List of Russian monarchs: Difference between revisions
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|name1 = [[Peter the Great|'''Peter I''']] |
|name1 = [[Peter the Great|'''Peter I''']] |
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|nickname1 = the Great |
|nickname1 = the Great |
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|native1 =Пётр I Алексеевич (Пётр Великий) |
|native1 = Пётр I Алексеевич (Пётр Великий) |
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|life1 = 9 June 1672<br>–<br>8 February 1725 |
|life1 = 9 June 1672<br>–<br>8 February 1725 |
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|reignstart1 = 2 November 1721 |
|reignstart1 = 2 November 1721 |
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|name4 = '''[[Anna of Russia|Anna]]''' |
|name4 = '''[[Anna of Russia|Anna]]''' |
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|nickname4 = |
|nickname4 = |
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|native4 =Анна Иоанновна |
|native4 = Анна Иоанновна |
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|life4 = 7 February 1693<br>–<br>28 October 1740 |
|life4 = 7 February 1693<br>–<br>28 October 1740 |
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|reignstart4 = 13 February 1730 |
|reignstart4 = 13 February 1730 |
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|name13 = '''''[[Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich of Russia|Constantine]] (disputed)''''' |
|name13 = '''''[[Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich of Russia|Constantine]] (disputed)''''' |
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|nickname13 = |
|nickname13 = |
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|native13 =Константин Павлович |
|native13 = Константин Павлович |
||
|life13 = 27 April 1779<br>–<br>27 June 1831 |
|life13 = 27 April 1779<br>–<br>27 June 1831 |
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|reignstart13= ''1 December 1825'' |
|reignstart13= ''1 December 1825'' |
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|name16 = [[Alexander III of Russia|'''Alexander III''']] |
|name16 = [[Alexander III of Russia|'''Alexander III''']] |
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|nickname16 = the Peacemaker |
|nickname16 = the Peacemaker |
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|native16 =Александр III Александрович (Александр Миротворец) |
|native16 = Александр III Александрович (Александр Миротворец) |
||
|life16 = 10 March 1845<br>–<br>1 November 1894 |
|life16 = 10 March 1845<br>–<br>1 November 1894 |
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|reignstart16= 13 March 1881 |
|reignstart16= 13 March 1881 |
Revision as of 10:51, 7 August 2022
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Monarchy of Russia | |
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![]() | |
![]() Tree of Russian rulers | |
Details | |
Style | His/Her Imperial Majesty |
First monarch | Rurik (as Prince) |
Last monarch | Nicholas II (as Emperor) |
Formation | 862 |
Abolition | 15 March 1917 |
Residence | Winter Palace, Moscow Kremlin |
Appointer | Hereditary |
Pretender(s) |
This is a list of all reigning monarchs in the history of Russia. It includes the princes of medieval Rus′ state (both centralised, known as Kievan Rus′ and feudal, when the political center moved northeast to Vladimir and finally to Moscow), tsars, and emperors of Russia. The list begins with the semi-legendary prince Rurik of Novgorod, sometime in the mid 9th century (c. 862) and ends with emperor Nicholas II who abdicated in 1917, and was executed with his family in 1918.
The vast territory known today as Russia covers an area that has been ruled by various polities, including Kievan Rus',[1] the Grand Duchy of Moscow, the Tsardom of Russia and the Russian Empire, and the sovereigns of these many nations and throughout their histories have used likewise as wide a range of titles in their positions as chief magistrates of a country. Some of the earliest titles include kniaz and velikiy kniaz, which mean "prince" and "grand prince" respectively but are often rendered as "duke" and "grand duke" in Western literature; then the title of tsar, meaning "caesar", which was disputed to be the equal of either a king or emperor; finally culminating in the title of emperor. According to Article 59 of the 1906 Russian Constitution, the Russian emperor held several dozen titles, each one representing a region which the monarch governed.
Rurikids, 862–1598
Parts of the land that is today known as Russia was populated by various East Slavic peoples from before the 9th century. The first states to exert hegemony over the region were those of the Rus' people, a branch of Nordic Varangians who entered the region occupied by modern Russia sometime in the ninth century, and set up a series of states starting with the Rus' Khaganate circa 830. Little is known of the Rus' Khaganate beyond its existence, including the extent of its territory or any reliable list of its khagans (rulers).
Princes of Novgorod
Traditionally, Rus' statehood is traced to Rurik, Rus' leader of Novgorod (modern Veliky Novgorod), a different Rus' state.
