenes, and after his death as a result of the murder of Leon's son Vasily (his grandson) inspired by Emperor Alexios I Komnenos. These attempts failed, but their result was the strengthening of the influence of Rus' on the left bank of the Lower Danube. He defeated the Polovtsians and destroyed their capital - Sharukan (Urukan - Kharkov); forced them to leave Southern Urals and to Northern Kazakhstan. He convened a princely congress in Vydobychi, where it was decided to invite the Jews to leave the borders of Kievan Rus. The chronicle calls him “a brotherly lover, a lover of the poor and a good sufferer for the Russian land.” “Lesson for Children” by Vladimir Monomakh - shining example secular moralistic literature of the 12th century. In the “Teaching” he advises not to break an oath, not to kill either the right or the wrong, and not to command killing.

Rurikovich.

862 –1598

Kyiv princes.

Rurik

862 – 879

IX century – formation of the Old Russian state.

Oleg

879 – 912

882 - unification of Novgorod and Kyiv.

907, 911 – campaigns against Constantinople (Constantinople); signing a treaty between Rus' and the Greeks.

Igor

912 – 945

941, 944 - Igor's campaigns against Byzantium. /the first one is unsuccessful/

945 - Treaty between Rus' and the Greeks. /not as profitable as Oleg/

Olga

945 –957 (964)

/regetsha of the young prince Svyatoslav/

945 - an uprising in the land of the Drevlyans. Introduction of lessons and graveyards.

Svyatoslav

I957 –972.

964 – 966 - defeat of the Kama Bulgarians, Khazars, Yases, Kosogs. The annexation of Tmutarakan and Kerch, a trade route to the East was opened.

967 – 971 - war with Byzantium.

969 - appointment of his sons as governors: Yaropolk in Kyiv, Oleg in Iskorosten, Vladimir in Novgorod.

Yaropolk

972 – 980

977 - the death of Prince Oleg in the struggle with his brother Yaropolk for leadership in Rus', the flight of Prince Vladimir to the Varangians.

978 - victory of Yaropolk over the Pechenegs.

980g. - Defeat of Yaropolk in the battle with Prince Vladimir. Murder of Yaropolk.

VladimirISaint

980 – 1015

980g. – pagan reform /unified pantheon of gods/.

988 –989 - adoption of Christianity in Rus'.

992, 995 - battles with the Pechenegs.

Svyatopolk the Accursed

1015 - 1019

1015 - the beginning of strife between the sons of Vladimir. The murder of the young princes Boris and Gleb on the orders of Svyatopolk.

1016 - the battle of the princes of the skiatopolk and Yaroslav near Lyubich. Flight of Svyatopolk to Poland.

1018 – return of Svyatopolk to Kyiv. Flight of Yaroslav to Novgorod.

1018 – 1019 -war between Yaroslav and Svyatopolk.

Yaroslav the Wise

1019 –1054

Beginning XI century - compilation of the “Russian Truth” (Yaroslav’s Truth), which consisted of 17 articles (according to academician B.A. Rybakov, this was an instruction on fines for scandals and fights).

1024 - the battle between Yaroslav and his brother Mstislav Listven for control over all territories of Rus'.

1025g. - division of the Russian state along the Dnieper. Mstislav is the eastern, and Yaroslav is the western part of the state.

1035 - death of Mstislav Vladimirovich. Transfer of his inheritance to Yaroslav.

1036 – formation of the Kyiv Metropolis

1037 – the beginning of construction of the Church of St. Sophia in Kyiv.

1043 - Vladimir Yaroslavich’s unsuccessful campaign against Byzantium.

1045 - the beginning of construction of the Church of St. Sophia in Novgorod.

IzyaslavIYaroslavich

1054 – 1073, 1076 – 1078

1068 - defeat of the Yaroslavichs on the river. Alte from the Polovtsians.

1068 – 1072 – popular uprisings in Kyiv, Novgorod, Rostov-Suzdal and Chernigov lands. Supplementation of “Russian Pravda” with “Pravda Yaroslavichs”.

Svyatoslav

II 1073 –1076gg.

Vsevolod

1078 – 1093

1079 - speech of the Tmutarakan prince Roman Svyatoslavich against Vsevolod Yaroslavich.

SvyatopolkIIIzyaslavich

1093 – 1113

1093 - the devastation of Southern Rus' by the Polovtsians.

1097 - Congress of Russian princes in Lyubich.

1103 - defeat of the Polovtsians by Svyatopolk and Vladimir Monomakh.

1113 – the death of Svyatopolk II, the uprising of townspeople, smerds and purchases in Kyiv.

Vladimir Monomakh

1113 – 1125

1113 – addition of “Russkaya Pravda” to the “Charter” of Prince Vladimir Monomakh on “purchases” /debtors/ and “cuts” /interest/.

1113 –1117 - writing “The Tale of Bygone Years.”

1116 - the campaign of Vladimir Monomakh with the sons of the Polovtsians.

Mstislav the Great

1125 – 1132

1127 – 1130 - Mstislav’s struggle with the Polotsk appanage princes. Their exile to Byzantium.

1131 – 1132 – successful campaigns in Lithuania.

Strife in Rus'.

Moscow princes.

Daniil Alexandrovich 1276 – 1303

Yuri Danilovich 1303 –1325

Ivan Kalita 1325 – 1340

Semyon the Proud 1340 – 1355553

IvanIIRed 1353–1359

Dmitry Donskoy1359 –1389

VasilyI1389 – 1425

VasilyIIDark 1425 – 1462

IvanIII1462 – 1505

VasilyIII1505 – 1533

IvanIVGrozny 1533 – 1584

Fyodor Ivanovich 1584 – 1598

The end of the Rurik dynasty.

Troubled times.

1598 – 1613

Boris Godunov 1598 – 1605

False DmitryI1605 – 1606

Vasily Shuisky 1606 – 1610

"Seven Boyars" 1610 - 1613.

Romanov dynasty.

1613 –1917

Nicholas II (1894 - 1917) Due to the stampede that occurred during his coronation, many people died. Thus, the name “Bloody” was attached to the kindest philanthropist Nikolai. In 1898, Nicholas II, caring for world peace, issued a manifesto calling on all countries in the world to completely disarm. After this, a special commission met in The Hague to develop a number of measures that could further prevent bloody clashes between countries and peoples. But the peace-loving emperor had to fight. First in the First World War, then the Bolshevik coup broke out, as a result of which the monarch was overthrown, and then he and his family were shot in Yekaterinburg. The Orthodox Church canonized Nikolai Romanov and his entire family as saints.

