Rulers of the Russian Empire in chronological order. Kyiv princes

Rurik(? -879) - the ancestor of the Rurik dynasty, the first Russian prince. Chronicle sources claim that Rurik was called from the Varangian lands by Novgorod citizens to reign together with his brothers Sineus and Truvor in 862. After the death of the brothers, he ruled all Novgorod lands. Before his death, he transferred power to his relative - Oleg.

Oleg(?-912) - the second ruler of Russia. He reigned from 879 to 912, first in Novgorod, and then in Kyiv. He is the founder of a single ancient Russian state, created by him in 882 with the capture of Kyiv and the subjugation of Smolensk, Lyubech and other cities. After the transfer of the capital to Kyiv, he also subjugated the Drevlyans, Northerners, and Radimichi. One of the first Russian princes undertook a successful campaign against Constantinople and concluded the first trade agreement with Byzantium. He enjoyed great respect and authority among his subjects, who began to call him "prophetic", that is, wise.

Igor(? -945) - the third Russian prince (912-945), the son of Rurik. The main direction of his activity was to protect the country from the raids of the Pechenegs and preserve the unity of the state. Undertook numerous campaigns to expand the possessions of the Kievan state, in particular against the Uglichs. He continued his campaigns against Byzantium. During one of them (941) he failed, during the other (944) he received a ransom from Byzantium and concluded a peace treaty that secured the military-political victories of Russia. Undertook the first successful campaigns of the Rus within the North Caucasus (Khazaria) and Transcaucasia. In 945, he tried twice to collect tribute from the Drevlyans (the procedure for collecting it was not legally fixed), for which he was killed by them.

Olga(c. 890-969) - the wife of Prince Igor, the first female ruler of the Russian state (regent for her son Svyatoslav). Installed in 945-946. the first legislative procedure for collecting tribute from the population of the Kievan state. In 955 (according to other sources, 957) she made a trip to Constantinople, where she secretly adopted Christianity under the name of Helen. In 959, she was the first of the Russian rulers to send an embassy to Western Europe, to Emperor Otto I. His answer was the direction in 961-962. with missionary purposes to Kyiv, Archbishop Adalbert, who tried to bring Western Christianity to Russia. However, Svyatoslav and his entourage refused to Christianize and Olga was forced to transfer power to her son. AT last years life from political activity was actually removed. Nevertheless, she retained significant influence on her grandson - the future Prince Vladimir the Holy, whom she was able to convince of the need to adopt Christianity.

Svyatoslav(? -972) - the son of Prince Igor and Princess Olga. The ruler of the Old Russian state in 962-972. He had a militant character. He was the initiator and leader of many aggressive campaigns: against the Oka Vyatichi (964-966), the Khazars (964-965), the North Caucasus (965), Danube Bulgaria (968, 969-971), Byzantium (971). He also fought against the Pechenegs (968-969, 972). Under him Russia became the largest power in the Black Sea. Neither the Byzantine rulers nor the Pechenegs, who agreed on joint actions against Svyatoslav, could come to terms with this. During his return from Bulgaria in 972, his army, bloodless in the war with Byzantium, was attacked by the Pechenegs on the Dnieper. Svyatoslav was killed.

Vladimir I Saint(? -1015) - the youngest son of Svyatoslav, who defeated his brothers Yaropolk and Oleg in an internecine struggle after the death of his father. Prince of Novgorod (from 969) and Kyiv (from 980). He conquered the Vyatichi, Radimichi and Yotvingians. He continued his father's struggle with the Pechenegs. Volga Bulgaria, Poland, Byzantium. Under him, defensive lines were built along the rivers Desna, Osetr, Trubezh, Sula, etc. Kyiv was fortified anew and built up with stone buildings for the first time. In 988-990. introduced Eastern Christianity as the state religion. Under Vladimir I, the Old Russian state entered the period of its heyday and power. The international prestige of the new Christian power grew. Vladimir was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church and is referred to as Saint. In Russian folklore, he is called Vladimir the Red Sun. He was married to the Byzantine princess Anna.

Svyatoslav II Yaroslavich(1027-1076) - son of Yaroslav the Wise, Prince of Chernigov (since 1054), Grand Duke of Kyiv (since 1073). Together with his brother Vsevolod, he defended the southern borders of the country from the Polovtsians. In the year of his death, he adopted a new code of laws, the Izbornik.

Vsevolod I Yaroslavich(1030-1093) - Prince of Pereyaslavl (from 1054), Chernigov (from 1077), Grand Duke of Kyiv (from 1078). Together with the brothers Izyaslav and Svyatoslav, he fought against the Polovtsy, took part in the compilation of the Truth of the Yaroslavichs.

Svyatopolk II Izyaslavich(1050-1113) - grandson of Yaroslav the Wise. Prince of Polotsk (1069-1071), Novgorod (1078-1088), Turov (1088-1093), Grand Duke of Kyiv (1093-1113). He was distinguished by hypocrisy and cruelty both towards his subjects and his inner circle.

Vladimir II Vsevolodovich Monomakh(1053-1125) - Prince of Smolensk (from 1067), Chernigov (from 1078), Pereyaslavl (from 1093), Grand Duke of Kyiv (1113-1125). . Son of Vsevolod I and daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine Monomakh. He was called to reign in Kyiv during the popular uprising of 1113, which followed the death of Svyatopolk P. He took measures to limit the arbitrariness of usurers and the administrative apparatus. He managed to achieve the relative unity of Russia and the cessation of strife. He supplemented the codes of laws that existed before him with new articles. He left the "Instruction" to his children, in which he called for strengthening the unity of the Russian state, living in peace and harmony, and avoiding blood feuds

Mstislav I Vladimirovich(1076-1132) - son of Vladimir Monomakh. Grand Duke Kyiv (1125-1132). From 1088 he ruled in Novgorod, Rostov, Smolensk, etc. Participated in the work of the Lyubech, Vitichev and Dolobsky congresses of Russian princes. He took part in campaigns against the Polovtsians. He led the defense of Russia from its Western neighbors.

