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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:

Peter the Great and His Legacy (1682–1762): A Summary of Russian History
Russia Symbol Introduction
Russia Symbol The Early Years
Russia Symbol The Drive Toward Westernization
Russia Symbol The Drive Toward Empire
Russia Symbol The Historical Assessment
Russia Symbol Immediate Successors
Russia Symbol The Reign of "the Daughter"
Peter the Great and His Legacy (1682–1762): A Summary of World History
Europe
Eurasia


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.




















 

 
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Joan Blaeu (1596–1673)
Grooten atlas, oft Werelt beschryving [The Great Atlas, or, A Description of the World]
Amsterdam, 1648–64
NYPL, Map Division

This Dutch map of the Asian continent, centered on West Asia, suggests the exoticism of these regions, as well as neighboring Muscovite Russia. Central Asia is typified by a camel; India by an elephant. Square-rigged galleons sail the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea; a whale spouts at top right. The outer margins present vividly hand-colored costume drawings of “Muscovites,” “Tatars,” and others.