Rurik (862-879)

The Novgorod prince, nicknamed Varangian, as he was called to reign over the Novgorodians from across the Varangian Sea. is the founder of the Rurik dynasty. He was married to a woman named Efanda, with whom he had a son named Igor. He also raised Askold’s daughter and stepson. After his two brothers died, he became the sole ruler of the country. He gave all the surrounding villages and suburbs to the management of his confidants, where they had the right to independently conduct justice. Around this time, Askold and Dir, two brothers who were in no way connected with Rurik family ties, occupied the city of Kyiv and began to rule the glades.

Oleg (879 - 912)

Prince of Kyiv, nicknamed the Prophetic. Being a relative of Prince Rurik, he was the guardian of his son Igor. According to legend, he died after being bitten in the leg by a snake. Prince Oleg became famous for his intelligence and military valor. With a huge army at that time, the prince went along the Dnieper. On the way, he conquered Smolensk, then Lyubech, and then took Kyiv, making it the capital. Askold and Dir were killed, and Oleg showed the clearings little son Rurik - Igor as their prince. He went on a military campaign to Greece and with a brilliant victory secured the Russians preferential rights to free trade in Constantinople.

Igor (912 - 945)

Following the example of Prince Oleg, Igor Rurikovich conquered all the neighboring tribes and forced them to pay tribute, successfully repelled the raids of the Pechenegs and also undertook a campaign in Greece, which, however, was not as successful as the campaign of Prince Oleg. As a result, Igor was killed by neighboring conquered tribes of the Drevlyans for his irrepressible greed in extortions.

Olga (945 - 957)

Olga was the wife of Prince Igor. She, according to the customs of that time, very cruelly took revenge on the Drevlyans for the murder of her husband, and also conquered the main city of the Drevlyans - Korosten. Olga was distinguished by very good leadership abilities, as well as a brilliant, sharp mind. Already at the end of her life, she converted to Christianity in Constantinople, for which she was subsequently canonized and named Equal to the Apostles.

Svyatoslav Igorevich (after 964 - spring 972)

The son of Prince Igor and Princess Olga, who, after the death of her husband, took the reins of power into her own hands while her son grew up, learning the intricacies of the art of war. In 967, he managed to defeat the army of the Bulgarian king, which greatly alarmed the Byzantine emperor John, who, in cahoots with the Pechenegs, persuaded them to attack Kyiv. In 970, together with the Bulgarians and Hungarians, after the death of Princess Olga, Svyatoslav went on a campaign against Byzantium. The forces were not equal, and Svyatoslav was forced to sign a peace treaty with the empire. After his return to Kyiv, he was brutally killed by the Pechenegs, and then Svyatoslav’s skull was decorated with gold and made into a bowl for pies.

Yaropolk Svyatoslavovich (972 - 978 or 980)

After the death of his father, Prince Svyatoslav Igorevich, made an attempt to unite Rus' under his rule, defeating his brothers: Oleg Drevlyansky and Vladimir of Novgorod, forcing them to leave the country, and then annexed their lands to the Principality of Kyiv. He managed to conclude new agreement with the Byzantine Empire, and also to attract the horde of the Pecheneg Khan Ildea into his service. Tried to establish diplomatic relations with Rome. Under him, as the Joachim manuscript testifies, Christians were given a lot of freedom in Rus', which caused the displeasure of the pagans. Vladimir of Novgorod immediately took advantage of this displeasure and, having agreed with the Varangians, recaptured Novgorod, then Polotsk, and then besieged Kyiv. Yaropolk was forced to flee to Roden. He tried to make peace with his brother, for which he went to Kyiv, where he was a Varangian. Chronicles characterize this prince as a peace-loving and meek ruler.

Vladimir Svyatoslavovich (978 or 980 - 1015)

Vladimir was youngest son Prince Svyatoslav. He was Prince of Novgorod since 968. Became Prince of Kyiv in 980. He was distinguished by a very warlike disposition, which allowed him to conquer the Radimichi, Vyatichi and Yatvingians. Vladimir also waged wars with the Pechenegs, with Volga Bulgaria, with the Byzantine Empire and Poland. It was during the reign of Prince Vladimir in Rus' that defensive structures were built on the boundaries of the rivers: Desna, Trubezh, Osetra, Sula and others. Vladimir also did not forget about his capital city. It was under him that Kyiv was rebuilt with stone buildings. But Vladimir Svyatoslavovich became famous and remained in history thanks to the fact that in 988 - 989. made Christianity the state religion of Kievan Rus, which immediately strengthened the country’s authority in the international arena. Under him, the state of Kievan Rus entered its period of greatest prosperity. Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavovich became an epic character, in which he is referred to as “Vladimir the Red Sun.” Canonized by Russian Orthodox Church, named Prince Equal to the Apostles.

Svyatopolk Vladimirovich (1015 - 1019)

During his lifetime, Vladimir Svyatoslavovich divided his lands between his sons: Svyatopolk, Izyaslav, Yaroslav, Mstislav, Svyatoslav, Boris and Gleb. After Prince Vladimir died, Svyatopolk Vladimirovich occupied Kyiv and decided to get rid of his rival brothers. He gave the order to kill Gleb, Boris and Svyatoslav. However, this did not help him establish himself on the throne. Soon he himself was expelled from Kyiv by the prince Novgorodsky Yaroslav. Then Svyatopolk turned for help to his father-in-law, King Boleslav of Poland. With the support of the Polish king, Svyatopolk again captured Kiev, but soon circumstances developed such that he was again forced to flee the capital. On the way, Prince Svyatopolk committed suicide. This prince was popularly nicknamed the Damned because he took the lives of his brothers.