Vsevolod P Olgovich(? -1146) - Prince of Chernigov (1127-1139). Grand Duke of Kyiv (1139-1146).

Izyaslav II Mstislavich(c. 1097-1154) - Prince of Vladimir-Volynsk (from 1134), Pereyaslavl (from 1143), Grand Duke of Kyiv (from 1146). Grandson of Vladimir Monomakh. Member of feudal strife. A supporter of the independence of the Russian Orthodox Church from the Byzantine Patriarchy.

Yuri Vladimirovich Dolgoruky (90s of the XI century - 1157) - Prince of Suzdal and Grand Duke of Kyiv. Son of Vladimir Monomakh. In 1125 he transferred the capital of the Rostov-Suzdal Principality from Rostov to Suzdal. From the beginning of the 30s. fought for southern Pereyaslavl and Kyiv. Considered the founder of Moscow (1147). In 1155 recaptured Kyiv. Poisoned by Kievan boyars.

Andrey Yurievich Bogolyubsky (c. 1111-1174) - son of Yuri Dolgoruky. Prince Vladimir-Suzdal (since 1157). Moved the capital of the principality to Vladimir. In 1169 he conquered Kyiv. Killed by the boyars in his residence in the village of Bogolyubovo.

Vsevolod III Yurievich Big Nest(1154-1212) - son of Yuri Dolgoruky. Grand Duke of Vladimir (since 1176). Severely suppressed the boyar opposition, which participated in the conspiracy against Andrei Bogolyubsky. Subdued Kyiv, Chernigov, Ryazan, Novgorod. During his reign, Vladimir-Suzdal Rus reached its peak. Named for a large number of children (12 people).

Roman Mstislavich(? -1205) - Prince of Novgorod (1168-1169), Vladimir-Volyn (from 1170), Galician (from 1199). Son of Mstislav Izyaslavich. He strengthened princely power in Galich and Volhynia, was considered the most powerful ruler of Russia. Killed in the war with Poland.

Yuri Vsevolodovich(1188-1238) - Grand Duke of Vladimir (1212-1216 and 1218-1238). In the course of the internecine struggle for the throne of Vladimir, he was defeated in the Battle of Lipitsa in 1216. and ceded the great reign to his brother Constantine. In 1221 he founded the city Nizhny Novgorod. He died during the battle with the Mongol-Tatars on the river. City in 1238

Daniel Romanovich(1201-1264) - Prince of Galicia (1211-1212 and from 1238) and Volyn (from 1221), son of Roman Mstislavich. He united the Galician and Volyn lands. Encouraged the construction of cities (Kholm, Lvov, etc.), crafts and trade. In 1254 he received the title of king from the Pope.

Yaroslav III Vsevolodovich(1191-1246) - son of Vsevolod the Big Nest. He reigned in Pereyaslavl, Galich, Ryazan, Novgorod. In 1236-1238. reigned in Kyiv. From 1238 - Grand Duke of Vladimir Went twice to Golden Horde and to Mongolia.

Many believe that there is no need to know the history of their state. However, any historian is ready to thoroughly argue with this. After all, knowing the history of the rulers of Russia is very important not only for general development but also to avoid the mistakes of the past.

In this article, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the table of all the rulers of our country from the date of its foundation in chronological order. The article will help you find out who and when ruled our country, as well as what outstanding things he did for it.

Before the advent of Russia, a large number of different tribes lived in its future territory for many centuries, however, the history of our state started in the 10th century with the call to the throne of the Russian state of Rurik. He laid the foundation for the Rurik dynasty.

List of classifications of rulers of Russia

It's no secret that history is a whole science, which is studied by a huge number of people called historians. For convenience, the entire history of the development of our country has been divided into the following stages:

1. Novgorod princes (from 863 to 882).
2. Great Kyiv princes (from 882 to 1263).
3. Moscow principality (from 1283 to 1547).
4. Tsars and emperors (from 1547 to 1917).
5. USSR (from 1917 to 1991).
6. Presidents (from 1991 to the present day).

As can be understood from this list, the center political life of our state, in other words, the capital, has changed several times depending on the era and events taking place in the country. Until 1547, the princes of the Rurik dynasty were at the head of Russia. However, after that, the process of monarchization of the country began, which continued until 1917, when the Bolsheviks came to power. Further, the collapse of the USSR, the emergence of independent countries on the territory of the former Russia and, of course, the emergence of democracy.

So, to study this issue thoroughly., to learn details about all the rulers of the state in chronological order, we suggest studying the information of the following chapters of the article.

Heads of state from 862 to the period of fragmentation

This period includes the Novgorod and Great Kyiv princes. The main source of information that has survived to this day and helps all historians to compile lists and tables of all rulers is the Tale of Bygone Years. Thanks to this document, they were able to accurately or as close as possible to the exact set all the dates of the reign of the Russian princes of that time.

So, list of Novgorod and Kyiv princes looks like this:

Obviously, for any ruler, from Rurik to Putin, the main goal was to strengthen and modernize their state in the international arena. Of course, they all pursued the same goal, however, each of them preferred to go to the goal in their own way.

Fragmentation of Kievan Rus

After the reign of Yaropolk Vladimirovich, the process of a strong decline of Kyiv and the state as a whole began. This period is called the times of fragmentation of Russia. During this time, all the people who were at the head of the state did not leave any significant mark on history, but only brought the state into its worst form.

Thus, until 1169, the following personalities managed to visit the throne of the ruler: Izyavlav the Third, Izyaslav Chernigov, Vyacheslav Rurikovich, and also Rostislav Smolensky.

Vladimir princes

After fragmentation, the capital of our state was moved to a city called Vladimir. This happened for the following reasons:

1. The Kiev principality has undergone a total decline and weakening.
2. Several political centers arose in the country, which they tried to pull over the board.
3. Every day the influence of the feudal lords grew.

