In the news1769
Introduction of Paper Money
The government introduced paper money, known as assignats, for the first time in 1769, though ordinary people initially distrusted them and preferred metal coins.
Saint Petersburg, 27 Apr 1763 – Saint Petersburg, 1 Feb 1818
4 facts1 source
27 Apr 1763
Born in Saint Petersburg
1803
A daughter is born
1 Feb 1818
Dies in Saint Petersburg, aged 54
He lived through 6 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Saint Petersburg.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1769
The government introduced paper money, known as assignats, for the first time in 1769, though ordinary people initially distrusted them and preferred metal coins.
Getting around
The podorozhnaya travel permit system
Travelers could obtain a podorozhnaya, a travel permit that authorized the use of state-provided post horses and required payment of a fee for every verst traveled.
At the table
Kvas was the universal drink
Kvas, a light, slightly alcoholic drink made from fermented rye bread, was a universal beverage for ordinary people. It was so essential that it was also used as a base for soups and to braise meat.
Around the world · 1756–1763The Seven Years’ War. Fought in Europe, the Americas, Africa and India, often called the first world war: Britain took Canada and India from France.
What people wore
Inherited silk festive clothing of wealthy families
Merchant and wealthy peasant women cherished festive clothing made from thick silk fabrics like satin and brocade, which were passed down through generations. These colorful, expensive garments were often adorned with large, bright floral patterns that reflected a blend of European trends and traditional folk art.
Music
Unique Eighteenth-Century Russian Horn Orchestras
In the mid-eighteenth century, the unique horn orchestra became a feature of Russian culture, consisting of 50 to 91 musicians playing brass horns that could each produce only one specific note.
Daily life
Home-based literacy for children
Due to a lack of public schools, children in noble families typically began learning literacy at home between the ages of 5 and 8. Teachers were often parents, relatives, local priests, or even household servants who knew how to read and write.