23.04.2017 09:10

Rurik (862-879)

Rurik Prince of Novgorod, nicknamed Varangian, as he was called to reign over the Novgorodians from across the Varangian Sea. Rurik 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 related to Rurik by 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 little son of Rurik, Igor, to the glades 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 a new agreement with Byzantine Empire, and also 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 Svyatoslavovich Vladimir was youngest son Prince Svyatoslav. He was the Prince of Novgorod from 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 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 Prince Yaroslav of Novgorod. 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 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 Yaroslav the Wise 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) Perhaps, Prince Vsevolod could well have been a useful ruler, thanks to his peace-loving disposition, piety and truthfulness. Being himself an educated man, knowing five languages, he actively contributed to enlightenment 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 Kiev 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 the Second fell in love with the people of Kiev 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.

Andrei 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 confirm 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 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 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 the Second (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, as he traveled to the Golden Horde four times with rich gifts and bows. Alexander Nevsky 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 for own people even Tatars. 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 the 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 the 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 border with principality of Lithuania The Ugra River was designated.

Vasily the Second (Dark) (1425 – 1462)

Vasily II the Dark Yuri Dmitrievich Galitsky decided to take advantage of the minority of Prince Vasily 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 was 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 its formation. He annexed Yaroslavl, Perm, Vyatka, Tver, and Novgorod to the Moscow principality. In 1480 he overthrew 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 were boldly attacking 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). Ivan Vasilyevich 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, the Livonian War for access to the Baltic Sea continued. In 1581, the annexation of Siberia began. The entire internal policy of 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 convene a Zemsky Sobor, at which Boris was elected tsar. 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)

Alexey Mikhailovich Tsar Alexey is considered one of the the best people 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, riots broke out every now and then in different cities, 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 a ruler of extraordinary intelligence and possessed all the necessary qualities of a real queen. She managed to calm the unrest of schismatics, curb the archers, conclude an “eternal peace” with Poland, very beneficial for Russia, as well as the Nerchinsk Treaty with distant China. The princess undertook campaigns against 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 tsar, 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, Pyotr Alekseevich tirelessly created manufactories, factories, and shipyards.

To facilitate trade and for access to the Baltic Sea, he won the Northern War against Sweden, which lasted 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 in trip around the world, and also established the Supreme Privy Council at the instigation of the friend and ally of her late husband Peter the Great, Prince Menshikov. Thus, Menshikov concentrated in his hands virtually all state power. 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 wanted 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 on the Russian throne as an 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 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 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. Cadet corps were opened, and the Smolny Institute was opened to train girls. Catherine the Second, herself possessing literary abilities, patronized literature.

Paul the First (1796 – 1801)

He did not support the changes that his mother, Empress Catherine, started in the 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 state council in 1800, ministries and cabinet. 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 laws 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.

Alexander the Third (1881 – 1894)

Nicholas II - the last of the Romanovs, ruled until 1917. This marks the end of a huge period of development of the state, when the kings were in power.

After the October Revolution, a new political structure appeared - the republic.

Russia during the USSR and after its collapse The first few years after the revolution were difficult. Among the rulers of this period one can single out Alexander Fedorovich Kerensky.

After the legal registration of the USSR as a state and until 1924, Vladimir Lenin led the country.

Nikita Khrushchev was the First Secretary of the CPSU after Stalin's death until 1964;
- Leonid Brezhnev (1964-1982);

Yuri Andropov (1982-1984);

Konstantin Chernenko, General Secretary of the CPSU (1984-1985); After the betrayal Gorbachev USSR ruined:

Mikhail Gorbachev, first president of the USSR (1985-1991); After Yeltsin’s drunkenness, independent Russia was on the verge of collapse:

Boris Yeltsin, leader of independent Russia (1991-1999);

The current head of state, Vladimir Putin, has been the President of Russia since 2000 (with a break of 4 years, when the state was led by Dmitry Medvedev) Who are they, the rulers of Russia? All the rulers of Russia from Rurik to Putin, who have been in power for the entire more than thousand-year history of the state, are patriots who wanted the flourishing of all the lands of the vast country. Most of the rulers were not random people in this difficult field and each made their own contribution to the development and formation of Russia.

Of course, all the rulers of Russia wanted the good and prosperity of their subjects: the main forces were always directed to strengthening the borders, expanding trade, and strengthening defense capabilities.

Since ancient times, the Slavs, our direct ancestors, lived in the vastness of the East European Plain. It is still unknown exactly when they arrived there. Be that as it may, they soon spread widely throughout the great waterway of those years. Slavic cities and villages arose from the Baltic to the Black Sea. Despite the fact that they were of the same clan-tribe, relations between them were never particularly peaceful.