The two most influential centers of influence on Russian politics were Vladimir and Galich. Although the Vladimir time was not as long as the rest, it left a serious mark on the history of the development of the Russian state. Therefore, it is necessary to make a list following Vladimir princes:

• Prince Andrei - ruled for 15 years from 1169.
• Vsevolod - was in power for a long 36 years, starting in 1176.
• George Vsevolodovich - stood at the head of Russia from 1218 to 1238.
• Yaroslav - was also the son of Vsevolod Andreevich. Ruled from 1238 to 1246.
• Alexander Nevsky, who was on the throne for 11 long and productive years, came to power in 1252 and died in 1263. It's no secret that Nevsky was a great commander who made a huge contribution to the development of our state.
• Yaroslav III - from 1263 to 1272.
• Dmitry the first - 1276 - 1283.
• Dmitry II - 1284 - 1293.
• Andrey Gorodetsky - the Grand Duke, who ruled in the period 1293 - 1303.
• Mikhail of Tverskoy, also called "Saint". Came to power in 1305 and died in 1317.

As you may have noticed, the rulers were not included in this list for some time. The fact is that they did not leave any significant trace in the history of the development of Russia. For this reason, they are not studied in the school course.

When the fragmentation of the country ended, there was a transfer of the political center of the country to Moscow. Moscow princes:

For the next 10 years, Russia again experienced a decline. During these years, the Rurik dynasty was broken off, and various boyar families were in power.

The beginning of the Romanovs, the rise of the tsars to power, the monarchy

List of rulers of Russia from 1548 until the end of the 17th century is as follows:

• Ivan Vasilyevich the Terrible is one of the most famous and useful for the history of the rulers of Russia. Ruled from 1548 to 1574, after which the reign was interrupted for 2 years.
• Semyon Kasimovsky (1574 - 1576).
• Ivan the Terrible returned to power and ruled until 1584.
• Tsar Fedor (1584 - 1598).

After Fedor's death, it turned out that he had no heirs. From that moment on, the state began to experience new problems. They lasted until 1612. The Rurik dynasty was over. It was replaced by a new one: the Romanov dynasty. They began their reign in 1613.

• Mikhail Romanov is the first representative of the Romanovs. Ruled from 1613 to 1645.
• After the death of Mikhail, his heir Alexei Mikhailovich sat on the throne. (1645 - 1676)
• Fedor Alekseevich (1676 - 1682).
• Sophia, Fyodor's sister. When Fedor died, his heirs were not yet ready to come to power. Therefore, the emperor's sister ascended the throne. She ruled from 1682 to 1689.

It is impossible to deny that with the advent of the Romanov dynasty, stability finally came to Russia. They were able to do what the Rurikovichs had been striving for so long. Namely: useful reforms, strengthening of power, territorial growth and banal strengthening. Finally, Russia entered the world field as one of the favorites.

Peter I

Historians claim that for all the improvements in our state we owe it to Peter I. He is rightfully considered the great Russian tsar and emperor.

Peter the Great started the process of flourishing Russian state strengthened the navy and army. He pursued an aggressive foreign policy, which at times strengthened Russia's position in the global race for supremacy. Of course, even before him, many rulers realized that the armed forces are the key to the success of the state, however, only he managed to achieve such success in this area.

After Peter the Great, the list of rulers of the Russian Empire is as follows:

The monarchy in the Russian Empire lasted quite long time and left a huge mark in its history. The Romanov dynasty is one of the most legendary in the whole world. However, like everything else, it was destined to break off after the October Revolution, which changed the structure of the state to a republic. There were no more kings.

USSR times

After the execution of Nicholas II and his family, Vladimir Lenin came to power. At this moment, the state of the USSR(Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) was legally formalized. Lenin led the country until 1924.

List of rulers of the USSR:

During Gorbachev's time, the country again experienced colossal changes. There was a collapse of the USSR, as well as the emergence of independent states on the territory of the former USSR. Boris Yeltsin, president of independent Russia, came to power by force. He ruled from 1991 to 1999.

In 1999, Boris Yeltsin voluntarily resigned as president of Russia, leaving behind a successor, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. A year later, Putin was officially elected by the people and was at the head of Russia until 2008.

In 2008, another election was held, which was won by Dmitry Medvedev, who ruled until 2012. In 2012, Vladimir Putin was again elected president of the Russian Federation and holds the presidency today.

The Norman or Varangian theory, which reveals aspects of the formation of statehood in Russia, is based on one simple thesis - the calling of the Varangian prince Rurik by the Novgorodians to manage and protect the large territory of the tribal union of the Slovenes of Ilmen. Thus, the answer to the question of what event the emergence of the dynasty is associated with is quite understandable.

This thesis is present in the ancient one written by Nestor. At the moment it is controversial, but one fact is still undeniable - Rurik became the founder of the whole dynasty of sovereigns who ruled not only in Kyiv, but also in other cities of the Russian land, including Moscow, and that is why the dynasty of the rulers of Russia was called the Rurikovichi.

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History of the dynasty: the beginning

The pedigree is quite complex, it is not so easy to understand it, but it is very easy to trace the beginning of the Rurik dynasty.

Rurik

Rurik became the first prince in his dynasty. Its origin is extremely controversial issue. Some historians suggest that he was from a noble Varangian-Scandinavian family.

Rurik's ancestors came from the merchant Hedeby (Scandinavia) and were related to Ragnar Lodbrok himself. Other historians, distinguishing between the concepts of "Norman" and "Varangian", believe that Rurik was of a Slavic family, perhaps he was related to the Novgorod prince Gostomysl (it is believed that Gostomysl was his grandfather), and for a long time lived with his family on the island of Rügen .

Most likely, he was a jarl, that is, he had a military squad and kept boats, engaging in trade and sea robbery. But with his calling first to Staraya Ladoga, and then to Novgorod, the beginning of the dynasty is connected.