Name | Lifespan | Reign start | Reign end | Notes | Family | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rurik
| 830 – 879 | 862 | 879 | Founder of Rurik Dynasty | Rurikids | ![]() |
Oleg
| 855 – 912 | 879 | 882 | Relative of Rurik and regent of his son, Prince Igor | Rurikids | ![]() |
Grand princes of Kiev
Rurik's successor Oleg moved his capital to Kiev (now Ukraine), founding the state of Kievan Rus'. Over the next several centuries, the most important titles were Grand Prince of Kiev and Grand Prince of Novgorod whose holder (often the same person) could claim hegemony.
Name | Lifespan | Reign start | Reign end | Notes | Family | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Askold and Dir
| 9th century | 842[2][3][note 1] | 882 | Rus' chieftains and members of Rurik's army | Askold: Kyi | ![]() |
Oleg
| 855 – 912 | 882 | Autumn 912 | Successor of Askold and Dir as a regent of Rurik's son | Rurikids | ![]() |
Igor I
| 878 – 945 | 913 | Autumn 945 | Son of Rurik | Rurikids | ![]() |
Saint Olga
| 890 – 969 | 945 | 964 | Wife of Igor I and regent of Sviatoslav I | Rurikids (by marriage) | ![]() |
Sviatoslav I
| 942 – 972 | 964 | March 972 | Son of Igor I and Olga | Rurikids | ![]() |
Yaropolk I
| 950 – 980 | March 972 | 11 June 980 | Son of Sviatoslav I and Predslava | Rurikids | ![]() |
Saint Vladimir I
| 958 – 1015 | 11 June 980 | 15 July 1015 | Son of Sviatoslav I and Malusha Younger brother of Yaropolk I | Rurikids | |
Sviatopolk I
| 980 – 1019 | 15 July 1015 | Autumn 1016 | Son of Vladimir I Overthrown by Yaroslav of Novgorod | Rurikids | ![]() |
Yaroslav I
| 978 – 1054 | Autumn 1016 | 22 July 1018 | Son of Vladimir I and Rogneda of Polotsk Prince of Novgorod since 1010 | Rurikids | ![]() |
Sviatopolk I
| 980 – 1019 | 14 August 1018 | 27 July 1019 | Restored. Fled from Kiev after defeat from Yaroslav on Alta River | Rurikids | ![]() |
Yaroslav I
| 978 – 1054 | 27 July 1019 | 20 February 1054 | Restored Co-ruler: Mstislav of Chernigov (1024–1036) | Rurikids | ![]() |
Feudal period
The gradual disintegration of Rus' began in the 11th century, after the death of Yaroslav the Wise. The position of the Grand Prince was weakened by the growing influence of regional clans. In 1097, the Council of Liubech formalized the feudal nature of the Rus' lands.
Name | Lifespan | Reign start | Reign end | Notes | Family | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Iziaslav I
| 1024 – 1078 | 20 February 1054 | 15 September 1068 | First son of Yaroslav I and Ingegerd Olofsdotter. Overthrown | Rurikids | ![]() |
Vseslav
| 1039 – 1101 | 15 September 1068 | 29 April 1069 | Great-grandson of Vladimir I Usurped the Kievan throne Prince of Polotsk (1044–67, 1071–1101) | Rurikids | ![]() |
Iziaslav I
| 1024 – 1078 | 2 May 1069 | 22 March 1073 | Restored | Rurikids | ![]() |
Sviatoslav II
| 1027 – 1076 | 22 March 1073 | 27 December 1076 | Third son of Yaroslav I and Ingegerd Olofsdotter Prince of Chernigov (1054–73) | Rurikids | ![]() |
Vsevolod I
| 1030 – 1093 | 1 January 1077 | 15 July 1077 | Fourth son of Yaroslav I and Ingegerd Olofsdotter Handed over the throne to Iziaslav I Prince of Pereyaslavl (1054–73), Chernigov (1073–78). The first known of the Kiev princes to bear the title of "Prince of all Rus′" | Rurikids | ![]() |
Iziaslav I
| 1024 – 1078 | 15 July 1077 | 3 October 1078 | Restored | Rurikids | ![]() |
Vsevolod I
| 1030 – 1093 | 3 October 1078 | 13 April 1093 | Retook the throne after Iziaslav's death | Rurikids | ![]() |
Sviatopolk II
| 1050 – 1113 | 24 April 1093 | 16 April 1113 | Son of Iziaslav I Prince of Novgorod (1078–88), Turov (1088–93) | Rurikids | ![]() |
Vladimir II
| 1053 – 1125 | 20 April 1113 | 19 May 1125 | Son of Vsevolod I and Anastasia of Byzantium Prince of Smolensk (1073–78), Chernigov (1078–94), Pereyaslavl (1094–1113) | Rurikids | ![]() |
Mstislav I
| 1076 – 1132 | 20 May 1125 | 15 April 1132 | Son of Vladimir II and Gytha of Wessex Prince of Novgorod (1088–1117), Belgorod (1117–25) | Rurikids | ![]() |
After Mstislav's death in 1132, the Kievan Rus' fell into recession and a rapid decline. The throne of Kiev became an object of struggle between various territorial associations of Rurikid princes.