Yaroslav Vladimirovich the Wise (1019 - 1054)

Yaroslav Vladimirovich, after the death of Mstislav of Tmutarakansky and after the expulsion of the Holy Regiment, became the sole ruler of the Russian land. Yaroslav was distinguished by a sharp mind, for which, in fact, he received his nickname - the Wise. He tried to take care of the needs of his people, built the cities of Yaroslavl and Yuryev. He also built churches (St. Sophia in Kyiv and Novgorod), understanding the importance of spreading and establishing the new faith. It was he who published the first set of laws in Rus' called “Russian Truth”. He divided the plots of the Russian land between his sons: Izyaslav, Svyatoslav, Vsevolod, Igor and Vyacheslav, bequeathing them to live in peace among themselves.

Izyaslav Yaroslavich the First (1054 - 1078)

Izyaslav was the eldest son of Yaroslav the Wise. After the death of his father, the throne of Kievan Rus passed to him. But after his campaign against the Polovtsians, which ended in failure, the Kievans themselves drove him away. Then his brother Svyatoslav became the Grand Duke. Only after the death of Svyatoslav did Izyaslav return to the capital city of Kyiv. Vsevolod the First (1078 - 1093) It is likely that Prince Vsevolod could well have been a useful ruler, thanks to his peaceful disposition, piety and truthfulness. Being myself educated person Knowing five languages, he actively contributed to education in his principality. But, alas. Constant, incessant raids of the Polovtsians, pestilence, and famine did not favor the rule of this prince. He remained on the throne thanks to the efforts of his son Vladimir, who would later be called Monomakh.

Svyatopolk the Second (1093 - 1113)

Svyatopolk was the son of Izyaslav the First. It was he who inherited the Kyiv throne after Vsevolod the First. This prince was distinguished by a rare lack of spine, which is why he was unable to calm the internecine friction between the princes for power in the cities. In 1097, a congress of princes took place in the city of Lyubich, at which each ruler, kissing the cross, pledged to own only his father’s land. But this fragile peace treaty was not allowed to come to fruition. Prince Davyd Igorevich blinded Prince Vasilko. Then the princes, at a new congress (1100), deprived Prince David of the right to own Volyn. Then, in 1103, the princes unanimously accepted Vladimir Monomakh’s proposal for a joint campaign against the Polovtsians, which was done. The campaign ended in Russian victory in 1111.

Vladimir Monomakh (1113 - 1125)

Despite the right of seniority of the Svyatoslavichs, when Prince Svyatopolk the Second died, Vladimir Monomakh was elected Prince of Kyiv, who wanted the unification of the Russian land. Grand Duke Vladimir Monomakh was brave, tireless and stood out from the rest with his remarkable mental abilities. He managed to humble the princes with meekness, and he fought successfully with the Polovtsians. Vladimir Monoma is a vivid example of a prince serving not his personal ambitions, but his people, which he bequeathed to his children.

Mstislav the First (1125 - 1132)

The son of Vladimir Monomakh, Mstislav the First, was very similar to his legendary father, demonstrating the same remarkable qualities of a ruler. All the disobedient princes showed him respect, fearing to anger the Grand Duke and share the fate of the Polovtsian princes, whom Mstislav expelled to Greece for disobedience, and in their place he sent his son to reign.

Yaropolk (1132 - 1139)

Yaropolk was the son of Vladimir Monomakh and, accordingly, the brother of Mstislav the First. During his reign, he came up with the idea of ​​​​transferring the throne not to his brother Vyacheslav, but to his nephew, which caused turmoil in the country. It was because of these strife that the Monomakhovichs lost the throne of Kiev, which was occupied by the descendants of Oleg Svyatoslavovich, that is, the Olegovichs.

Vsevolod the Second (1139 - 1146)

Having become the Grand Duke, Vsevolod the Second wanted to secure the throne of Kiev for his family. For this reason, he handed over the throne to Igor Olegovich, his brother. But Igor was not accepted by the people as a prince. He was forced to take monastic vows, but even the monastic robe did not protect him from the wrath of the people. Igor was killed.

Izyaslav the Second (1146 - 1154)

Izyaslav II fell in love with the people of Kiev in to a greater extent because with his intelligence, disposition, friendliness and courage he very much reminded them of Vladimir Monomakh, the grandfather of Izyaslav the Second. After Izyaslav ascended the Kiev throne, the concept of seniority, accepted for centuries, was violated in Rus', that is, for example, while his uncle was alive, his nephew could not be the Grand Duke. A stubborn struggle began between Izyaslav II and Rostov Prince Yuri Vladimirovich. Izyaslav was driven out of Kyiv twice during his life, but this prince still managed to retain the throne until his death.

Yuri Dolgoruky (1154 - 1157)

It was the death of Izyaslav the Second that paved the way to the throne of Kyiv Yuri, whom the people later nicknamed Dolgoruky. Yuri became the Grand Duke, but he did not reign for long, only three years later, after which he died.

Mstislav the Second (1157 - 1169)

After the death of Yuri Dolgoruky, as usual, internecine strife began between the princes for the Kiev throne, as a result of which Mstislav the Second Izyaslavovich became the Grand Duke. Mstislav was expelled from the Kyiv throne by Prince Andrei Yuryevich, nicknamed Bogolyubsky. Before the expulsion of Prince Mstislav, Bogolyubsky literally ruined Kyiv.

Andrey Bogolyubsky (1169 - 1174)

The first thing Andrei Bogolyubsky did when he became the Grand Duke was to move the capital from Kyiv to Vladimir. He ruled Russia autocratically, without squads or councils, persecuted everyone who was dissatisfied with this state of affairs, but in the end he was killed by them as a result of a conspiracy.

Vsevolod the Third (1176 - 1212)

The death of Andrei Bogolyubsky caused strife between ancient cities (Suzdal, Rostov) and new ones (Pereslavl, Vladimir). As a result of these confrontations, Andrei Bogolyubsky’s brother Vsevolod the Third, nicknamed the Big Nest, became king in Vladimir. Despite the fact that this prince did not rule and did not live in Kyiv, nevertheless, he was called the Grand Duke and was the first to force an oath of allegiance not only to himself, but also to his children.

Constantine the First (1212 - 1219)

The title of Grand Duke Vsevolod the Third, contrary to expectations, was transferred not to his eldest son Constantine, but to Yuri, as a result of which strife arose. The father’s decision to approve Yuri as Grand Duke was also supported by Vsevolod the Big Nest’s third son, Yaroslav. And Konstantin was supported in his claims to the throne by Mstislav Udaloy. Together they won the Battle of Lipetsk (1216) and Constantine nevertheless became the Grand Duke. Only after his death did the throne pass to Yuri.