Rurik was called to Novgorod in 862 (when he began to rule is, of course, unknown, historians rely on data from the PVL). The chronicler claims that he came not alone, but with two brothers - Sinius and Truvor (traditional Varangian names or nicknames). Rurik settled in Staraya Ladoga, Sinius on Beloozero, and Truvor in Izborsk. It's interesting that any other mention there are no brothers in PVL. The beginning of the dynasty is not connected with them.

Oleg and Igor

Rurik died in 879, leaving young son Igor(or Ingvar, according to the Scandinavian tradition). A combatant, and possibly a relative of Rurik, Oleg (Helg) was supposed to rule on behalf of his son until he came of age.

Attention! There is a version that Oleg ruled not just as a relative or confidant, but as an elected jarl, that is, he had all the political rights to power according to Scandinavian and Varangian laws. The fact that he transferred power to Igor could really mean that he was his close relative, possibly a nephew, the son of a sister (according to the Scandinavian tradition, an uncle is closer than a father; boys in Scandinavian families were given to be raised by their maternal uncle).

How many years reigned Oleg? He successfully ruled the young state until 912. It was he who had the merit of completely conquering the path “from the Varangians to the Greeks” and capturing Kyiv, then his place was taken by Igor (already as the ruler of Kyiv), by that time married to a girl from Polotsk (according to one of the versions) - Olga.

Olga and Svyatoslav

Igor's reign can't be called successful.. He was killed by the Drevlyans in 945 during an attempt to take a double tribute from their capital, Iskorosten. Since Igor's only son, Svyatoslav, was still small, the throne in Kyiv, by common decision of the boyars and squads, was taken by his widow Olga.

Svyatoslav ascended the throne of Kyiv in 957. He was a warrior prince and never stayed long in his capital. rapidly growing state. Even during his lifetime, he divided the lands of Russia between his three sons: Vladimir, Yaropolk and Oleg. Vladimir (illegitimate son) he gave Novgorod the Great as inheritance. He imprisoned Oleg (the younger) in Iskorosten, and left the elder Yaropolk in Kyiv.

Attention! Historians know the name of Vladimir's mother, it is also known that she was a whitewashed servant, that is, she could not become the wife of the ruler. Perhaps Vladimir was the eldest son of Svyatoslav, his firstborn. That is why he was recognized as a father. Yaropolk and Oleg were born from the legal wife of Svyatoslav, possibly a Bulgarian princess, but they were younger than Vladimir in age. All this, subsequently, influenced the relationship of the brothers and led to the first princely civil strife in Russia.

Yaropolk and Vladimir

Svyatoslav died in 972 on the island of Khortytsya(Dnieper rapids). After his death, Yaropolk occupied the throne of Kyiv for several years. A war for power in the state began between him and his brother Vladimir, which ended with the murder of Yaropolk and the victory of Vladimir, who eventually became the next prince of Kyiv. Vladimir ruled from 980 to 1015. His main merit is Baptism of Russia and the Russian people into the Orthodox faith.

Yaroslav and his sons

Between the sons of Vladimir, immediately after his death, an internecine war broke out, as a result of which the throne was taken by one of the eldest sons of Vladimir from the Polotsk princess Ragneda - Yaroslav.

Important! In 1015, the Kyiv throne was occupied by Svyatopolk (later nicknamed the Accursed). He was not Vladimir's own son. His father was Yaropolk, after whose death Vladimir took his wife as his wife, and recognized the born child as his firstborn.

Yaroslav reigned until 1054. After his death, ladder law came into force - the transfer of the Kyiv throne and the "younger" in seniority in the Rurik family.

The Kyiv throne was occupied by the eldest son of Yaroslav - Izyaslav, Chernigov (the next in "seniority" throne) - Oleg, Pereyaslavsky - the youngest son of Yaroslav Vsevolod.

For a long time, the sons of Yaroslav lived peacefully, observing the precepts of their father, but, in the end, the struggle for power moved into an active phase and Russia entered the era of feudal fragmentation.

Pedigree of Rurikovich. The first Kyiv princes (table or Rurik dynasty scheme with dates, by generation)

Pedigree of the Rurikovichs of the period of Feudal fragmentation

It is incredibly difficult to trace the dynastic line of the Rurik dynasty during the period of feudal fragmentation, since the ruling princely the family has grown to its maximum. The main branches of the clan at the first stage of feudal fragmentation can be considered the Chernihiv and Pereyaslav lines, as well as the Galician line, which must be discussed separately. The Galician princely house originates from the eldest son of Yaroslav the Wise, Vladimir, who died during the life of his father, and whose heirs received Galich as inheritance.

It is important to note that all representatives of the clan sought to occupy the Kyiv throne, since in this case they were considered the rulers of the entire state.

Galician heirs

Chernihiv house

Pereyaslav house

With the Pereyaslav house, which was nominally considered the youngest, everything is much more complicated. It was the descendants of Vsevolod Yaroslavovich who gave rise to the Vladimir-Suzdal and Moscow Rurikoviches. Principal Representatives of this house were:

• Vladimir Vsevolodovich (Monomakh) - was the Kyiv prince in 1113-1125 (VII generation);
• Mstislav (Great) - the eldest son of Monomakh, was the Kyiv prince in 1125-1132 (VIII generation);
• Yuri (Dolgoruky) - the youngest son of Monomakh, became the ruler of Kyiv several times, the last in 1155-1157 (VIII generation).

Mstislav Vladimirovich gave rise to the Volyn House of Rurikovich, and Yuri Vladimirovich - to Vladimir-Suzdal.

Volyn house

Pedigree of Rurikovich: Vladimir-Suzdal house

The Vladimir-Suzdal house became the main house in Russia after the death of Mstislav the Great. The princes who made their capital first Suzdal, and then Vladimir-on-Klyazma, played a key role in the political history of the period of the Horde invasion.

Important! Daniil of Galitsky and Alexander Nevsky are known not only as contemporaries, but also as rivals for the grand ducal label, and they also had a fundamentally different approach to faith - Alexander adhered to Orthodoxy, and Daniil converted to Catholicism in exchange for the opportunity to receive the title of King of Kyiv.