In constant civil strife, the tribal princes quickly became exalted, who soon became Great and began to rule all of Kievan Rus. These were the first rulers of Rus', whose names have come to us through the endless series of centuries that have passed since then.

Rurik (862-879)

There is still fierce debate among scientists about the reality of this historical figure. Either there was such a person, or he is a collective character, whose prototype was all the first rulers of Rus'. Either he was a Varangian or a Slav. By the way, we practically do not know who the rulers of Rus' were before Rurik, so in this matter everything is based solely on assumptions.

Slavic origin is very likely, since he could have been nicknamed Rurik for his nickname Falcon, which was translated from the Old Slavic language into Norman dialects as “Rurik”. Be that as it may, he is considered the founder of the entire Old Russian state. Rurik united (as far as possible) under his hand many Slavic tribes.

However, almost all the rulers of Rus' were involved in this matter with varying degrees of success. It is thanks to their efforts that our country today has such a significant position on the world map.

Oleg (879-912)

Rurik had a son, Igor, but by the time of his father’s death he was too young, and therefore his uncle, Oleg, became the Grand Duke. He glorified his name with his militancy and the success that accompanied him on the military path. Particularly remarkable was his campaign against Constantinople, which opened up incredible prospects for the Slavs from the emerging opportunities for trade with distant eastern countries. His contemporaries respected him so much that they nicknamed him “the prophetic Oleg.”

Of course, the first rulers of Rus' were such legendary figures that we will most likely never know about their real exploits, but Oleg was probably truly an outstanding personality.

Igor (912-945)

Igor, the son of Rurik, following the example of Oleg, also went on campaigns several times, annexed a lot of lands, but he was not such a successful warrior, and his campaign against Greece turned out to be disastrous. He was cruel, often “rip off” the defeated tribes to the last, for which he later paid. Igor was warned that the Drevlyans had not forgiven him, and they advised him to take a large squad to Polyudye. He did not listen and was killed. In general, the TV series “Rulers of Rus'” once talked about this.

Olga (945-957)

However, the Drevlyans soon regretted their action. Igor’s wife, Olga, first dealt with their two conciliatory embassies, and then burned the main city of the Drevlyans, Korosten. Contemporaries testify that she was distinguished by a rare intelligence and strong-willed rigidity. During her reign, she did not lose a single inch of land that was conquered by her husband and his ancestors. It is known that in her declining years she converted to Christianity.

Svyatoslav (957-972)

Svyatoslav took after his ancestor, Oleg. He was also distinguished by his courage, determination, and directness. He was an excellent warrior, tamed and conquered many Slavic tribes, and often beat the Pechenegs, for which they hated him. Like other rulers of Rus', he preferred (if possible) to reach an “amicable” agreement. If the tribes agreed to recognize the supremacy of Kyiv and paid off with tribute, then even their rulers remained the same.

He annexed the hitherto invincible Vyatichi (who preferred to fight in their impenetrable forests), defeated the Khazars, and then took Tmutarakan. Despite the small number of his squad, he successfully fought with the Bulgarians on the Danube. Conquered Andrianople and threatened to take Constantinople. The Greeks preferred to pay off with a rich tribute. On the way back, he died along with his squad on the rapids of the Dnieper, being killed by the same Pechenegs. It is assumed that it was his squad that found the swords and remains of equipment during the construction of the Dnieper Hydroelectric Station.

General characteristics of the 1st century

Since the first rulers of Rus' reigned on the Grand Duke's throne, the era of constant unrest and civil strife gradually began to end. Relative order arose: the princely squad defended the borders from the arrogant and ferocious nomadic tribes, and they, in turn, pledged to help with warriors and paid tribute to polyudye. The main concern of those princes was the Khazars: at that time they were paid tribute (not regularly, during the next raid) by many Slavic tribes, which greatly undermined the authority of the central government.

Another problem was the lack of unity of faith. The Slavs who conquered Constantinople were looked upon with contempt, since at that time monotheism (Judaism, Christianity) was already being actively established, and the pagans were considered almost animals. But the tribes actively resisted all attempts to interfere with their faith. "Rulers of Rus'" talks about this - the film quite truthfully conveys the reality of that era.

This contributed to the increase in the number of minor troubles within the young state. But Olga, who converted to Christianity and began to promote and condone the construction of Christian churches in Kyiv, paved the way for the baptism of the country. The second century began, in which the rulers Ancient Rus' They have done many more great things.