Yuri the Second (1219 - 1238)

Yuri successfully fought with Volga Bulgarians and Mordovians. On the Volga, on the very border of Russian possessions, Prince Yuri built Nizhny Novgorod. It was during his reign that the Mongol-Tatars appeared in Rus', who in 1224, at the Battle of Kalka, defeated first the Polovtsians, and then the troops of the Russian princes who came to support the Polovtsians. After this battle, the Mongols left, but thirteen years later they returned under the leadership of Batu Khan. Hordes of Mongols devastated the Suzdal and Ryazan principalities, and also defeated the army of Grand Duke Yuri II in the Battle of the City. Yuri died in this battle. Two years after his death, hordes of Mongols plundered the south of Rus' and Kyiv, after which all Russian princes were forced to admit that from now on they and their lands were under the rule of Tatar yoke. The Mongols on the Volga made the city of Sarai the capital of the horde.

Yaroslav II (1238 - 1252)

The Khan of the Golden Horde appointed Prince Yaroslav Vsevolodovich of Novgorod as Grand Duke. During his reign, this prince was engaged in restoring Rus', devastated by the Mongol army.

Alexander Nevsky (1252 - 1263)

Being at first the Prince of Novgorod, Alexander Yaroslavovich defeated the Swedes on the Neva River in 1240, for which, in fact, he was named Nevsky. Then, two years later, he defeated the Germans in the famous Battle of the Ice. Among other things, Alexander fought very successfully against Chud and Lithuania. From the Horde he received a label for the Great Reign and became a great intercessor for the entire Russian people, since he traveled to Golden Horde with rich gifts and bows. was subsequently canonized.

Yaroslav the Third (1264 - 1272)

After Alexander Nevsky died, his two brothers began to fight for the title of Grand Duke: Vasily and Yaroslav, but the Khan of the Golden Horde decided to give the label to reign to Yaroslav. However, Yaroslav failed to get along with the Novgorodians; he treacherously called even the Tatars against his own people. The Metropolitan reconciled Prince Yaroslav III with the people, after which the prince again swore an oath on the cross to rule honestly and fairly.

Vasily the First (1272 - 1276)

Vasily the First was the prince of Kostroma, but laid claim to the throne of Novgorod, where the son of Alexander Nevsky, Dmitry, reigned. And soon Vasily the First achieved his goal, thereby strengthening his principality, previously weakened by division into appanages.

Dmitry the First (1276 - 1294)

The entire reign of Dmitry the First took place in a continuous struggle for the rights of the grand duke with his brother Andrei Alexandrovich. Andrei Alexandrovich was supported by Tatar regiments, from which Dmitry managed to escape three times. After his third escape, Dmitry nevertheless decided to ask Andrei for peace and, thus, received the right to reign in Pereslavl.

Andrew the Second (1294 - 1304)

Andrew the Second pursued a policy of expanding his principality through the armed seizure of other principalities. In particular, he laid claim to the principality in Pereslavl, which led to civil strife with Tver and Moscow, which, even after the death of Andrei II, was not stopped.

Saint Michael (1304 - 1319)

The Tver prince Mikhail Yaroslavovich, having paid a large tribute to the khan, received from the Horde a label for grand reign, bypassing the Moscow prince Yuri Danilovich. But then, while Mikhail was waging war with Novgorod, Yuri, conspiring with the Horde ambassador Kavgady, slandered Mikhail in front of the khan. As a result, the khan summoned Mikhail to the Horde, where he was brutally killed.

Yuri the Third (1320 - 1326)

Yuri the Third married the khan's daughter Konchaka, who in Orthodoxy took the name Agafya. It was for her premature death that Yuri insidiously accused Mikhail Yaroslavovich Tverskoy, for which he suffered an unjust and cruel death at the hands of the Horde Khan. So Yuri received a label to reign, but the son of the murdered Mikhail, Dmitry, also laid claim to the throne. As a result, Dmitry killed Yuri at the first meeting, avenging his father's death.

Dmitry the Second (1326)

For the murder of Yuri the Third, he was sentenced to death by the Horde Khan for arbitrariness.

Alexander Tverskoy (1326 - 1338)

The brother of Dmitry II - Alexander - received from the khan a label for the Grand Duke's throne. Prince Alexander of Tverskoy was distinguished by justice and kindness, but he literally ruined himself by allowing the Tver people to kill Shchelkan, the Khan’s ambassador, hated by everyone. Khan sent a 50,000-strong army against Alexander. The prince was forced to flee first to Pskov and then to Lithuania. Only 10 years later, Alexander received the khan’s forgiveness and was able to return, but at the same time, he did not get along with the Prince of Moscow - Ivan Kalita - after which Kalita slandered Alexander Tverskoy in front of the khan. Khan urgently summoned A. Tverskoy to his Horde, where he executed him.

John the First Kalita (1320 - 1341)

John Danilovich, nicknamed “Kalita” (Kalita - wallet) for his stinginess, was very careful and cunning. With the support of the Tatars, he devastated the Tver Principality. It was he who took upon himself the responsibility of accepting tribute for the Tatars from all over Rus', which also contributed to his personal enrichment. With this money, John bought entire cities from appanage princes. Through the efforts of Kalita, the metropolis was also transferred from Vladimir to Moscow in 1326. He founded the Assumption Cathedral in Moscow. Since the time of John Kalita, Moscow has become the permanent residence of the Metropolitan of All Rus' and becomes the Russian center.

Simeon the Proud (1341 - 1353)

The Khan gave Simeon Ioannovich not only the label for the Grand Duchy, but also ordered all the other princes to obey only him, so Simeon began to call himself the Prince of All Rus'. The prince died without leaving an heir from a pestilence.

John the Second (1353 - 1359)

Brother of Simeon the Proud. He had a meek and peace-loving disposition, he obeyed the advice of Metropolitan Alexei in all matters, and Metropolitan Alexei, in turn, enjoyed great respect in the Horde. During the reign of this prince, relations between the Tatars and Moscow improved significantly.