Name | Lifespan | Reign start | Reign end | Notes | Family | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yaropolk II
| 1082 – 1139 | 17 April 1132 | 18 February 1139 | Son of Vladimir II and Gytha of Wessex Younger brother of Mstislav I Prince of Pereyaslavl (1114–32) | Rurikids | ![]() |
Viacheslav
| 1083 – 2 February 1154 | 22 February 1139 | 4 March 1139 | Son of Vladimir II and Gytha of Wessex Prince of Smolensk (1113–27), Turov, Pereyaslavl | Rurikids | ![]() |
Vsevolod II
| 1084 – 1146 | 5 March 1139 | 30 July 1146 | Grandson of Sviatoslav II via Oleg of Chernigov Prince of Chernigov (1127–39) | Rurikids | ![]() |
Saint Igor II
| 1096 – 19 September 1146 | 1 August 1146 | 13 August 1146 | Younger brother of Vsevolod II. Overthrown | Rurikids | ![]() |
Iziaslav II
| 1097 – 1154 | 13 August 1146 | 23 August 1149 | Son of Mstislav I and Christina Ingesdotter of Sweden | Rurikids | ![]() |
Yuri I
| 1099 – 1157 | 28 August 1149 | Summer 1150 | Son of Vladimir II and Gytha of Wessex Fled from Kiev when Iziaslav's troops were approaching the city Prince of Rostov and Suzdal (1113–49, 1151–57) | Rurikids | ![]() |
Viacheslav
| 1083 – 2 February 1154 | Summer 1150 | Summer 1150 | Restored. Agreed to cede the throne seeing the support of Iziaslav by the townspeople | Rurikids | ![]() |
Iziaslav II
| 1097 – 1154 | Summer 1150 | Summer 1150 | Restored. Fled to Vladimir-Volynsky under the threat of Yuri's attack | Rurikids | ![]() |
Yuri I
| 1099 – 1157 | August 1150 | Winter 1151 | Restored | Rurikids | ![]() |
Iziaslav II
| 1097 – 1154 | Winter 1151 | 13 November 1154 | Restored Co-ruler: Viacheslav | Rurikids | ![]() |
Viacheslav
| 1083 – December 1154 | Spring 1151 | December 1154 | Restored as Iziaslav's senior co-ruler. After Iziaslav's death Rostislav of Smolensk was proclaimed Viacheslav's new co-prince | Rurikids | ![]() |
Rostislav
| 1110 – 1167 | 1154 | January 1155 | Son of Mstislav I and Christina Ingesdotter of Sweden, younger brother of Iziaslav II Left Kiev after defeat from Iziaslav of Chernigov | Rurikids | ![]() |
Iziaslav III
| 12th century | January 1155 | 1155 | Grandson of Sviatoslav II via Davyd of Chernigov. Ceded the Kiev throne to Yuri the Long Hands Prince of Chernigov (1151–57) | Rurikids | ![]() |
Yuri I
| 1099 – 1157 | 20 March 1155 | 15 May 1157 | Restored | Rurikids | ![]() |
Iziaslav III
| 12th century | 19 May 1157 | December 1158 | Restored. Defeated by Mstislav of Volhynia | Rurikids | ![]() |
Mstislav II
| 1125 – 1170 | 22 December 1158 | Spring 1159 | Son of Iziaslav II. Сeded the throne to Rostislav | Rurikids | ![]() |
Rostislav
| 1110 – 1167 | 12 April 1159 | 8 February 1161 | Restored. Overthrown by Iziaslav and fled to Belgorod | Rurikids | ![]() |
Iziaslav III
| 12th century | 12 February 1161 | 6 March 1161 | Restored. Mortally wounded after failed siege of Belgorod | Rurikids | ![]() |
Rostislav
| 1110 – 1167 | March 1161 | 14 March 1167 | Restored | Rurikids | ![]() |
Mstislav II
| 1125 – 1170 | 19 May 1167 | 12 March 1169 | Restored | Rurikids | ![]() |
In March 1169, a coalition of native princes led by Andrei of Vladimir sacked Kiev and forced Mstislav II to flee in Volhynia. Andrei's brother Gleb was appointed prince of Kiev while Andrei himself continued to rule his realm from Vladimir on Klyazma. From that time on, Northeastern Rus′ centered on Vladimir became one of the most influential Rus′ lands. In the southwest, Galicia-Volhynia had emerged as the local successor to Kiev. In the mid-14th century, Galicia-Volhynia fell under pressure from neighboring powers; Poland conquered Galicia and Lithuania took other Western Rus′ lands including Kiev.