Pedigree of Rurikovich: Moscow House

In the final period of feudal fragmentation, the House of Rurikovich had more than 2,000 members (princes and junior princely families). Gradually, the leading positions were taken by the Moscow House, which traces its pedigree from the youngest son of Alexander Nevsky, Daniil Alexandrovich.

Gradually, the Moscow House grand-ducal was transformed into a royal. Why did this happen? Including thanks to dynastic marriages, as well as successful internal and foreign policy individual representatives of the House. The Moscow Rurikovichs did a gigantic job of "gathering" the lands around Moscow and overthrowing the Tatar-Mongol Yoke.

Moscow Ruriks (chart with dates of reign)

Nicholas II (1894 - 1917) Due to the stampede that occurred during his coronation, many people died. So the name "Bloody" was attached to the kindest philanthropist Nikolai. In 1898, Nicholas II, taking care of world peace, issued a manifesto in which he called on all countries of the world to completely disarm. After that, 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 shot with his family in Yekaterinburg. The Orthodox Church canonized Nicholas Romanov and his entire family as saints.

Rurik (862-879)

Prince of Novgorod, nicknamed the Varangian, as he was called to reign by the Novgorodians because of 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 his daughter and stepson Askold. After his two brothers died, he became the sole ruler of the country. He gave all the surrounding villages and settlements to the management of his close associates, where they had the right to independently create a court. Around this time, Askold and Dir, two brothers who were in no way related to Rurik by family ties, occupied the city of Kyiv and began to rule the glades.

Oleg (879 - 912)

Kyiv prince, nicknamed the Prophet. Being a relative of Prince Rurik, he was the guardian of his son Igor. According to legend, he died, stung in the leg by a snake. Prince Oleg became famous for his intelligence and military prowess. With a huge army for those times, 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 glades the little son of Rurik - Igor as their prince. He went on a military campaign to Greece and, with a brilliant victory, provided the Russians with 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 repulsed the Pecheneg raids 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 the neighboring subjugated 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 ability to rule, as well as a brilliant, sharp mind. Already at the end of her life, she accepted Christianity in Constantinople, for which she was later canonized as a saint 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 government into her own hands, while her son grew up, learning the wisdom of the art of war. In 967, he managed to defeat the army of the Bulgarian king, which greatly alarmed the emperor of Byzantium, John, who, in collusion 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 the skull of Svyatoslav was decorated with gold and made from it a bowl for pies.

Yaropolk Svyatoslavovich (972 - 978 or 980)

After the death of his father, Prince Svyatoslav Igorevich, he made an attempt to unite Russia under his rule, defeating his brothers: Oleg Drevlyansky and Vladimir Novgorodsky, forcing them to leave the country, and then annexed their lands to the Kyiv principality. He managed to conclude a new agreement with the Byzantine Empire, and also to attract the horde of the Pecheneg Khan Ildea to his service. Tried to establish diplomatic relations with Rome. Under him, as the Joachim manuscript testifies, Christians were given a lot of freedom in Russia, which caused displeasure of the pagans. Vladimir Novgorodsky immediately took advantage of this displeasure and, having agreed with the Varangians, recaptured Novgorod, then Polotsk, and then laid siege to 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 the youngest son of 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 Yotvingians. Vladimir also waged wars with the Pechenegs, with the Volga Bulgaria, with the Byzantine Empire and Poland. It was during the reign of Prince Vladimir in Russia that defensive structures were built at the borders of the rivers: Desna, Trubezh, Sturgeon, 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 due to the fact that in 988 - 989. made Christianity the state religion of Kievan Rus, which immediately increased the authority of the country in the international arena. Under him, the state of Kievan Rus entered the period of its greatest prosperity. Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavovich became an epic character, in which he is referred to only as "Vladimir the Red Sun." Canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church, named Prince Equal to the Apostles.

Svyatopolk Vladimirovich (1015 - 1019)

Vladimir Svyatoslavovich, during his lifetime, 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, Prince Yaroslav of Novgorod expelled him from Kyiv. Then Svyatopolk turned for help to his father-in-law, King Boleslav of Poland. With the support of the Polish king, Svyatopolk again took possession of Kyiv, but soon circumstances developed in such a way that he was again forced to flee the capital. On the way, Prince Svyatopolk committed suicide. This prince was popularly nicknamed the Accursed because he took the life of his brothers.

Yaroslav Vladimirovich the Wise (1019 - 1054)

Yaroslav Vladimirovich, after the death of Mstislav 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), realizing the importance of spreading and approving new faith. It was he who published the first code of laws in Russia called "Russian Truth". He divided the allotments of the Russian land between his sons: Izyaslav, Svyatoslav, Vsevolod, Igor and Vyacheslav, bequeathing them to live in peace with each other.

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 Polovtsy, which ended in failure, he was driven out by the people of Kiev themselves. Then his brother Svyatoslav became the Grand Duke. Only after the death of Svyatoslav, Izyaslav again returned to the capital city of Kyiv. Vsevolod the First (1078 - 1093) It is possible that Prince Vsevolod could well have been a useful ruler, thanks to his peaceful disposition, piety and truthfulness. Being myself an educated person, knowing five languages, he actively contributed to education in his principality. But, alas. Constant, incessant raids of the Polovtsy, pestilence, famine did not favor the rule of this prince. He held onto the throne thanks to the efforts of his son Vladimir, who would later be called Monomakh.

Svyatopolk II (1093 - 1113)

Svyatopolk was the son of Izyaslav the First. It was he who inherited the throne of Kyiv after Vsevolod the First. This prince was distinguished by a rare spinelessness, which is why he failed 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 Lubicz, at which each ruler, kissing the cross, pledged to own only his father's land. But this shaky peace treaty was not allowed to materialize. Prince Davyd Igorevich blinded Prince Vasilko. Then the princes, at a new congress (1100), deprived Prince Davyd of the right to own Volhynia. Then, in 1103, the princes unanimously accepted Vladimir Monomakh's proposal for a joint campaign against the Polovtsy, which was done. The campaign ended with the victory of the Russians in 1111.