Dmitry the Third Donskoy (1363 - 1389)

After the death of John the Second, his son Dmitry was still small, so the khan gave the label for the grand reign to the Suzdal prince Dmitry Konstantinovich (1359 - 1363). However, the Moscow boyars benefited from the policy of strengthening the Moscow prince, and they managed to achieve grand reign for Dmitry Ioannovich. The Suzdal prince was forced to submit, and together with the rest of the princes northeastern Rus' swore allegiance to Dmitry Ioannovich. The relationship between Rus' and the Tatars also changed. Due to civil strife within the horde itself, Dmitry and the rest of the princes took the opportunity not to pay the already familiar quitrent. Then Khan Mamai entered into an alliance with Lithuanian prince Jagiell and moved with a large army to Rus'. Dmitry and other princes met Mamai’s army on the Kulikovo field (next to the Don River) and at the cost of huge losses on September 8, 1380, Rus' defeated the army of Mamai and Jagiell. For this victory they nicknamed Dmitry Ioannovich Donskoy. Until the end of his life, he cared about strengthening Moscow.

Vasily the First (1389 - 1425)

Vasily ascended the princely throne, already having experience of rule, since even during his father’s life he shared the reign with him. Expanded the Moscow Principality. Refused to pay tribute to the Tatars. In 1395, Khan Timur threatened Rus' with invasion, but it was not he who attacked Moscow, but Edigei, the Tatar Murza (1408). But he lifted the siege from Moscow, receiving a ransom of 3,000 rubles. Under Vasily the First, the Ugra River was designated as the border with the Lithuanian principality.

Vasily the Second (Dark) (1425 - 1462)

Yuri Dmitrievich Galitsky decided to take advantage of Prince Vasily’s minority and declared his rights to the grand ducal throne, but the khan decided the dispute in favor of the young Vasily II, which was greatly facilitated by the Moscow boyar Vasily Vsevolozhsky, hoping in the future to marry his daughter to Vasily, but these expectations were not destined to come true . Then he left Moscow and assisted Yuri Dmitrievich, and he soon took possession of the throne, on which he died in 1434. His son Vasily Kosoy began to lay claim to the throne, but all the princes of Rus' rebelled against this. Vasily the Second captured Vasily Kosoy and blinded him. Then Vasily Kosoy’s brother Dmitry Shemyaka captured Vasily the Second and also blinded him, after which he took the throne of Moscow. But soon he was forced to give the throne to Vasily the Second. Under Vasily the Second, all metropolitans in Rus' began to be recruited from Russians, and not from Greeks, as before. The reason for this was the acceptance of the Florentine Union in 1439 by Metropolitan Isidore, who was from the Greeks. For this, Vasily the Second gave the order to take Metropolitan Isidore into custody and appointed Ryazan Bishop John in his place.

John the Third (1462 -1505)

Under him, the core of the state apparatus and, as a consequence, the state of Rus' began to form. He annexed Yaroslavl, Perm, Vyatka, Tver, and Novgorod to the Moscow principality. In 1480, he overthrew the Tatar-Mongol yoke (Standing on the Ugra). In 1497, the Code of Laws was compiled. John the Third launched a large construction project in Moscow and strengthened the international position of Rus'. It was under him that the title “Prince of All Rus'” was born.

Vasily the Third (1505 - 1533)

“The last collector of Russian lands” Vasily the Third was the son of John the Third and Sophia Paleologus. He was distinguished by a very unapproachable and proud disposition. Having annexed Pskov, he destroyed the appanage system. He fought with Lithuania twice on the advice of Mikhail Glinsky, a Lithuanian nobleman whom he kept in his service. In 1514, he finally took Smolensk from the Lithuanians. He fought with Crimea and Kazan. In the end, he managed to punish Kazan. He recalled all trade from the city, ordering from now on to trade at the Makaryevskaya Fair, which was then moved to Nizhny Novgorod. Vasily the Third, wishing to marry Elena Glinskaya, divorced his wife Solomonia, which further turned the boyars against themselves. From his marriage to Elena, Vasily the Third had a son, John.

Elena Glinskaya (1533 - 1538)

She was appointed to rule by Vasily the Third himself until their son John came of age. Elena Glinskaya, as soon as she ascended the throne, dealt very harshly with all the rebellious and dissatisfied boyars, after which she made peace with Lithuania. Then she decided to repel the Crimean Tatars, who boldly attacked Russian lands, however, these plans were not allowed to come true, since Elena died suddenly.

John the Fourth (Grozny) (1538 - 1584)

John the Fourth, Prince of All Rus', became the first Russian Tsar in 1547. Since the late forties, he ruled the country with the participation of the Elected Rada. During his reign, the convening of all Zemsky Sobors began. In 1550, a new Code of Law was drawn up, and reforms of the court and administration were carried out (Zemskaya and Gubnaya reforms). conquered the Kazan Khanate in 1552, and the Astrakhan Khanate in 1556. In 1565, the oprichnina was introduced to strengthen the autocracy. Under John the Fourth, trade relations with England were established in 1553, and the first printing house in Moscow was opened. Lasted from 1558 to 1583 Livonian War for going to Baltic Sea. In 1581, the annexation of Siberia began. All domestic politics The country under Tsar John was accompanied by disgraces and executions, for which the people called him the Terrible. The enslavement of peasants increased significantly.

Fyodor Ioannovich (1584 - 1598)

He was the second son of John the Fourth. He was very sickly and weak, and lacked mental acuity. That is why very quickly the actual control of the state passed into the hands of the boyar Boris Godunov, the tsar’s brother-in-law. Boris Godunov, surrounding himself with exclusively devoted people, became a sovereign ruler. He built cities, strengthened relations with the countries of Western Europe, and built the Arkhangelsk harbor on the White Sea. By order and instigation of Godunov, an all-Russian independent patriarchate was approved, and the peasants were finally attached to the land. It was he who in 1591 ordered the murder of Tsarevich Dmitry, who was the brother of the childless Tsar Feodor and was his direct heir. 6 years after this murder, Tsar Fedor himself died.