Grand Princes of Vladimir
By the 12th century, the Grand Duchy of Vladimir became the dominant principality in Northwest Rus, adding its name to those of Novgorod and Kiev, culminating with the rule of Alexander Nevsky. In 1169 Prince Andrey I of Vladimir sacked the city of Kiev and took over the title of the grand prince to claim primacy in Rus'.
Name | Lifespan | Reign start | Reign end | Notes | Family | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Saint Andrey I
| c.1111 – 1174 | 15 May 1157 | 29 June 1174 | Son of Yuri I Assassinated by local nobility | Rurikids | ![]() |
Mikhalko
| 12th century | 1174 | September 1174 | Son of Yuri I Younger brother of Andrey I | Rurikids | ![]() |
Yaropolk III
| 12th century | 1174 | 15 June 1175 | Grandson of Yuri I | Rurikids | ![]() |
Mikhalko
| 12th century | 15 June 1175 | 20 June 1176 | Restored | Rurikids | ![]() |
Vsevolod III
| 1154 – 1212 | June 1176 | 15 April 1212 | Son of Yuri I and Helene Younger brother of Andrey I and Mikhalko | Rurikids | ![]() |
Yuri II
| 1189 – 1238 | 1212 | 27 April 1216 | Son of Vselovod III and Maria Shvarnovna | Rurikids | ![]() |
Konstantin
| 1186 – 1218 | Spring 1216 | 2 February 1218 | Son of Vsevolod III and Maria Shvarnovna Elder brother of Yuri II | Rurikids | ![]() |
Yuri II
| 1189 – 1238 | February 1218 | 4 March 1238 | Restored | Rurikids | ![]() |
Rus state finally disintegrated under the pressure of the Mongol invasion of 1237–1242. Its successor principalities started paying tribute to the Golden Horde (the so-called Tatar Yoke). From the mid-13th to mid-15th centuries, princes of North-Eastern Rus received a yarlyk (a special edict of Golden Horde khan).
Name | Lifespan | Reign start | Reign end | Notes | Family | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yaroslav II
| 1191 – 1246 | 1238 | 30 September 1246 | Son of Vsevolod III and Maria Shvarnovna Younger brother of Yuri II and Konstantin of Rostov Also Grand Prince of Kiev in 1236–38 and since 1243 | Rurikids | ![]() |
Sviatoslav III
| 1196 – 3 February 1252 | 1246 | 1248 | Son of Vsevolod III and Maria Shvarnovna Younger brother of Yuri II, Konstantin of Rostov and Yaroslav II | Rurikids | ![]() |
Mikhail
| 1229 – 15 January 1248 | 1248 | 15 January 1248 | Son of Yaroslav II | Rurikids | ![]() |
Sviatoslav III
| 1196 – 3 February 1252 | 1248 | 1249 | Restored | Rurikids | ![]() |
Andrey II
| 1222 – 1264 | December 1249 | 24 July 1252 | Son of Yaroslav II Elder brother of Mikhail Khorobrit | Rurikids | ![]() |
Saint Alexander
| 1221 – 1263 | 1252 | 14 November 1263 | Son of Yaroslav II and Rostislava Mstislavna, daughter of Kievan Rus' Prince Mstislav Mstislavich the Bold Elder brother of Mikhail Khorobrit and Andrey II Prince of Novgorod three times, Grand Prince of Kiev since 1249 | Rurikids | ![]() |
Alexander Nevsky was the last prince to reign directly from Vladimir. After his death, Northeastern Rus′ fell apart into a dozen principalities. The territory of the Grand Duchy of Vladimir proper was received by the Horde to one of the appanage princes, who performed the enthronement ceremony in Vladimir, but remained to live and reign in his own principality. By the end of the century, only three cities – Moscow, Tver, and Nizhny Novgorod – still contended for the title of Grand Prince of Vladimir.