Vladimir St. Equal to the Apostles (980-1015)

As is known, there was never brotherly love between Yaropolk, Oleg and Vladimir, who were the heirs of Svyatoslav. It didn’t even help that during his lifetime the father allocated his own land for each of them. It ended with Vladimir destroying his brothers and beginning to rule alone.

The ruler in Ancient Rus', recaptured Red Rus' from the regiments, fought a lot and bravely against the Pechenegs and Bulgarians. He became famous as a generous ruler who did not spare gold to give gifts to people loyal to him. At first he demolished almost everything Christian churches and churches that were built under his mother, and the small Christian community suffered constant persecution from him.

But the political situation was such that the country had to be brought to monotheism. In addition, contemporaries talk about strong feeling, which broke out among the prince towards the Byzantine princess Anna. No one would give her for a pagan. So the rulers of Ancient Rus' came to the conclusion about the need to be baptized.

Therefore, already in 988, the baptism of the prince and all his associates took place, and then the new religion began to spread among the people. Vasily and Konstantin married Anna to Prince Vladimir. Contemporaries spoke of Vladimir as a strict, tough (sometimes even cruel) person, but they loved him for his straightforwardness, honesty and justice. The church still extols the name of the prince for the reason that he began to massively build temples and churches in the country. This was the first ruler of Rus' to be baptized.

Svyatopolk (1015-1019)

Like his father, Vladimir during his lifetime distributed lands to his many sons: Svyatopolk, Izyaslav, Yaroslav, Mstislav, Svyatoslav, Boris and Gleb. After his father died, Svyatopolk decided to rule on his own, for which he issued an order to eliminate his own brothers, but was expelled from Kyiv by Yaroslav of Novgorod.

With the help of the Polish king Boleslav the Brave, he was able to take possession of Kiev for the second time, but the people received him coolly. He was soon forced to flee the city, and then died on the way. His death - dark story. It is assumed that he took his own life. In folk legends he is nicknamed "the cursed one."

Yaroslav the Wise (1019-1054)

Yaroslav quickly became an independent ruler of Kievan Rus. He was distinguished by his great intelligence and did a lot for the development of the state. He built many monasteries and promoted the spread of writing. He is also the author of "Russian Truth", the first official collection of laws and regulations in our country. Like his ancestors, he immediately distributed plots of land to his sons, but at the same time strictly ordered them to “live in peace and not cause intrigues to each other.”

Izyaslav (1054-1078)

Izyaslav was the eldest son of Yaroslav. Initially he ruled Kiev, distinguished himself as a good ruler, but he did not know how to get along with the people very well. The latter played a role. When he went against the Polovtsy and failed in that campaign, the Kievans simply kicked him out, calling his brother, Svyatoslav, to reign. After he died, Izyaslav returned to the capital city again.

In principle, he was a very good ruler, but he had some rather difficult times. Like all the first rulers of Kievan Rus, he was forced to solve a lot of difficult issues.

General characteristics of the 2nd century

In those centuries, several practically independent (the most powerful) stood out from the structure of Rus': Chernigov, Rostov-Suzdal (later Vladimir-Suzdal), Galicia-Volyn. Novgorod stood apart. Ruled by the Veche following the example of the Greek city-states, he generally did not look at the princes very well.

Despite this fragmentation, formally Rus' was still considered an independent state. Yaroslav was able to expand its borders to the very river Ros. Under Vladimir, the country adopted Christianity, and the influence of Byzantium on its internal affairs increased.

Thus, at the head of the newly created church stood the metropolitan, who was directly subordinate to Constantinople. The new faith brought with it not only religion, but also new writing and new laws. The princes at that time acted together with the church, built many new churches, and contributed to the education of their people. It was at this time that the famous Nestor lived, who is the author of numerous written monuments of that time.

Unfortunately, everything was not so smooth. The eternal problem was both the constant raids of nomads and internal strife, which constantly tore the country apart and deprived it of strength. As Nestor, the author of “The Tale of Igor’s Campaign,” put it, “the Russian land is groaning from them.” The enlightenment ideas of the Church are beginning to appear, but so far the people are not accepting the new religion well.

Thus began the third century.

Vsevolod I (1078-1093)

Vsevolod the First could well remain in history as an exemplary ruler. He was truthful, honest, promoted education and the development of writing, and he himself knew five languages. But he was not distinguished by developed military and political talent. The constant raids of the Polovtsians, pestilence, drought and famine did not contribute to his authority. Only his son Vladimir, later nicknamed Monomakh, kept his father on the throne (a unique case, by the way).

