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Peter the Great

Moscow, 9 Jun 1672 – Saint Petersburg, 8 Feb 1725

15 facts3 sources

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About Peter

Peter the Great: From Tsar to Emperor

AI-assisted · edited

The collection records Peter the Great’s birth in Moscow in 1672. He was the son of Russia’s Tsar Alexei I and Natalya Naryshkina. 123

Peter held the title Tsar of All Russia from 1682 to 1721, when he became Emperor of all the Russias. He ruled jointly with his brother Ivan V from 1682 until Ivan’s death in 1696, and remained emperor until his own death in Saint Petersburg in 1725. 4567

The collection associates his reign with the Great Northern War, the Battle of Poltava, the Battle of Gangut, the Siege of Vyborg, and the Treaty of Nystad. These entries place his rule within the military and diplomatic history of the era. 89101112

Drafted with AI and edited against the collection. Open a citation to see the record, its sources and how certain it is.

Facts and their sources

  • Born9 Jun 1672, Moscownot verified1 source
  • TitleTsar of All Russia, 1682–1721or Emperor of all the Russias, 1721–1725not verified1 source
  • TitleEmperor of all the Russias, 1721–1725or Tsar of All Russia, 1682–1721not verified1 source
  • EventTreaty of Nystador Great Northern War · Battle of Poltava · Battle of Gangut · Siege of Vyborgnot verified1 source
  • EventBattle of Gangutor Great Northern War · Battle of Poltava · Treaty of Nystad · Siege of Vyborgnot verified1 source
  • EventSiege of Vyborgor Great Northern War · Battle of Poltava · Treaty of Nystad · Battle of Gangutnot verified1 source
  • EventGreat Northern Waror Battle of Poltava · Treaty of Nystad · Battle of Gangut · Siege of Vyborgnot verified1 source
  • EventBattle of Poltavaor Great Northern War · Treaty of Nystad · Battle of Gangut · Siege of Vyborgnot verified1 source
  • Died8 Feb 1725, Saint Petersburgnot verified1 source
  • MotherNatalya Naryshkinanot verified1 source
  • FatherAlexei I of Russianot verified1 source

A life in time

  1. 9 Jun 1672

    Born in Moscow

  2. 1682–1721

    Tsar of All Russia

  3. 1690–1718

    11 children are born

  4. 1721–1725

    Emperor of all the Russias

  5. 8 Feb 1725

    Dies in Saint Petersburg, aged 52

Family

See the tree

Parents

Partners

Children · 11

During his lifetime

He lived through 6 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Moscow.

General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.

The 1670s · Peter is born in Moscow

In the news1670–1671

1670-1671 Stepan Razin's major uprising

The Cossack-led uprising of Stepan Razin, which challenged the state and landlords, peaked between 1670 and 1671 before the leader was captured and executed.

At the table

Everyday kvass and hangover remedies

Kvass, a fermented beverage made from rye or barley, was a daily staple for people of all social classes. When feeling unwell, especially after drinking, Russians consumed a specific dish called pokhmelye, made from chopped cold mutton, pickles, spices, vinegar, and brine.

What people wore

Protecting Fine Garments

Valuable clothes were frequently stored in chests under pieces of water mouse skin to protect them from moths and dampness. Such fine garments were strictly reserved for holidays and special occasions.

Getting around

Challenges of 17th-century Russian travel

Travel was slow, often taking weeks, and due to a lack of inns, travelers had to carry their own food, axes, and fire-making supplies to camp outdoors. Wealthy travelers often traveled by post-horses, changing them at stations, though they frequently faced shortages of horses or corrupt officials demanding bribes.

What it cost

Cost of footwear

In the late 17th century, a pair of fine morocco leather boots cost 1 ruble, while simpler leather shoes were significantly cheaper.

Music

Solitary dancing and embroidered handkerchiefs

When dancing, Russians traditionally did not hold hands; instead, individuals danced alone, often waving intricately embroidered handkerchiefs while moving their arms, shoulders, and hips.

Daily life

Home and monastery-based education

Children were typically educated at home, focusing on reading, writing, and counting, with some instruction provided by monasteries. Wealthier families also began to introduce foreign languages like Latin and Polish in the 17th century.