Name | Lifespan | Reign start | Reign end | Notes | Family | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yaroslav III
| 1230 – 1272 | 1264 | 1271 | Son of Yaroslav II and Fedosia Igorevna Younger brother of Alexander Nevsky, Andrey II and Mikhail Khorobrit | Rurikids | ![]() |
Vasily
| 1241 – 1276 | 1272 | January 1277 | Son of Yaroslav II | Rurikids | ![]() |
Dmitry
| 1250 – 1294 | 1277 | 1281 | Son of Alexander Nevsky | Rurikids | ![]() |
Andrey III
| 1255 – 1304 | 1281 | December 1283 | Son of Alexander Nevsky Younger brother of Dmitry of Pereslavl | Rurikids | ![]() |
Dmitry
| 1250 – 1294 | December 1283 | 1293 | Restored | Rurikids | ![]() |
Andrey III
| 1255 – 1304 | 1293 | 27 July 1304 | Restored | Rurikids | ![]() |
Saint Mikhail
| 1271 – 1318 | Autumn 1304 | 22 November 1318 | Son of Yaroslav III and Xenia of Tarusa Murdered | Rurikids | ![]() |
Yuri III
| 1281 – 1325 | 1318 | 2 November 1322 | Grandson of Alexander Nevsky | Rurikids | ![]() |
Dmitry
| 1299 – 1326 | 1322 | 15 September 1326 | Son of Michael of Tver and Anna of Kashin Murdered | Rurikids | ![]() |
Alexander
| 1301 – 1339 | 1326 | 1327 | Son of Michael of Tver and Anna of Kashin Younger brother of Dmitry | Rurikids | ![]() |
Alexander
| 14th century | 1328 | 1331 | Grandson of Andrey II Co-ruler: Ivan I of Moscow | Rurikids | ![]() |
Ivan I
| 1288 – 1340 | 1328 | 31 March 1340 | Grandson of Alexander Nevsky Son of Daniel of Moscow Younger brother of Yuri III Co-ruler: Alexander of Suzdal (until 1331) | Rurikids | ![]() |
Simeon
| 7 November 1316 – 27 April 1353 | 1 October 1340 | 27 April 1353 | Son of Ivan I and Helena | Rurikids | ![]() |
Ivan II
| 30 March 1326 – 13 November 1359 | 25 March 1354 | 13 November 1359 | Son of Ivan I and Helena Younger brother of Simeon | Rurikids | ![]() |
Dmitry
| 1322 – 5 July 1383 | 22 June 1360 | December 1362 | Son of Konstantin Vasilyevich of Suzdal | Rurikids | ![]() |
Saint Dmitry
| 12 October 1350 – 19 May 1389 | January 1363 | 19 May 1389 | Son of Ivan II and Alexandra Velyaminova Prince of Moscow since 1359 | Rurikids | ![]() |
After Dmitry the throne of Vladimir was succeeded only by princes of Moscow.
Grand Princes of Moscow
The Grand Duchy of Moscow, founded by Alexander Nevsky's youngest son Daniel, began to consolidate control over the entire Rus' territory in the 14th century. The Russians began to exert independence from the Mongols, culminating with Ivan III ceasing tribute to the Horde, effectively declaring his independence. His son Vasili III completed the task of uniting all of Russia by annexing the last few independent states in the 1520s.
Name | Lifespan | Reign start | Reign end | Notes | Family | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vasily I
| 30 December 1371 – 27 February 1425 | 19 May 1389 | 27 February 1425 | Son of Dmitry I and Eudoxia Dmitriyevna | Rurikids | ![]() |
Vasily II
| 10 March 1415 – 27 March 1462 | 27 February 1425 | 30 March 1434 | Son of Vasily I and Sophia of Lithuania. Deposed Regent: Sophia of Lithuania (1425–1432) | Rurikids | ![]() |
Yuri (IV)
| 26 November 1374 – 5 June 1434 | 31 March 1434 | 5 June 1434 | Son of Dmitry I and Eudoxia Dmitriyevna Younger brother of Vasily I | Rurikids | ![]() |
Vasily
| 1421 – 1448 | 5 June 1434 | 1435 | Son of Yury of Zvenigorod and Anastasia of Smolensk | Rurikids | ![]() |
Vasily II
| 10 March 1415 – 27 March 1462 | 1435 | 1446 | Restored | Rurikids | ![]() |
Dmitry
| 1400s – 17 July 1453 | 1446 | 26 March 1447 | Son of Yury of Zvenigorod and Anastasia of Smolensk, brother of Vasily the Squint First to use the title of Sovereign of all the Rus[sia] | Rurikids | ![]() |
Vasily II
| 10 March 1415 – 27 March 1462 | 27 February 1447 | 27 March 1462 | Restored Co-ruler: Ivan (since 1449) | Rurikids | ![]() |
Ivan III
| 22 January 1440 – 6 November 1505 | 5 April 1462 | 6 November 1505 | Son of Vasily II and Maria of Borovsk Co-rulers: Ivan the Young (1471–1490), Dmitry the Grandson (1498–1502), Vasily (since 1502) | Rurikids | ![]() |
Vasily III
| 25 March 1479 – 13 December 1533 | 6 November 1505 | 13 December 1533 | Son of Ivan III and Sophia Paleologue | Rurikids | ![]() |
Ivan IV
| 25 August 1530 – 28 March 1584 | 13 December 1533 | 26 January 1547 | Son of Vasily III and Elena Glinskaya Regent: Elena Glinskaya (1533–1538) | Rurikids | ![]() |
Tsars of Russia
Vasili's son Ivan the Terrible formalized the situation by assuming the title Tsar of All Rus' in 1547, when the state of Russia (apart from its constituent principalities) came into formal being.
