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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)

                                     

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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.


A Russian Ladder to Heaven
Russia Symbol   A Russian Ladder to Heaven
    A Russian Ladder to Heaven
NYPL, Spencer Collection
Russia Symbol   Russia Looks at the World
    Russia Looks at the World
NYPL, Map Division
Russia Symbol   Gospels for a Russian National Saint?
    Gospels for a Russian National Saint?
NYPL, Spencer Collection

Russia Symbol   Ivan the Terrible
    Ivan the Terrible
NYPL, Slavic and Baltic Division
Photographic Services & Permissions
Russia Symbol    A Russian Ladder to Heaven

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.