Boris Godunov (historical figure)

Boris Godunov was a Russian statesman and monarch who ruled as Tsar from 1598 to 1605. He was initially the brother-in-law of Ivan the Terrible and became a powerful figure after Ivan's death. Godunov's reign was marked by famine, social unrest, and the upheaval known as the Time of Troubles, which followed his death. Despite his efforts to stabilize Russia, he faced challenges from various rival factions, including pretenders to the throne. His legacy is complex, often viewed as a tragic ruler caught amidst political chaos and economic hardship in early modern Russia.