Vladimir Monomakh (1113 - 1125)

Regardless of the right of seniority of the Svyatoslavichs, when Prince Svyatopolk II died, Vladimir Monomakh was elected Prince of Kyiv, who wanted the unification of the Russian land. Grand Duke Vladimir Monomakh was brave, tireless and favorably distinguished himself from the rest by 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 the prince's service not to his personal ambitions, but to his people, which he bequeathed to his children.

Mstislav the First (1125 - 1132)

The son of Vladimir Monomakh, Mstislav the First, was very much like his legendary father, demonstrating the same remarkable qualities of a ruler. All the recalcitrant 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 sent his son to reign in their place.

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 to transfer the throne not to his brother Vyacheslav, but to his nephew, which caused confusion in the country. It was because of these strife that the Monomakhovichi lost the throne of Kyiv, which was occupied by the descendants of Oleg Svyatoslavovich, that is, the Olegovichi.

Vsevolod II (1139 - 1146)

Having become the Grand Duke, Vsevolod II desired to secure the throne of Kyiv 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 the veil as a monk, but even the monastic attire did not protect him from the wrath of the people. Igor was killed.

Izyaslav II (1146 - 1154)

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

Yuri Dolgoruky (1154 - 1157)

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

Mstislav II (1157 - 1169)

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

Andrei Bogolyubsky (1169 - 1174)

The first thing that Andrei Bogolyubsky did, becoming the Grand Duke, was to transfer the capital from Kyiv to Vladimir. He ruled Russia autocratically, without squads and vecha, pursued all those dissatisfied with this state of affairs, but, in the end, he was killed by them as a result of a conspiracy.

Vsevolod III (1176 - 1212)

The death of Andrei Bogolyubsky caused strife between the 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, began to reign 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 make him swear 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 Konstantin, but to Yuri, as a result of which strife arose. The decision of the father to approve the Grand Duke Yuri was also supported by the third son of Vsevolod the Big Nest - Yaroslav. And Konstantin in his claims to the throne was supported by Mstislav Udaloy. Together they won the Battle of Lipetsk (1216) and Konstantin nevertheless became the Grand Duke. Only after his death, the throne passed to Yuri.

Yuri II (1219 - 1238)

Yuri successfully fought with the 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 Russia, who in 1224 in the Battle of Kalka first defeated the Polovtsy, and then the troops of the Russian princes who came to support the Polovtsy. After this battle, the Mongols left, but thirteen years later they returned under the leadership of Batu Khan. The hordes of the Mongols ravaged the Suzdal and Ryazan principalities, and also, in the battle of the City, they defeated the army of the Grand Duke Yuri II. In this battle, Yuri died. Two years after his death, the hordes of the Mongols plundered the south of Russia and Kyiv, after which all the Russian princes were forced to admit that from now on they all and their lands were under the rule of the Tatar yoke. The Mongols on the Volga made the city of Saray the capital of the horde.

Yaroslav II (1238 - 1252)

The Khan of the Golden Horde appointed Prince Yaroslav Vsevolodovich of Novgorod as Grand Duke. This prince during his reign was engaged in restoring Russia 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 with the Chud and Lithuania. From the Horde, he received a label for the Great reign and became a great intercessor for the entire Russian people, as he traveled to the Golden Horde four times with rich gifts and bows. was later canonized as a saint.

Yaroslav III (1264 - 1272)

After Alexander Nevsky died, two of his 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. Nevertheless, Yaroslav failed to get along with the Novgorodians, he treacherously called on 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.

Basil the First (1272 - 1276)

Vasily the First was the prince of Kostroma, but he claimed 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 destinies.

Dmitry the First (1276 - 1294)

The entire reign of Dmitry the First proceeded in a continuous struggle for the rights of the great reign with his brother Andrei Alexandrovich. Andrei Alexandrovich was supported by the 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 II (1294 - 1304)

Andrei II pursued a policy of expanding his principality through the armed seizure of other principalities. In particular, he claimed the principality in Pereslavl, which caused civil strife with Tver and Moscow, which, even after the death of Andrei II, were not stopped.

Saint Michael (1304 - 1319)

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

Yuri III (1320 - 1326)

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

Dmitry II (1326)

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

Alexander of Tver (1326 - 1338)

The brother of Dmitry II - Alexander - received from the khan a label to the throne of the Grand Duke. Prince Alexander of Tverskoy was distinguished by justice and kindness, but he literally ruined himself by allowing the people of Tver to kill Shchelkan, the khan's ambassador hated by all. 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 forgiveness of the khan 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 of Tver before the khan. Khan urgently summoned A. Tverskoy to his Horde, where he was executed.

John the First Kalita (1320 - 1341)

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

Simeon the Proud (1341 - 1353)

The Khan gave Simeon Ioannovich not only a label to the Grand Duchy, but also ordered all the other princes to obey only him, so Simeon began to be called the prince of all Russia. The prince died, leaving no heir from a pestilence.

John II (1353 - 1359)

Brother of Simeon the Proud. He had a meek and peaceful disposition, he obeyed the advice of Metropolitan Alexei in all matters, and Metropolitan Alexei, in turn, was highly respected 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, therefore the khan gave the label to the great 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 a great reign for Dmitry Ioannovich. The Suzdal prince was forced to submit and, together with the rest of the princes of northeastern Russia, swore allegiance to Dmitry Ioannovich. The attitude of Russia towards the Tatars also changed. Due to civil strife in the horde itself, Dmitry and the rest of the princes took the opportunity not to pay the usual dues. Then Khan Mamai entered into an alliance with the Lithuanian prince Jagiello and moved with a large army to Russia. Dmitry and other princes met the army of Mamai on the Kulikovo field, (near the river Don) and at the cost of huge losses on September 8, 1380, Russia defeated the army of Mamai and Jagello. For this victory they called Dmitry Ioannovich Donskoy. Until the end of his life, he took care of strengthening Moscow.

