Peter the Great of Russia

Peter Starts Ruling

1682

Peter co-ruled with his half-brother, Ivan. Because the Streltsy movement was in effect, Peter was required to share the throne.

Marriage to Eudoxia

1689

At age 17, Peter marries Eudoxia, who was full of beauty but lacks intelligence and ambition. This marriage did not last long.

Peter comes to Absolute Power

1696

Peter originally ruled with his half brother, until he overthrew him and took the throne for himself in 1696, ruling absolutely.

The "Grand Embassy"

1697

Peter embarks on the "Grand Embassy", a long, but worthwhile trip to western Europe. Here, Peter observed and learned about European technology that he wanted to bring back and introduce to Europe.

Peter Institutes the Beard Tax

1698

As strange as it sounds, Peter required that all men shave their facial hair. To him, beards symbolized everything wrong with his country. But to the men in his army, mainly European officers, believed they symbolized Christianity and manhood. This was very controversial, many were horrified by this demand.

Forming Russia's Army

1699

Peter the Great forms Russia's first Army.This army consisted of European officers, whom he hired, and Russians.

Establishment of St. Petersburg

1703

Peter began building his ideal vision of a city on Swedish property, which Russian troops took over. He installed his dream seaport which eventually became very popular, hosting many arrivals and departures. The unsanitary environment killed 25,000-100,000 people

Marriage to Catherine I

1712

After divorcing Eudoxia, Peter moves on to empress Catherine I. She delivered Peter's eleven children, few of which survived to adulthood.

Peter Petrovich dies

1723

At only the age of 4, Peter Petrovich dies, leaving no heir to take the throne after Peter, as he was his last son. This cut Peter the Great's legacy short.