Boris Godunov (1598 - 1605)

The sister of Boris Godunov and the wife of the late Tsar Fyodor abdicated the throne. Patriarch Job recommended that Godunov’s supporters gather Zemsky Sobor, at which Boris was elected king. Godunov, having become king, was afraid of conspiracies on the part of the boyars and, in general, was distinguished by excessive suspicion, which naturally caused disgrace and exile. At the same time, boyar Fyodor Nikitich Romanov was forced to take monastic vows, and he became the monk Filaret, and his young son Mikhail was sent into exile to Beloozero. But it was not only the boyars who were angry with Boris Godunov. A three-year crop failure and the ensuing pestilence that struck the Muscovite kingdom forced the people to see this as the fault of Tsar B. Godunov. The king tried as best he could to ease the lot of the starving people. He increased the earnings of people working on government buildings (for example, during the construction of the bell tower of Ivan the Great), generously distributed alms, but people still grumbled and willingly believed rumors that the legitimate Tsar Dmitry had not been killed at all and would soon take the throne. In the midst of preparations for the fight against False Dmitry, Boris Godunov suddenly died, and at the same time managed to bequeath the throne to his son Fedor.

False Dmitry (1605 - 1606)

The fugitive monk Grigory Otrepiev, who was supported by the Poles, declared himself Tsar Dmitry, who miraculously managed to escape from the murderers in Uglich. He entered Russia with several thousand people. An army came out to meet him, but it also went over to the side of False Dmitry, recognizing him as the rightful king, after which Fyodor Godunov was killed. False Dmitry was a very good-natured man, but with a sharp mind; he diligently dealt with all state affairs, but caused the displeasure of the clergy and boyars because, in their opinion, he did not sufficiently respect the old Russian customs, and completely neglected many. Together with Vasily Shuisky, the boyars entered into a conspiracy against False Dmitry, spread a rumor that he was an impostor, and then, without hesitation, they killed the fake tsar.

Vasily Shuisky (1606 - 1610)

The boyars and townspeople elected the old and inexperienced Shuisky as king, while limiting his power. In Russia, rumors about the salvation of False Dmitry again arose, in connection with which new unrest began in the state, intensified by the rebellion of a serf named Ivan Bolotnikov and the appearance of False Dmitry II in Tushino (“Tushino thief”). Poland went to war against Moscow and defeated Russian troops. After this, Tsar Vasily was forcibly tonsured a monk, and a troubled time of interregnum came to Russia, lasting three years.

Mikhail Fedorovich (1613 - 1645)

Certificates of the Trinity Lavra, sent throughout Russia and calling for protection Orthodox faith and the fatherland, did their job: Prince Dmitry Pozharsky, with the participation of the Zemstvo head of Nizhny Novgorod, Kozma Minin (Sukhorokiy), gathered a large militia and moved towards Moscow in order to clear the capital of rebels and Poles, which was done after painful efforts. On February 21, 1613, the Great Zemstvo Duma met, at which Mikhail Fedorovich Romanov was elected Tsar, who, after much denial, nevertheless ascended the throne, where the first thing he did was to pacify both external and internal enemies.

He concluded the so-called pillar agreement with the Kingdom of Sweden, and in 1618 he signed the Treaty of Deulin with Poland, according to which Filaret, who was the Tsar’s parent, was returned to Russia after a long captivity. Upon his return, he was immediately elevated to the rank of patriarch. Patriarch Filaret was an adviser to his son and a reliable co-ruler. Thanks to them, by the end of the reign of Mikhail Fedorovich, Russia began to enter into friendly relations with various Western states, having practically recovered from the horror of the Time of Troubles.

Alexey Mikhailovich (Quiet) (1645 - 1676)

Tsar Alexei is considered one of the best people of ancient Russia. He had a meek, humble disposition and was very pious. He absolutely could not stand quarrels, and if they happened, he suffered greatly and tried in every possible way to reconcile with his enemy. In the first years of his reign, his closest adviser was his uncle, boyar Morozov. In the fifties, Patriarch Nikon became his advisor, who decided to unite Rus' with the rest of the Orthodox world and ordered everyone from now on to be baptized in the Greek manner - with three fingers, which created a split among the Orthodox in Rus'. (The most famous schismatics are the Old Believers, who do not want to deviate from the true faith and be baptized with a “cookie”, as the Patriarch - Boyarina Morozova and Archpriest Avvakum ordered).

During the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich, every now and then different cities riots broke out, which were suppressed, and the decision of Little Russia to voluntarily join the Moscow state provoked two wars with Poland. But the state survived thanks to the unity and concentration of power. After the death of his first wife, Maria Miloslavskaya, in whose marriage the tsar had two sons (Fedor and John) and many daughters, he married a second time to the girl Natalya Naryshkina, who bore him a son, Peter.

Fedor Alekseevich (1676 - 1682)

During the reign of this tsar, the issue of Little Russia was finally resolved: its western part went to Turkey, and the East and Zaporozhye to Moscow. Patriarch Nikon was returned from exile. They also abolished localism - the ancient boyar custom of taking into account the service of their ancestors when occupying government and military positions. Tsar Fedor died without leaving an heir.

Ivan Alekseevich (1682 - 1689)

Ivan Alekseevich, together with his brother Pyotr Alekseevich, was elected tsar thanks to the Streltsy revolt. But Tsarevich Alexei, suffering from dementia, did not take any part in state affairs. He died in 1689 during the reign of Princess Sophia.

Sophia (1682 - 1689)

Sophia remained in history as the ruler of an extraordinary mind and possessed all necessary qualities a real queen. She managed to calm the unrest of the schismatics, curb the archers, conclude an “eternal peace” with Poland, very beneficial for Russia, as well as the Treaty of Nerchinsk with distant China. The princess undertook campaigns against the Crimean Tatars, but fell victim to her own lust for power. Tsarevich Peter, however, having guessed her plans, imprisoned his half-sister in the Novodevichy Convent, where Sophia died in 1704.

Peter the Great (1682 - 1725)

The greatest king, and since 1721 the first Russian Emperor, statesman, cultural and military figure. He carried out revolutionary reforms in the country: collegiums, the Senate, bodies of political investigation and state control were created. He made divisions in Russia into provinces, and also subordinated the church to the state. Built a new capital - St. Petersburg. Peter's main dream was to eliminate Russia's backwardness in development compared to European countries. Taking advantage of Western experience, he tirelessly created manufactories, factories, and shipyards.