Basil the First (1389 - 1425)

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

Vasily II (Dark) (1425 - 1462)

Yuri Dmitrievich Galitsky decided to take advantage of the minority of Prince Vasily and claimed his rights to the Grand Duke's 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 to marry his daughter to Vasily in the future, but these expectations were not destined to come true . Then he left Moscow and assisted Yuri Dmitrievich, and soon he took possession of the throne, on which he died in 1434. His son Vasily Kosoy began to claim the throne, but all the princes of Russia rebelled against this. Vasily II captured Vasily Kosoy and blinded him. Then the brother of Vasily Kosoy Dmitry Shemyaka captured Vasily II and also blinded him, after which he took the throne of Moscow. But soon he was forced to give the throne to Vasily II. Under Vasily II, all metropolitans in Russia began to be recruited from Russians, and not from Greeks, as before. The reason for this was the adoption of the Florentine Union in 1439 by Metropolitan Isidore, who was from the Greeks. For this, Vasily II gave the order to take Metropolitan Isidore into custody and instead appointed Bishop John of Ryazan.

John the Third (1462 -1505)

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

Basil the Third (1505 - 1533)

"The last collector of Russian lands" Vasily the Third was the son of John the Third and Sophia Paleolog. He had a very impregnable and proud disposition. Having annexed Pskov, he destroyed the specific system. He fought twice with Lithuania on the advice of Mikhail Glinsky, a Lithuanian nobleman, whom he kept in his service. In 1514, he finally took Smolensk from the Lithuanians. Fought with the Crimea and Kazan. As a result, he managed to punish Kazan. He withdrew all trade from the city, ordering from now on to trade at the Makariev Fair, which was then transferred to Nizhny Novgorod. Vasily the Third, wishing to marry Elena Glinskaya, divorced his wife Solomonia, which turned the boyars against him even more. From the marriage with Elena, Vasily III had a son, John.

Elena Glinskaya (1533 - 1538)

She was appointed to rule by Vasily III himself until the age of their son John. Elena Glinskaya, having barely ascended the throne, very severely dealt with all the rebellious and dissatisfied boyars, after which she made peace with Lithuania. Then she decided to repulse the Crimean Tatars, who boldly attacked the Russian lands, however, these plans of hers could not be realized, since Elena suddenly died.

John the Fourth (Terrible) (1538 - 1584)

John the Fourth, Prince of All Russia became in 1547 the first Russian Tsar. From the end of the forties he ruled the country with the participation of the Chosen Rada. During his reign, the convocation of all Zemsky Sobors began. In 1550, a new Sudebnik was drawn up, and reforms of the court and administration (Zemskaya and Gubnaya reforms) were also carried out. 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. From 1558 to 1583 continued Livonian War for access to the Baltic Sea. In 1581, the annexation of Siberia began. All domestic politics country under Tsar John was accompanied by disgrace and executions, for which he was nicknamed the Terrible by the people. The enslavement of the peasants increased significantly.

Fedor Ioannovich (1584 - 1598)

He was the second son of John the Fourth. He was very sickly and weak, did not differ in sharpness of mind. That is why very quickly the actual control of the state passed into the hands of the boyar Boris Godunov, the brother-in-law of the tsar. Boris Godunov, having surrounded himself with exclusively devoted people, became a sovereign ruler. He built cities, strengthened relations with countries Western Europe, 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 assassination of Tsarevich Dmitry, who was the brother of the childless Tsar Fedor, 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 Fedor abdicated the throne. Patriarch Job recommended that Godunov's supporters gather Zemsky Sobor, on 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, the boyar Fyodor Nikitich Romanov was forced to take tonsure, and he became a monk Filaret, and his young son Mikhail was sent into exile at Beloozero. But not only the boyars were angry with Boris Godunov. A three-year crop failure and the pestilence that followed it, which hit the Muscovite kingdom, forced the people to see this as the fault of Tsar B. Godunov. The king tried his best to alleviate the plight of the starving. He increased the earnings of people employed in state buildings (for example, during the construction of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower), generously distributed alms, but people still grumbled and willingly believed the rumors that the legitimate Tsar Dmitry was not killed at all and would soon take the throne. In the midst of preparations for the fight against False Dmitry, Boris Godunov died suddenly, while having managed to bequeath the throne to his son Fyodor.

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 men. The army came out to meet him, but it also went over to the side of False Dmitry, recognizing him as the legitimate king, after which Fyodor Godunov was killed. False Dmitry was a very good-natured man, but with a sharp mind, he diligently engaged in all state affairs, but caused displeasure of the clergy and boyars, from the fact that, in their opinion, he did not honor the old Russian customs enough, 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 inept Shuisky as king, while limiting his power. In Russia, rumors arose again about the salvation of False Dmitry, 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 (“Tushinsky thief”). Poland went to war against Moscow and defeated the Russian troops. After that, Tsar Vasily was forcibly tonsured a monk, and Russia came to Time of Troubles interregnum lasting three years.

Mikhail Fedorovich (1613 - 1645)

Diplomas 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 headman of Nizhny Novgorod Kozma Minin (Sukhoroky), gathered a large militia and moved to 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 gathered, at which Mikhail Fedorovich Romanov was elected Tsar, who, after long rejections, nevertheless ascended the throne, where the first thing he undertook was to pacify both external and internal enemies.

He concluded the so-called pillar agreement with the Kingdom of Sweden, in 1618 he signed the Treaty of Deulino with Poland, according to which Filaret, who was the parent of the king, 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.

Alexei 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 could not stand quarrels at all, and if they happened, he suffered greatly and tried in every possible way to reconcile with the enemy. In the first years of his reign, his closest adviser was his uncle, boyar Morozov. In the fifties, Patriarch Nikon became his adviser, who decided to unite Russia with the rest of the Orthodox world and ordered everyone from now on to be baptized in the Greek manner - with three fingers, which caused a split among the Orthodox in Russia. (The most famous schismatics are the Old Believers, who do not want to deviate from the true faith and be baptized with a "fig", as ordered by the patriarch - noblewoman Morozova and archpriest Avvakum).