Svyatopolk II (1093-1113)

He was the son of Izyaslav, had a good character, but was unusually weak-willed in some matters, which is why the appanage princes did not consider him a Grand Duke. However, he ruled very well: having heeded the advice of the same Vladimir Monomakh, at the Dolob Congress in 1103 he persuaded his opponents to undertake a joint campaign against the “cursed” Polovtsians, after which in 1111 they were completely defeated.

The military booty was enormous. Almost two dozen Polotsk residents were killed in that battle. This victory resounded loudly throughout all Slavic lands, both in the East and in the West.

Vladimir Monomakh (1113-1125)

Despite the fact that, based on seniority, he should not have taken the Kiev throne, it was Vladimir who was elected there by unanimous decision. Such love is explained by the rare political and military talent of the prince. He was distinguished by his intelligence, political and military courage, and was very courageous in military affairs.

He considered every campaign against the Polovtsians a holiday (the Polovtsians did not share his views). It was under Monomakh that the princes who were overly zealous in matters of independence received a strict cut. He leaves to descendants “Lessons for Children,” where he talks about the importance of honest and selfless service to one’s Motherland.

Mstislav I (1125-1132)

Following the behests of his father, he lived in peace with his brothers and other princes, but became enraged at the mere hint of disobedience and desire for civil strife. Thus, he angrily expels the Polovtsian princes from the country, after which they are forced to flee the discontent of the ruler in Byzantium. In general, many rulers of Kievan Rus tried not to kill their enemies unnecessarily.

Yaropolk (1132-1139)

Known for his skillful political intrigues, which ultimately turned out badly for the Monomakhovichs. At the end of his reign, he decides to transfer the throne not to his brother, but to his nephew. Things almost reach the point of unrest, but the descendants of Oleg Svyatoslavovich, the “Olegovichs,” still ascend to the throne. Not for long, however.

Vsevolod II (1139-1146)

Vsevolod was distinguished by good makings of a ruler; he ruled wisely and firmly. But he wanted to transfer the throne to Igor Olegovich, securing the position of the “Olegovichs”. But the people of Kiev did not recognize Igor, he was forced to take monastic vows, and then was completely killed.

Izyaslav II (1146-1154)

But the residents of Kyiv enthusiastically received Izyaslav II Mstislavovich, who, with his brilliant political abilities, military valor and intelligence, vividly reminded them of his grandfather, Monomakh. It was he who introduced the rule that has remained indisputable since then: if an uncle in one princely family is alive, then the nephew cannot receive his throne.

He was in a terrible feud with Yuri Vladimirovich, the prince of the Rostov-Suzdal land. His name will mean nothing to many, but later Yuri will be called Dolgoruky. Izyaslav twice had to flee Kyiv, but until his death he never gave up the throne.

Yuri Dolgoruky (1154-1157)

Yuri finally gains access to the Kyiv throne. Having stayed there for only three years, he achieved a lot: he was able to pacify (or punish) the princes, and contributed to the unification of fragmented lands under strong rule. However, all his work turned out to be meaningless, since after the death of Dolgoruky, the squabble between the princes flared up with renewed vigor.

Mstislav II (1157-1169)

It was the devastation and quarrels that led to Mstislav II Izyaslavovich ascending the throne. He was a good ruler, but did not have a very good disposition, and also condoned princely feuds (“divide and conquer”). Andrei Yuryevich, the son of Dolgoruky, drives him out of Kyiv. Known in history under the nickname Bogolyubsky.

In 1169, Andrei did not limit himself to expelling his father’s worst enemy, simultaneously burning Kyiv to the ground. Thus, at the same time, he took revenge on the people of Kiev, who by that time had acquired the habit of expelling princes at any time, calling to their principality anyone who would promise them “bread and circuses.”

Andrey Bogolyubsky (1169-1174)

As soon as Andrei seized power, he immediately moved the capital to his favorite city, Vladimir on the Klyazma. Since then, the dominant position of Kyiv immediately began to weaken. Having become stern and domineering towards the end of his life, Bogolyubsky did not want to put up with the tyranny of many boyars, wanting to establish an autocratic government. Many did not like this, and therefore Andrei was killed as a result of a conspiracy.

So what did the first rulers of Rus' do? The table will give a general answer to this question.

In principle, all the rulers of Rus' from Rurik to Putin did the same thing. The table can hardly convey all the hardships that our people endured. difficult path formation of the state.

Russia is an amazing country; it has a unique history that goes back more than 1000 years. During this period, it was ruled by princes, kings, emperors, general secretaries, and presidents. All of them made an invaluable contribution to its development. The rulers of Russia from Rurik to Putin are known throughout the world, their personalities arouse great interest.

The history of Russia is complex and interesting.

