In the news1848
Cholera and Crop Failures in 1848
In 1848, a major cholera epidemic, coupled with a bad harvest and dry weather that caused widespread town fires, severely disrupted the lives of the agrarian population.
Moscow, 28 May 1847 – Saint Petersburg, 1 Mar 1893
9 facts1 source
28 May 1847
Born in Moscow
1 Mar 1893
Dies in Saint Petersburg, aged 45
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.
In the news1848
In 1848, a major cholera epidemic, coupled with a bad harvest and dry weather that caused widespread town fires, severely disrupted the lives of the agrarian population.
Getting around
Vast network of postal relay stations
The postal system maintained approximately 3,950 relay stations across the empire, utilizing over 50,000 horses to provide fresh teams for travelers and mail couriers.
In Europe1845–1852
Potato blight ruined harvests: a million Irish people died and a million more emigrated, many to America.
Daily life
Lighting and window materials in peasant homes
Peasant huts were typically illuminated by a torch inserted into the crack of the stove or by simple wicks dipped in oil. Glass was expensive and often replaced by bull bladders in peasant homes, while wealthier villagers began using mica.
What people wore
A single lifetime festive outfit
Peasants often prepared one high-quality outfit in their youth that was kept for their entire lives to be worn only on the most important feast days.
Music
Traditional khorovod dances and reed instruments
In the Kursk region, women performed traditional round dances called khorovod or karagod while singing and playing kuvichki, a set of pan-flute pipes made of reeds of varying lengths.
At the table
Staple Foods of Ordinary Russian Families
Ordinary families primarily ate rye bread and various porridges, with cabbage soup known as shchi being a staple dish served year-round. Meat was a rare luxury for the poor, typically reserved for major holidays like Christmas and Easter, while fish and vegetables were more accessible.