Russian emperors

Russian emperors, known as czars or tsars, were monarchs who ruled Russia from the 16th century until 1917. They held absolute power, guiding political, military, and religious life. Prominent figures include Ivan the Terrible, the first crowned czar, and Peter the Great, who modernized Russia. The last emperor, Nicholas II, abdicated during the Russian Revolution, ending centuries of imperial rule. Their reigns shaped Russia’s history, culture, and expansion, reflecting a combination of autocratic authority, dynastic tradition, and evolving governance leading to the eventual establishment of the Soviet Union.