To facilitate trade and for access to the Baltic Sea, he won from Sweden Northern War, lasting 21 years, thereby “cutting through” a “window to Europe.” Built a huge fleet for Russia. Thanks to his efforts, the Academy of Sciences was opened in Russia and the civil alphabet was adopted. All reforms were carried out using the most brutal methods and caused multiple uprisings in the country (Streletskoye in 1698, Astrakhan from 1705 to 1706, Bulavinsky from 1707 to 1709), which, however, were also mercilessly suppressed.

Catherine the First (1725 - 1727)

Peter the Great died without leaving a will. So, the throne passed to his wife Catherine. Catherine became famous for equipping Bering on a trip around the world, and also established the Supreme Privy Council at the instigation of the friend and comrade-in-arms of her late husband Peter the Great, Prince Menshikov. Thus, Menshikov concentrated virtually all state power in his hands. He persuaded Catherine to appoint as heir to the throne the son of Tsarevich Alexei Petrovich, to whom his father, Peter the Great, had sentenced Peter Alekseevich to death for his aversion to reforms, and also to agree to his marriage with Menshikov’s daughter Maria. Before Peter Alekseevich came of age, Prince Menshikov was appointed ruler of Russia.

Peter the Second (1727 - 1730)

Peter the Second did not rule for long. Having barely gotten rid of the imperious Menshikov, he immediately fell under the influence of the Dolgorukys, who, by distracting the emperors in every possible way with amusements from state affairs, actually ruled the country. They wished to marry the emperor to Princess E. A. Dolgoruky, but Peter Alekseevich suddenly died of smallpox and the wedding did not take place.

Anna Ioannovna (1730 - 1740)

The Supreme Privy Council decided to somewhat limit the autocracy, so they chose Anna Ioannovna, the Dowager Duchess of Courland, daughter of Ivan Alekseevich, as empress. But she was crowned Russian throne autocratic empress and, first of all, having assumed her rights, she destroyed the Supreme Privy Council. She replaced it with the Cabinet and instead of the Russian nobles, she distributed positions to the Germans Ostern and Minich, as well as the Courlander Biron. The cruel and unjust rule was subsequently called “Bironism.”

Russia's intervention in Poland's internal affairs in 1733 cost the country dearly: the lands conquered by Peter the Great had to be returned to Persia. Before her death, the empress appointed the son of her niece Anna Leopoldovna as her heir, and appointed Biron as regent for the baby. However, Biron was soon overthrown, and Anna Leopoldovna became the empress, whose reign cannot be called long and glorious. The guards staged a coup and proclaimed Empress Elizaveta Petrovna, daughter of Peter the Great.

Elizaveta Petrovna (1741 - 1761)

Elizabeth destroyed the Cabinet established by Anna Ioannovna and returned the Senate. Issued a decree abolishing the death penalty in 1744. She established the first loan banks in Russia in 1954, which became a great boon for merchants and nobles. At Lomonosov's request, she opened the first university in Moscow and in 1756 opened the first theater. During her reign, Russia fought two wars: with Sweden and the so-called “seven years”, in which Prussia, Austria and France took part. Thanks to the peace concluded with Sweden, part of Finland was ceded to Russia. The “Seven Years” War was brought to an end by the death of Empress Elizabeth.

Peter the Third (1761 - 1762)

He was absolutely unsuited to governing the state, but he was of a complacent disposition. But this young emperor managed to turn absolutely all layers of Russian society against himself, since, to the detriment of Russian interests, he showed a craving for everything German. Peter the Third, not only made a lot of concessions in relation to the Prussian Emperor Frederick the Second, but also reformed the army according to the same Prussian model, dear to his heart. He issued decrees on the destruction of the secret chancellery and the free nobility, which, however, were not distinguished by certainty. As a result of the coup, because of his attitude towards the empress, he quickly signed an abdication of the throne and soon died.

Catherine the Second (1762 - 1796)

Her reign was one of the greatest after the reign of Peter the Great. Empress Catherine ruled harshly, suppressed Pugachev's peasant uprising, won two Turkish wars, the result of which was the recognition of the independence of Crimea by Turkey, as well as the withdrawal of the coast from Russia Sea of ​​Azov. Russia acquired the Black Sea Fleet, and active construction of cities began in Novorossiya. Catherine the Second established the colleges of education and medicine. Opened cadet corps, and for training girls - the Smolny Institute. Catherine the Second, herself possessing literary abilities, patronized literature.

Paul the First (1796 - 1801)

He did not support the reforms that his mother, Empress Catherine, started in state system. Among the achievements of his reign, one should note a very significant improvement in the life of serfs (only a three-day corvee was introduced), the opening of a university in Dorpat, as well as the emergence of new women's institutions.

Alexander the First (Blessed) (1801 - 1825)

The grandson of Catherine the Second, upon ascending the throne, vowed to rule the country “according to the law and heart” of his crowned grandmother, who, in fact, was involved in his upbringing. At the very beginning, he took a number of different liberation measures aimed at different sections of society, which aroused the undoubted respect and love of people. But external political problems distracted Alexander from internal reforms. Russia, in alliance with Austria, was forced to fight against Napoleon; Russian troops were defeated at Austerlitz.

Napoleon forced Russia to abandon trade with England. As a result, in 1812, Napoleon nevertheless, violating the treaty with Russia, went to war against the country. And in the same year, 1812 Russian troops defeated Napoleon's army. Alexander the First established the State Council in 1800, ministries and the cabinet of ministers. He opened universities in St. Petersburg, Kazan and Kharkov, as well as many institutes and gymnasiums, and the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum. Made the life of the peasants much easier.

Nicholas the First (1825 - 1855)

He continued the policy of improving peasant life. Founded the Institute of St. Vladimir in Kyiv. Published a 45-volume complete collection of laws of the Russian Empire. Under Nicholas the First in 1839, the Uniates were reunited with Orthodoxy. This reunification was a consequence of the suppression of the uprising in Poland and the complete destruction of the Polish constitution. There was a war with the Turks, who oppressed Greece, and as a result of Russia's victory, Greece gained independence. After the break in relations with Turkey, which was sided with England, Sardinia and France, Russia had to join a new struggle.

The emperor died suddenly during the defense of Sevastopol. During the reign of Nicholas the First, Nikolaevskaya and Tsarskoye Selo railways, great Russian writers and poets lived and worked: Lermontov, Pushkin, Krylov, Griboyedov, Belinsky, Zhukovsky, Gogol, Karamzin.