At the stage of the emergence of statehood, numerous tribes lived on vast lands. Vyatichi, Drevlyans, Krivichi, Polotsk are the most famous of them. In the 9th century, the process of unification of the Slavic tribes began. It was during this difficult period that the rulers who founded the first dynasty appeared in Rus'.

This is interesting! There were two ruling dynasties in Russia - the Rurikovichs and the Romanovs.

The Rurikovichs were in power for more than seven centuries, the Romanovs for about 4 centuries.

Each century was full of large-scale events: destructive wars, the adoption of new laws, the construction of cities, and the expansion of territories.

The main events of Russia over a thousand-year period: internecine wars, the Mongol-Tatar invasion, gaining access to the Baltic Sea, the abolition of serfdom, the October Revolution and change of power, victory in the Great Patriotic War.

To understand the achievements and failures of Russia's rulers, you need to know your native history.

Rulers of Russia in chronological order

The history of Russia has always been confusing. Reliably understand some historical facts beyond the power of even professional historians, not to mention ordinary people. Remember all n O periods and years is a task of the greatest difficulty even for a student of history.

A table is one of the most understandable ways to systematize the personalities of rulers.

All the rulers of Russia. Table

Russia was ruled different people: strong, smart, educated, cruel, despotic, and sometimes stupid and cowardly. All the deeds of the rulers have been preserved for centuries, the memory of them will live forever.

Who ruled in Russia and when?

Ancient Rus' (9th-12th centuries)

The first ruler is considered to be the Varangian Rurik. He arrived with the Rus tribe to the Slavic lands by invitation in 862, and ruled in Novgorod. It is from him that the Rurik dynasty traces its origins.

The main source telling about the emergence of the first rulers of Russia is “The Tale of Bygone Years.” The chronicle was created in the 12th century, two centuries after the arrival of the Varangians.

Scientists are in great debate about the origin of Rurik. There is an opinion that the Varangians who came were Normans or Swedes. This concept was called the "Norman theory".

Opponents of this version believe that the Varangians arrived from the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea.

After Rurik, the rulers followed in such chronological order:

• In 879, Oleg entered the political arena. In 882, he captured Smolensk and Kyiv, moved the capital there and united two large territories.
• Igor made a campaign against Byzantium in 941, and later concluded a peace agreement. In 945, Igor was killed by the Drevlyans who did not pay additional tribute.
• Princess Olga changed the system of collecting tribute: she established precise sizes and special places.
• Svyatoslav became famous for his military campaigns; he defeated the Volga Bulgaria and the Khazar Kaganate.
• Yaropolk I is famous only for the fact that he captured the lands of Vladimir and was defeated by him.
• Prince Vladimir is known for his military victories, the creation of a defensive system of fortresses and the baptism of Rus' in 988.
• Svyatopolk the Damned after the death of Vladimir began civil strife with his brother Yaroslav
• Under Yaroslav the Wise, who reigned from 1054-1078, Rus' experienced a time of economic and cultural prosperity. The most important achievement is a set of laws.
• The ruler Izyaslav Yaroslavovich took part in civil strife and repelled the raids of the Polovtsians.
• Vsevolod Yaroslavovich took part in internecine wars.
• Ruler Svyatopolk Izyaslavich participated in the Lyubech Congress of Princes, where it was decided to stop wars against each other.
• Vladimir Vsevolodovich (Monomakh) was the initiator of the congress of princes in Lyubech in 1097. Under his auspices, various troops were united to repel Polovtsian raids.
• Mstislav Vladimirovich finally expelled the Polovtsians.
• Yaropolk Vladimirovich continued the internecine wars.
• Vsevolod Olgovich ruled in Kyiv.
• Izyaslav Mstislavovich ruled in Kyiv.
• Ruler Yuri Dolgoruky founded different cities.
• Mstislav II fought for Kyiv power.
• Rostislav fought for power with the help of Mstislav.
• Andrei Bogolyubsky is known for his love of icons and churches.
• Ruler Mikhail Yuryevich led an active struggle between Vladimir and Suzdal.
• Vsevolod the Big Nest subjugated various cities to the Suzdal land.
• Under Yuri Vsevolodovich, the Golden Horde invaded.