Name | Lifespan | Reign start | Reign end | Notes | Family | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ivan IV
| 25 August 1530 – 28 March 1584 | 26 January 1547 | 28 March 1584 | Son of Vasily III and Elena Glinskaya "Grand Prince": Simeon Bekbulatovich (1575–1576) | Rurikids | ![]() |
Feodor I
| 31 May 1557 – 17 January 1598 | 28 March 1584 | 17 January 1598 | Son of Ivan IV and Anastasia Zakharyina-Yuryeva | Rurikids | ![]() |
Godunovs, 1598—1605
Following the death of the Feodor I, the son of Ivan the Terrible and the last of the Rurik dynasty, Russia fell into a succession crisis. As Feodor left no male heirs, the Russian Zemsky Sobor (feudal parliament) elected his brother-in-law Boris Godunov to be Tsar.
Tsars of Russia
Name | Lifespan | Reign start | Reign end | Notes | Family | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Boris
| 1551 – 13 April 1605 | 21 February 1598 | 13 April 1605 | Brother-in-law of Feodor I Elected by Zemsky Sobor | Godunov | ![]() |
Feodor II
| 1589 – 20 June 1605 | 13 April 1605 | 10 June 1605 | Son of Boris Godunov and Maria Grigorievna Skuratova-Belskaya Murdered | Godunov | ![]() |
Devastated by famine, rule under Boris descended into anarchy. A series of impostors, known as the False Dmitrys, each claimed to be Feodor I's long deceased younger brother; however, only the first impostor ever took the capital and sat on the throne. A distant Rurikid cousin, Vasily Shuysky, also took power for a time. During this period, foreign powers deeply involved themselves in Russian politics, under the leadership of the Vasa monarchs of Sweden and Poland-Lithuania, including Sigismund III Vasa and his son Władysław. As a child, Władysław was even chosen as Tsar by the council of aristocracy, though he was prevented by his father from formally taking the throne. The Time of Troubles is considered to have ended with the election of Michael Romanov to the throne in February 1613.
Tsars of Russia
Name | Lifespan | Reign start | Reign end | Notes | Family | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
False Dmitry I
| 1581 – 17 May 1606 | 20 June 1605 | 17 May 1606 | Claiming to be son of Ivan IV, he was the only impostor to actually sit on the throne of a major power. Backed by Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Murdered. | Rurikids (claimed) | ![]() |
Vasily IV
| 22 September 1552 – 12 September 1612 | 19 May 1606 | 17 July 1610 | Orchestrated a conspiracy against False Dmitry, proclaimed Tsar by the nobles. Deposed and sent to Poland Pretender: False Dmitry II (since June 1607) | Shuysky | ![]() |
Vladislav
| 9 June 1595 – 20 May 1648 | 6 September 1610 | November 1612 (resigned his claim in 1634) | King of Poland since 1632 Son of Sigismund III Vasa and Anne of Austria Elected by the Seven Boyars, never assumed the throne Pretenders: False Dmitry II (until 21 December 1610), False Dmitry III (July 1611 – May 1612) | Vasa | ![]() |
Romanovs, 1613–1917
Tsars of Russia
The Time of Troubles came to a close with the election of Michael Romanov as Tsar in 1613. Michael officially reigned as Tsar, though his father, the Patriarch Philaret (died 1633) initially held the real power. However, Michael's descendants would rule Russia, first as Tsars and later as Emperors, until the Russian Revolution of 1917. Peter the Great (reigned 1682–1725), a grandson of Michael Romanov, reorganized the Russian state along more Western lines, establishing the Russian Empire in 1721.