Alexander II (Liberator) (1855 - 1881)

Alexander II had to end the Turkish war. The Paris Peace Treaty was concluded on very unfavorable terms for Russia. In 1858, according to an agreement with China, Russia acquired the Amur region, and later Usuriysk. In 1864, the Caucasus finally became part of Russia. The most important state transformation of Alexander II was the decision to free the peasants. He died at the hands of an assassin in 1881.

Who were the princes of Ancient Rus'?

In the ninth century in the territory Eastern Europe the powerful state of Kievan Rus was created - a significant political and military force until the Mongol invasion in the thirteenth century. The rulers of Ancient Rus' were princes, and they soon began to call themselves grand princes.
Grand Duke is the title that was borne by the monarchs, the rulers of the Old Russian state, and then of Kievan Rus.
The prince combined the following functions as head of state:
– judicial (he held court over the population, over his subordinates);
– military (the prince had to vigilantly defend the borders of his state, organize defense, gather troops and, of course, prepare for an attack when necessary; the Russian people especially appreciated the military courage of the princes);
– religious (in the pagan era of Rus', the Grand Duke was the organizer of sacrifices in favor of the pagan gods);
At first, the princely power was elective, but gradually began to gain hereditary status.
The Grand Duke was the main figure in the state; the appanage Russian princes were subordinate to him. The Grand Duke had the right to collect tribute from the princes subordinate to him.

The first prince of Ancient Rus'

Rurik is considered to be the first prince of Ancient Rus', who laid the foundation for the Rurik dynasty. By origin, Rurik was a Varangian, therefore, he could be a Norman or a Swede.
There is no information about the exact origin of the first Russian prince, just as there is little information about his activities. As the chronicles say, he became the sole ruler of Novgorod and Kyiv, then created a united Rus'.
Chronicles say that he had only one son, who was named Igor, who later became the Grand Duke. Rurik had several wives, but Igor himself was born to the Norwegian princess Efanda.

Russian princes of Ancient Rus'

Oleg

After the death of the first Russian prince Rurik, his close relative Oleg, called the Prophet, began to rule. Rurik's son, Igor, was not old enough to rule the state at the time of his father's death. Therefore, Oleg was the ruler and guardian of Igor until he came of age.
Chronicles say that Oleg was a brave warrior and took part in many campaigns. After the death of Rurik, he went to Kyiv, where the brothers Askold and Dir had already established their power. Oleg managed to kill both brothers and take the Kiev throne. At the same time, Oleg called Kyiv “the mother of Russian cities.” It was he who made Kyiv the capital of Ancient Rus'.
Oleg became famous for his successful campaigns against Byzantium, where he won rich booty. He plundered Byzantine cities, and also concluded a trade agreement with Byzantium that was beneficial for Kievan Rus.
Oleg's death is still a mystery to historians. Chronicles claim that the prince was bitten by a snake that crawled out of the skull of his horse. Although most likely this may be nothing more than a legend.

Igor

After Oleg’s sudden death, Rurik’s son, Igor, began to rule the country. Igor took as his wife the legendary Princess Olga, whom he brought from Pskov. She was twelve years younger than Igor when they got engaged. Igor was 25 years old, she was only 13.
Like Oleg, Igor pursued an active foreign policy; it was aimed at conquering nearby lands. Already in 914, after two years of his establishment on the throne, Igor subjugated the Drevlyans and imposed tribute on them. In 920, he first attacked the Pecheneg tribes. The next thing mentioned in the chronicles was his campaign against Constantinople in 941-944, which was crowned with success.
After the campaign against Byzantium, in 945, Prince Igor was killed by the Drevlyans while collecting tribute.
After his death, his wife Princess Olga began to rule. Igor left behind his young son Svyatoslav.

Svyatoslav

Until Igor’s son Svyatoslav came of age, Kievan Rus was ruled by his mother, Princess Olga, who was the regent. Svyatoslav began to rule independently only in 964.
Svyatoslav, unlike his mother, remained a pagan and was against conversion to Christianity.
Svyatoslav became famous primarily as a successful commander. Having ascended the throne, the prince immediately set off on a campaign against the Khazar Khaganate in 965. In the same year, he managed to completely conquer it and annex it to the territory of Ancient Rus'. He then defeated the Vyatichi and imposed tribute on them in 966.
The prince also waged an active struggle against the Bulgarian kingdom and Byzantium, where he was successful. After returning from the Byzantine campaign in 972, Prince Svyatoslav was ambushed by the Pechenegs on the rapids of the Dnieper. In this unequal battle he met his death.

Yaropolk

After the murder of Svyatoslav, his son Yaropolk began to rule. It should be said that Yaropolk ruled only in Kyiv, his brothers ruled Novgorod and the Drevlyans. Yaropolk began a war for power and defeated his brother Oleg in 977. The very next year he was killed by his brother Vladimir.
Yaropolk was not remembered as great commander, but had some success in politics. Thus, under him, negotiations were conducted with Emperor Otto II. Chronicles indicate that ambassadors from the Pope came to his court. Yaropolk was an obvious admirer christian church, however, he did not manage to make this religion state.

Ancient Rus': Prince Vladimir

Vladimir was the son of Svyatoslav and seized power in Rus' by killing his brother Yaropolk in 978, becoming the sole prince of Ancient Rus'.
Vladimir became famous primarily for making Rus' a Christian state in 988. However, Vladimir is also known as an excellent commander.
Already in 981-982. Vladimir went on a campaign against the Vyatichi, already subject to tribute, and seized their land, making it Russian. In 983, he opened the way to the Baltic for Rus', conquering the Yatvingian tribe. Later he managed to conquer the Radimichi and, for the first time, the White Croats, and he annexed their lands to Rus'.
In addition to military successes, Vladimir managed to conclude profitable agreements with many European states (Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Byzantium and the Papal States).
Under him, coinage began to be minted, which strengthened the Russian economy. These were the first coins issued on the territory of Kievan Rus. The reason for minting the coin was the desire to prove the sovereignty of the young Christian state. Economic reasons it wasn’t, Rus' got by just fine with Byzantine coins.
Prince Vladimir the Great died in 1015. After his death, the throne was seized by his son Svyatopolk, but he was soon overthrown by Yaroslav the Wise.