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Russia Engages the World, 1453-1825
1453 Through the Reign of Ivan the Terrible (1533-1584) The Time of Troubles to the First Romanovs (1598-1682) Peter the Great and His Legacy (1682-1762) The Age of Catherine the Great (1762-1801) The Reign of Emperor Alexander I (1801-1825)

                                     

Explore this Section:

Overview
From the Fall of Constantinople to the Reign of Ivan the Terrible: A Summary of Russian History
Russia Symbol Introduction
Russia Symbol Prior to 1453
Russia Symbol The Period of Mongol Invasion and Rule, 1237–1480
Russia Symbol Muscovy Emerges as a Power
Russia Symbol 1453–1584: Moscow Becomes the "Third Rome"
Russia Symbol Ivan IV Descends into Madness
From the Fall of Constantinople to the Reign of Ivan the Terrible: A Summary of World History
World Symbol
 Europe
World Symbol
 Eurasia
Maps
Personalities
Themes
Translations
Events
Special Features


Russia's Globalization:
A Key

Events marked Russia Symbol are specific to Muscovy/Russia's internal development.
Those marked World Symbol are important world historical or cultural events.
Engagement Symbol indicates specific points of sociocultural or military engagement between Muscovy/Russia and foreign powers or individuals.



Russia Symbol  A Russian Ladder to Heaven

  
A Russian Ladder to Heaven
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Saint John Climacus (ca. 525–600)
Lestnitsa [The Ladder of Divine Ascent]
Manuscript
Russia, 16th century
NYPL, Spencer Collection

This manuscript illumination shows the so-called Ladder to Paradise described in the writings of St. John Climacus (flourished 6th century). Persons who resist earthly temptations--represented by the devil's legions tugging at the climbers--reach heaven, where Christ himself greets their arrival. Those who fall into sin, however, end up in the belly of the beast.