Name | Lifespan | Reign start | Reign end | Notes | Family | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Michael
| 12 July 1596 – 12 July 1645 | 26 July 1613 | 12 July 1645 | Founder of Romanov Dynasty First cousin once removed of Feodor I Co-ruler: Patriarch Filaret (1619–1633) | Romanov | ![]() |
Alexis
| 9 May 1629 – 29 January 1676 | 12 July 1645 | 29 January 1676 | Son of Michael and Eudoxia Streshneva | Romanov | ![]() |
Feodor III
| 9 June 1661 – 7 May 1682 | 29 January 1676 | 7 May 1682 | Son of Alexis and Maria Miloslavskaya | Romanov | ![]() |
Ivan V
| 6 September 1666 – 8 February 1696 | 7 May 1682 | 8 February 1696 | Son of Alexis and Maria Miloslavskaya Younger brother of Feodor III and Sophia Elder half-brother of Peter I Co-ruler: Peter I Regent: princess Sophia (8 June 1682 – 17 September 1689) | Romanov | ![]() |
Peter I
| 9 June 1672 – 8 February 1725 | 7 May 1682 | 2 November 1721 | Son of Alexis and Natalya Naryshkina Younger half-brother of Feodor III Co-ruler: Ivan V (7 May 1682 – 8 February 1696) Regent: tsaritsa dowager Natalia (7 May – 2 June 1682), princess Sophia (8 June 1682 – 17 September 1689) | Romanov | ![]() |
Emperors of Russia
(Also Grand Princes of Finland from 1809 until 1917; and Kings of Poland from 1815 until 1917)
The Empire of Russia was declared by Peter the Great in 1721. Officially, Russia would be ruled by the Romanov dynasty until the Russian Revolution of 1917. However, direct male descendants of Michael Romanov came to an end in 1730 with the death of Peter II of Russia, grandson of Peter the Great. The throne passed to Anna, a niece of Peter the Great, and after the brief rule of her niece's infant son Ivan VI, the throne was seized by Elizabeth, a daughter of Peter the Great. Elizabeth would be the last of the direct Romanovs to rule Russia. Elizabeth declared her nephew, Peter, to be her heir. Peter (who would rule as Peter III) spoke little Russian, having been a German prince of the House of Holstein-Gottorp before arriving in Russia to assume the Imperial title. He and his German wife Sophia changed their name to Romanov upon inheriting the throne. Peter was ill-liked, and he was assassinated within six months of assuming the throne, in a coup orchestrated by his wife, who became Empress in her own right and ruled as Catherine the Great (both Peter and Catherine were descended from the House of Rurik). Following the confused successions of the descendants of Peter the Great, Catherine's son Paul I established clear succession laws which governed the rules of primogeniture over the Imperial throne until the fall of the Empire in 1917.
Name | Lifespan | Reign start | Reign end | Notes | Family | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Peter I
| 9 June 1672 – 8 February 1725 | 2 November 1721 | 8 February 1725 | Son of Alexis and Natalya Naryshkina Younger half-brother of Feodor III, Sophia and Ivan V Regarded as one of the greatest Russian monarchs | Romanov | ![]() |
Catherine I
| 15 April 1684 – 17 May 1727 | 8 February 1725 | 17 May 1727 | Second wife of Peter I | Skowroński; Romanov (by marriage) | ![]() |
Peter II
| 23 October 1715 – 30 January 1730 | 18 May 1727 | 30 January 1730 | Grandson of Peter I via the murdered Tsesarevich Alexei Last male of the direct Romanov line | Romanov | ![]() |
Anna
| 7 February 1693 – 28 October 1740 | 13 February 1730 | 28 October 1740 | Daughter of Ivan V and Praskovia Saltykova | Romanov | ![]() |
Ivan VI
| 23 August 1740 – 16 July 1764 | 28 October 1740 | 6 December 1741 | Great-grandson of Ivan V Deposed as a baby, imprisoned and later murdered Regents: E. J. von Biron (until 20 November 1740), Anna Leopoldovna (since 20 November 1740) | Brunswick-Bevern | ![]() |
Elizabeth
| 29 December 1709 – 5 January 1762 | 6 December 1741 | 5 January 1762 | Daughter of Peter I and Catherine I | Romanov | ![]() |
Peter III
| 21 February 1728 – 17 July 1762 | 9 January 1762 | 9 July 1762 | Grandson of Peter I Nephew of Elizabeth Deposed and later murdered | Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov | |
Catherine II
| 2 May 1729 – 17 November 1796 | 9 July 1762 | 17 November 1796 | Wife of Peter III, Niece In-law of Elizabeth of Russia, Died of a stroke | Ascania; Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov (by marriage) | ![]() |
Paul I
| 1 October 1754 – 23 March 1801 | 17 November 1796 | 23 March 1801 | Son of Peter III and Catherine II Assassinated | Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov | ![]() |
Alexander I
| 23 December 1777 – 1 December 1825 | 23 March 1801 | 1 December 1825 | Son of Paul I and Maria Feodorovna First Romanov King of Poland and Grand Duke of Finland | Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov | ![]() |
Constantine (disputed)