Mongol yoke (13th-15th centuries)

The Mongol-Tatar invasion, which lasted more than two centuries, is undoubtedly considered the most difficult period in the history of Russia. It was precisely this that slowed down economic and cultural growth and contributed to Rus'’s lag behind Western countries. Let us consider further who ruled during this harsh time:

• Yaroslav Vsevolodovich conducted military operations with Lithuania. The first prince to receive the label of reign from the Mongol Khan.
• Alexander Nevsky won the Battle of Lake Peipsi in 1242. He stopped the Northern Crusade and the spread of Catholicism.
• The ruler Yaroslav Yaroslavich is known for his friendly attitude towards the invaders.
• Dmitry and Andrey Alexandrovich are the sons of Alexander Nevsky. They fought for reign and their disputes were resolved by the Mongol khans.
• Mikhail Tverskoy had the khan's charter to reign and was killed in the Golden Horde.
• Yuri Daniilovich III annexed Russian cities to Moscow.
• Alexander Mikhailovich participated in a conspiracy with the residents of Tver to kill Mongolian ambassadors.
• John Kalita contributed to the transfer of the capital to Moscow.
• Simeon the Proud established a calm time and was named Grand Duke of All Rus'.
• John the Short depended on the metropolitan and the Moscow boyars.
• Dmitry Konstantinovich is known for his unsuccessful attempt to subjugate Moscow to Suzdal.
• Dmitry Donskoy won the largest battle on the Kulikovo Field. The ruler established the right of succession to the throne in order of priority.
• Vasily I Dmitrievich fought with the Tatars and strengthened Muscovite Rus'.
• Vasily the Dark is known for the new law on succession to the throne, from father to son.
• John III overthrew the Mongol yoke, strengthened the Principality of Moscow, and introduced the first coat of arms of Russia in the form of an eagle.

Muscovy (16th-17th centuries)

The 16th century marked a new autocratic era, free from the Mongol burden. The historiography of this period provides a list of the kings of Russia in order, according to Wikipedia:

• Ruler Vasily III annexed other cities to Moscow and assumed autocracy.
• Elena Glinskaya, the mother of Ivan the Terrible, protected autocracy.
• Ivan the Terrible annexed Siberia, Kazan and Astrakhan. Established trade relations with England and introduced oprichnina.
• Ruler Fyodor Ioannovich built fortresses, fought with the Tatars and Swedes, and enslaved the peasants.
• Boris Godunov gained power in 1598 Zemsky Sobor, founded Siberian cities.
• False Dmitry I is an impostor who pretended to be the son of Ivan the Terrible.
• Vasily Shuisky ruled during the period of the appearance of the second impostor. Reflected the siege of Moscow from the Poles.
• Mikhail Fedorovich Romanov is the first tsar of the new dynasty.
• Alexey Mikhailovich suppressed riots and riots, developed laws.
• Ruler Fyodor Alekseevich fought with Turkey.
• Sofya Alekseevna contributed to the dissemination of science and culture.
• John V Alekseevich was proclaimed tsar in 1682, but did not actually rule the country.

This is exactly what the kings of Russia look like in order during the 16th-17th centuries.

Russian Empire (18th-early 20th centuries)

This period is characterized by an increase in territories and expansion of the borders of the state. The reins of government were in the hands of the Romanov dynasty. Who played the most significant role? Prominent representatives of this period in Russia - Peter I, Catherine II, Alexander I, Nicholas I.

The list of rulers of Russia is arranged in chronological order with dates:

• Peter I won the Northern War (1720-1721), strengthened the fleet, carried out the war, and took the title of emperor. He was in power for more than 42 years.
• Catherine I contributed to the development of science in 1725-1727.
• Peter II established trade relations with China.
• Anna Ioannovna waged wars with Turkey and Poland.
• Anna Leopoldovna ruled for one year - from 1740 to 1741, and was overthrown.
• Elizaveta Petrovna contributed to the development of science and culture, approved banks, and abolished execution.
• Peter III gave the reign to Catherine II.
• Catherine II is one of the most prominent rulers of Russia. She waged wars with Turkey, annexed many territories, and eliminated Pugachev’s rebellion.
• Paul I opened institutions and introduced censorship for the press.
• Alexander I founded universities and won the Patriotic War in 1812.
• Nicholas I suppressed the Decembrist uprising in 1825 and the Polish rebellion, expanding the borders of the empire.
• Alexander II abolished serfdom in 1861.
• Alexander III carried out extensive reforms in the country.
• Nicholas II is the last Russian emperor, whose power was overthrown in 1917.

Modern period (1917 to present)

The 20th century brought enormous changes. Two revolutions completely changed people's lives.

Note! The ruling dynasties are a thing of the past, new government did not recognize them.