During the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich, riots broke out every now and then in different cities, which they managed to suppress, and the decision of Little Russia to voluntarily join the Muscovite 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 (Fyodor and John) and many daughters, he married a second time to the girl Natalia 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 to take into account the service of ancestors when occupying state and military positions. Tsar Fedor died without leaving an heir.

Ivan Alekseevich (1682 - 1689)

Ivan Alekseevich, together with his brother Peter Alekseevich, was elected king thanks to the Streltsy rebellion. But Tsarevich Alexei, suffering from dementia, did not take any part in public 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 the necessary qualities of a real queen. She managed to calm the unrest of the dissenters, curb the archers, conclude an "eternal peace" with Poland, which is very beneficial for Russia, as well as the Nerchinsk Treaty 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 her half-sister in the Novodevichy Convent, where Sophia died in 1704.

Peter the Great (Great) (1682 - 1725)

The greatest tsar, and since 1721 the first Russian emperor, statesman, cultural and military figure. He made 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. He built a new capital - St. Petersburg. The main dream of Peter was the elimination of Russia's backwardness in development compared to European countries. Taking advantage of Western experience, he tirelessly created manufactories, factories, shipyards.

To facilitate trade and for access to the Baltic Sea, he won against Sweden northern war, lasting 21 years, thus "cutting through" a "window to Europe". He 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 by the most cruel methods and caused multiple uprisings in the country (Streletsky 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 in trip around the world, and also established the Supreme Privy Council at the instigation of a friend and colleague of her late husband Peter the Great - Prince Menshikov. Thus, Menshikov concentrated virtually all state power in his hands. He persuaded Catherine to appoint the son of Tsarevich Alexei Petrovich as the heir to the throne, to whom his father, Peter the Great, had sentenced him to death for being disgusted with the reforms - Peter Alekseevich, and also to agree to his marriage with Menshikov's daughter Maria. Until the age of Peter Alekseevich, Prince Menshikov was appointed ruler of Russia.

Peter II (1727 - 1730)

Peter II ruled for a short time. Having barely got rid of the imperious Menshikov, he immediately fell under the influence of the Dolgoruky, who, in every possible way distracting the emperors from public affairs with fun, actually ruled the country. They wished to marry the emperor to Princess E. A. Dolgoruky, but Pyotr 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, therefore they chose Anna Ioannovna, Dowager Duchess of Courland, daughter of John Alekseevich, as empress. But she was crowned on the Russian throne as an autocratic empress and, first of all, having entered into rights, destroyed the Supreme Privy Council. She replaced it with the Cabinet and, instead of the Russian nobles, gave positions to the Germans Ostern and Munnich, as well as to the Courlander Biron. The cruel and unjust rule was later called "Bironism".

Russia's intervention in the internal affairs of Poland 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 Elizabeth 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. In 1954, she established the first loan banks in Russia, which became a great boon for merchants and nobles. At the request of Lomonosov, she opened the first university in Moscow and in 1756 opened the first theater. During her reign, Russia waged two wars: with Sweden and the so-called "seven-year war", in which Prussia, Austria and France took part. Thanks to the peace with Sweden, part of Finland went to Russia. The death of Empress Elizabeth put an end to the Seven Years' War.

Peter the Third (1761 - 1762)

He was absolutely unsuitable for governing the state, but his temper was complacent. But this young emperor managed to turn absolutely all layers of Russian society against him, since he, to the detriment of Russian interests, showed a craving for everything German. Peter the Third, not only did he make a lot of concessions in relation to the Prussian Emperor Frederick II, he also reformed the army according to the same Prussian model, dear to his heart. He issued decrees on the destruction of the secret office and the free nobility, which, however, did not differ in certainty. As a result of the coup, due to his relationship with the empress, he quickly signed the abdication and soon died.

Catherine II (1762 - 1796)

The time of her reign was one of the greatest after the reign of Peter the Great. Empress Catherine ruled harshly, suppressed peasant uprising Pugacheva, won two Turkish wars, the result of which was the recognition of the independence of the Crimea by Turkey, as well as the coast of the Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bAzov departed Russia. Russia got the Black Sea Fleet, and active construction of cities began in Novorossia. Catherine II established the colleges of education and medicine. opened cadet corps, and for the education of girls - the Smolny Institute. Catherine the Second, herself possessing literary abilities, patronized literature.

Paul the First (1796 - 1801)

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

Alexander the First (Blessed) (1801 - 1825)

The grandson of Catherine II, assuming the throne, vowed to govern the country "according to the law and heart" of his crowned grandmother, who, in fact, was engaged in his upbringing. At the very beginning, he undertook 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 domestic reforms. Russia, in alliance with Austria, was forced to fight against Napoleon, the Russian troops were defeated at Austerlitz.

Napoleon forced Russia to abandon trade with England. As a result, in 1812, Napoleon nevertheless, having violated the agreement with Russia, went to war against the country. And in the same year, 1812, Russian troops defeated Napoleon's army. Alexander the First established a state council in 1800, ministries and a cabinet of ministers. In St. Petersburg, Kazan and Kharkov, he opened universities, as well as many institutes and gymnasiums, the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum. It greatly facilitated the life of the peasants.

Nicholas the First (1825 - 1855)

He continued the policy of improving peasant life. He founded the Institute of St. Vladimir in Kyiv. Published a 45-volume complete collection of laws of the Russian Empire. Under Nicholas I 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, as a result of the victory of Russia, Greece gained independence. After the rupture of relations with Turkey, on the side of which England, Sardinia and France sided, Russia had to join a new struggle.

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

Alexander II (Liberator) (1855 - 1881)

The Turkish war had to be ended by Alexander II. The Paris peace 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. Killed by an assassin in 1881.