| 27 April 1779 – 27 June 1831 | 1 December 1825 | 26 December 1825 | Son of Paul I and Maria Feodorovna Younger brother and heir presumptive of Alexander I Secretly abdicated in 1823, proclaimed emperor in capital, abdicated again) | Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov | |
Nicholas I
| 6 July 1796 – 2 March 1855 | 26 December 1825 | 2 March 1855 | Son of Paul I and Maria Feodorovna Younger brother of Alexander I and Constantine | Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov | ![]() |
Alexander II
| 29 April 1818 – 13 March 1881 | 2 March 1855 | 13 March 1881 | Son of Nicholas I and Alexandra Feodrovna Nephew of Alexander I Assassinated | Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov | ![]() |
Alexander III
| 10 March 1845 – 1 November 1894 | 13 March 1881 | 1 November 1894 | Son of Alexander II and Maria Alexandrovna | Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov | ![]() |
Saint Nicholas II
| 18 May 1868 – 17 July 1918 | 1 November 1894 | 15 March 1917 | Son of Alexander III and Maria Feodorovna Abdicated the throne during the February Revolution Murdered by the Bolsheviks | Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov | ![]() |
Pretenders after Nicholas II
Name | Lifespan | Reign start | Reign end | Notes | Family | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Michael Aleksandrovich
| 4 December 1878 – 13 June 1918 | 15 March 1917 | 16 March 1917 | Younger brother of Nicholas II Abdicated after a nominal reign of only 18 hours, ending dynastic rule in Russia[4] He is not usually recognised as an emperor, as Russian law did not allow Nicholas II to disinherit his son[5] | Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov | ![]() |
Nikolai Nikolaevich
| 6 November 1856 – 5 January 1929 | 8 August 1922 | 25 October 1922 | Grandson of Nicholas I Proclaimed Emperor of Russia by the Zemsky Sobor of the Provisional Priamurye Government while being in exile His nominal rule came to an end when the areas controlled by the Provisional Priamurye Government were overrun by the communists | Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov | ![]() |
Kirill Vladimirovich "Cyril I"
| 30 September 1876 – 12 October 1938 | 31 August 1924 | 12 October 1938 | Grandson of Alexander II Claimed the title Emperor of All the Russias while in exile[6] Recognised by a congress of legitimists delegates in Paris in 1926[7] | Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov | ![]() |
The rights of Kirill Vladimirovich and his heirs to the imperial throne of Russia have been repeatedly questioned following his marriage with Princess Victoria Melita of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. The principles laid down by Paul I in the Act of Succession 1797 turned out to be not completely flawlessly formulated, and, as a result, the interpretation of these is not always obvious, and Russia now has no indisputable contender for the throne. Moreover, for more than a hundred years the throne itself has ceased to exist. Nevertheless, when in 1915 Nicholas II, before the lack of successible Grand-Dukes, allowed them to retain their personal rights, as it had happened in practice with Alexander II after his second and morganatic marriage, Kirill Vladimirovich's issue was never deemed to be considered morganatic, nor were they demoted from Grand-Dukes to mere Princes.
Timeline of monarchs
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/timeline/0sg1m9ttgldjidzryqtux5wsxsyrpdy.png)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/timeline/4opd6vab9n83kkwscmgv6vpbjiz5unt.png)
See also
- List of Ukrainian rulers
- Grand Duke of Vladimir
- Family tree of Russian monarchs
- List of Russian royal consorts
- List of heads of state of Russia (1917–)
- List of leaders of the Russian SFSR (1917–1991)
- List of leaders of the Soviet Union (1922–1991)
- List of presidents of Russia (1991–)
- Prime Minister of Russia
Notes
- ^ According to the Tale of Bygone Years, the date is not clearly identified.
References
- ^ Glenn E. Curtis (1996). "Kievan Rus' and Mongol Periods". Russia: A Country Study. Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
- ^ Suszko, Henryk (2003). Latopis hustyński. Opracowanie, przekład i komentarze. Slavica Wratislaviensia CXXIV. Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego. ISBN 83-229-2412-7.
- ^ Tolochko, Oleksiy (2010). The Hustyn' Chronicle. (Harvard Library of Early Ukrainian Literature: Texts) ISBN 978-1-932650-03-7.
- ^ Montefiore, Simon S. (2016) The Romanovs, 1613–1918 London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, pp. 619–621
- ^ "The Abdication of Nicholas II: 100 Years Later". The Russian Legitimist. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
- ^ Almanach de Gotha (182nd ed.). Almanach de Gotha. 1998. p. 214.
- ^ Shain, Yossi The Frontier of Loyalty: Political Exiles in the Age of the Nation-State University of Michigan Press (2005) p.69.