List of all rulers of this period

• Vladimir Lenin is the ideological leader of the Bolsheviks. By the age of 47 he led the revolution.
• Joseph Stalin established a bloody dictatorship in the country, ruled Russia more strictly than anyone else, carried out collectivization, won the Second world war.
• Nikita Khrushchev waged the Cold War, eliminated Stalin’s personality cult, and was actively involved in the development Agriculture. Known in Russia for the massive introduction of corn.
• Leonid Brezhnev is characterized by a period of stability and stagnation.
• Yuri Andropov is known for a radical change of personnel during the year of his reign.
• Konstantin Chernenko did not do any important things due to poor health.
• Mikhail Gorbachev - General Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee remained in power until the 1991 coup.
• Boris Yeltsin, the first president of Russia, participated in the collapse of the USSR and the formation of a new state.
• Vladimir Putin is the current president of Russia and has been in power for about 15 years.
• Dmitry Medvedev was president of Russia from 2008 to 2012.

Many people wonder who ruled Russia the most? Here are the answers:

• Ivan the Terrible was in power for more than 50 years,
• then Ivan III (about 43 years old),
• next on the list is Peter I (42 years and 9 months), according to Wikipedia.

In the scientific literature, a list of all rulers and their activities are given in tables to organize information so that there is no difficulty with dates.

Useful video

Let's sum it up

It is important for every person to know the history of the rulers of Russia: the main periods, events, dynasties, to respect their activities and understand what they were.

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, caring for world peace, he 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.

Lvov Georgy Evgenievich (1917)

After February revolution became Chairman of the Provisional Government, which he headed from March 2, 1917 to July 8, 1917. Subsequently he emigrated to France after the October Revolution.

Alexander Fedorovich (1917)

He was the chairman of the Provisional Government after Lvov.

Vladimir Ilyich Lenin (Ulyanov) (1917 - 1922)

After the revolution in October 1917, in a short 5 years, a new state was formed - the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (1922). One of the main ideologists and leader of the Bolshevik revolution. It was V.I. who proclaimed two decrees in 1917: the first on ending the war, and the second on the abolition of private land ownership and the transfer of all territories that previously belonged to landowners for the use of workers. He died before the age of 54 in Gorki. His body rests in Moscow, in the Mausoleum on Red Square.

Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin (Dzhugashvili) (1922 - 1953)

General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party. A totalitarian regime and a bloody dictatorship were established in the country. He forcibly carried out collectivization in the country, driving the peasants into collective farms and depriving them of property and passports, effectively renewing serfdom. At the cost of hunger he arranged industrialization. During his reign, massive arrests and executions of all dissidents, as well as “enemies of the people,” were carried out in the country. Most of the country's intelligentsia perished in Stalin's Gulags. Won World War II, victorious with the Allies Hitler's Germany. Died of a stroke.

Nikita Sergeevich Khrushchev (1953 - 1964)

After Stalin's death, having entered into an alliance with Malenkov, he removed Beria from power and took the place of General Secretary of the Communist Party. He debunked Stalin's personality cult. In 1960, at a meeting of the UN Assembly, he called on countries to disarmament and asked to include China in the Security Council. But foreign policy The USSR has become increasingly tough since 1961. Agreement on a three-year moratorium on testing nuclear weapons was violated by the USSR. The Cold War began with Western countries and, first of all, with the USA.

Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev (1964 - 1982)

He led a conspiracy against N.S., as a result of which he was removed from the position of General Secretary. The time of his reign is called “stagnation”. Total shortage of absolutely all consumer goods. The whole country is standing in kilometer-long queues. Corruption is rampant. Many public figures, persecuted for dissent, leave the country. This wave of emigration was later called the “brain drain.” L.I.'s last public appearance took place in 1982. He hosted the Parade on Red Square. That same year he passed away.

Yuri Vladimirovich Andropov (1983 - 1984)

Former head of the KGB. Becoming general secretary, treated his position accordingly. IN work time prohibited the appearance of adults on the streets without a good reason. Died of kidney failure.

Konstantin Ustinovich Chernenko (1984 - 1985)

No one in the country took the appointment of the seriously ill 72-year-old Chernenok to the post of General Secretary seriously. He was considered a kind of “intermediate” figure. He spent most of his reign of the USSR in the Central Clinical Hospital. He became the last ruler of the country to be buried near the Kremlin wall.

Mikhail Sergeevich Gorbachev (1985 - 1991)

The first and only president of the USSR. He began a series of democratic reforms in the country, called “Perestroika”. He rid the country of the Iron Curtain and stopped the persecution of dissidents. Freedom of speech appeared in the country. Opened the market for trade with Western countries. Stopped the Cold War. Honored Nobel Prize Mira.

Boris Nikolaevich Yeltsin (1991 - 1999)

He was twice elected to the post of President of the Russian Federation. The economic crisis in the country caused by the collapse of the USSR exacerbated contradictions in the country's political system. Yeltsin's opponent was Vice President Rutskoi, who stormed the Ostankino television center and the Moscow City Hall and launched a coup d'état, which was suppressed. I was seriously ill. During his illness, the country was temporarily ruled by V.S. Chernomyrdin. B.I. Yeltsin announced his resignation in his New Year's address to the Russians. He died in 2007.

Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (1999 - 2008)

Appointed by Yeltsin as acting President, after the elections he became the full-fledged president of the country.

Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev (2008 - 2012)

Protégé V.V. Putin. He served as president for four years, after which V.V. became president again. Putin.

4. Nikita Sergeevich Khrushchev (04/17/1894-09/11/1971)

Soviet statesman and party leader. First Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR from 1958 to 1964. Hero Soviet Union, Three times Hero of Socialist Labor. The first laureate of the Shevchenko Prize, reign 09/07/1. (Moscow city).

Nikita Sergeevich Khrushchev was born in 1894 in the village of Kalinovka, Kursk province, into the family of miner Sergei Nikanorovich Khrushchev and Ksenia Ivanovna Khrushcheva. In 1908, having moved with his family to the Uspensky mine near Yuzovka, Khrushchev became an apprentice mechanic at a factory, then worked as a mechanic at a mine and, as a miner, was not taken to the front in 1914. In the early 1920s, he worked in the mines and studied at the workers' department of the Donetsk Industrial Institute. Later he was engaged in economic and party work in Donbass and Kyiv. Since January 1931, he was at party work in Moscow, during which time he was the first secretary of the Moscow regional and city party committees - MK and MGK VKP (b). In January 1938, he was appointed first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Ukraine. In the same year he became a candidate, and in 1939 - a member of the Politburo.

During World War II, Khrushchev served as a political commissar of the highest rank (a member of the military councils of a number of fronts) and in 1943 received the rank of lieutenant general; led partisan movement behind the front line. In the first post-war years he headed the government in Ukraine. In December 1947, Khrushchev again headed the Communist Party of Ukraine, becoming the first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party (Bolsheviks) of Ukraine; He held this post until he moved to Moscow in December 1949, where he became the first secretary of the Moscow Party Committee and secretary of the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks. Khrushchev initiated the consolidation of collective farms (kolkhozes). After Stalin's death, when the Chairman of the Council of Ministers left the post of Secretary of the Central Committee, Khrushchev became the “master” of the party apparatus, although until September 1953 he did not have the title of First Secretary. Between March and June 1953, he attempted to seize power. In order to eliminate Beria, Khrushchev entered into an alliance with Malenkov. In September 1953, he took the post of First Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee. In June 1953, a struggle for power began between Malenkov and Khrushchev, in which Khrushchev won. At the beginning of 1954, he announced the start of a grandiose program for the development of virgin lands in order to increase grain production, and in October of the same year he headed the Soviet delegation in Beijing.

Most a bright event Khrushchev's career included the 20th Congress of the CPSU, held in 1956. At a closed meeting, Khrushchev condemned Stalin, accusing him of mass extermination of people and erroneous policies that almost ended with the liquidation of the USSR in the war with Nazi Germany. The result of this report was unrest in the Eastern bloc countries - Poland (October 1956) and Hungary (October and November 1956). In June 1957, the Presidium (formerly Politburo) of the CPSU Central Committee organized a conspiracy to remove Khrushchev from the post of First Secretary of the Party. After his return from Finland, he was invited to a meeting of the Presidium, which, by seven votes to four, demanded his resignation. Khrushchev convened a Plenum of the Central Committee, which overturned the decision of the Presidium and dismissed the “anti-party group” of Molotov, Malenkov and Kaganovich. He strengthened the Presidium with his supporters, and in March 1958 he took the post of Chairman of the Council of Ministers, taking into his own hands all the main levers of power. In September 1960, Khrushchev visited the United States as head of the Soviet delegation to the UN General Assembly. During the assembly, he managed to hold large-scale negotiations with the heads of government of a number of countries. His report to the Assembly called for general disarmament, the immediate elimination of colonialism and the admission of China to the UN. During the summer of 1961, Soviet foreign policy became increasingly harsh, and in September the USSR ended a three-year moratorium on nuclear weapons testing with a series of explosions. On October 14, 1964, by the Plenum of the CPSU Central Committee, Khrushchev was relieved of his duties as First Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee and member of the Presidium of the CPSU Central Committee. He was replaced by the First Secretary Communist Party, and became Chairman of the Council of Ministers. After 1964, Khrushchev, while retaining his seat on the Central Committee, was essentially in retirement. Khrushchev died in Moscow on September 11, 1971.