Introduction
This article is meant to act as a brief introduction to the long history of Russia. We will cover Russia’s founding, landscape, monarchy, Russian culture, Soviet Russia, and modern Russia.
Russia’s Founding
Russia’s earliest founding can be traced back to the 9th century with the emergence of the East Slavs. The first East Slavic state, Kievan Rus, was established in the late 9th century under the leadership of Prince Oleg. It became a powerful state in the medieval period and played an important role in the history of Eastern Europe.
The early years of Russia’s founding were characterized by a mixture of pagan and Christian traditions, and much of the country’s history is shrouded in mystery and legend. The earliest written records of Russia come from the 10th and 11th centuries, when Kievan Rus was a major player in the politics and culture of the region.
Russia’s Land Scape
Russia boasts one of the world’s largest and most diverse landscapes, spanning a staggering 17.1 million square kilometers. From the icy tundras of the far north to the sun-drenched beaches of the Black Sea coast, Russia’s terrain offers an incredible array of natural wonders.
The country is home to the vast Siberian taiga, the rolling hills of the Central Russian Upland, the towering peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, and the sweeping plains of the Volga River Valley.
Rivers, lakes, and waterfalls add to the stunning beauty of the landscape, which is also home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. With such a wealth of natural diversity, it’s no wonder that Russia remains a major destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Russian Culture
Russian culture is diverse and rich, with a long history spanning centuries. Russians often value hospitality, family, and tradition, which reflects in their day to day interactions. People in Russia may greet one another with a handshake, hug, or a friendly kiss on the cheeks, depending on their relationship. Family is an essential part of Russian culture, and many families gather together for meals and holidays regularly.
Russians also enjoy socializing over cups of tea, where they often discuss news, politics, and culture. Additionally, respect for older people and authority figures is common in Russian culture. Overall, interactions in day to day life in Russian culture are built on a foundation of warmth, hospitality, and respect.
Russia’s Monarchy
Russia’s last monarchy, the Romanov family, or tsardom, spanned over 300 years and was characterized by the rule of powerful and often autocratic leaders. Before Nicholas II, the last tsar of Russia, there were several notable rulers who shaped the country’s history. Peter the Great is perhaps one of the most influential tsars, as his reign saw Russia transform into a major European power and modernize in terms of industry, art, and culture.
Catherine the Great was another notable tsar who expanded the territories of Russia, pursued enlightened reforms, and promoted the arts and sciences. However, the monarchy was also marked by oppression, serfdom, and inequality, leading to several revolts and uprisings throughout its history.
Nicholas II was the last Tsar of Russia before the country’s revolution in 1917 CE. He and his family, including his wife and children, were executed by Bolsheviks in 1918 CE. After this, Russia would no longer have a monarchy ruling over them, throwing the country into turmoil.
Soviet Russia
Soviet Russia, also known as the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, was officially founded on January 25, 1918. This came after years of political unrest and revolution, starting with the 1905 Revolution and culminating in the October Revolution of 1917, which saw the Bolshevik Party and their leader, Vladimir Lenin, seize power from the Provisional Government. The establishment of Soviet Russia marked the beginning of the world’s first socialist state, which would eventually become the Soviet Union. Despite facing numerous challenges and opposition from both domestic and foreign forces, Soviet Russia would go on to have a profound impact on global politics, economics, and culture.
However, during the Soviet era, countless atrocities and horrors occurred within the communist state. Millions of people were purged, exiled, or imprisoned for perceived political crimes. The forced collectivization of agriculture caused mass famine and starvation, leading to the deaths of millions.
The notorious gulag system saw prisoners subjected to brutal labor and living conditions, often resulting in death. Additionally, propaganda and censorship were used to control the flow of information and suppress individual thought. All of these actions led to a deeply repressive and oppressive regime, leaving a dark mark on Soviet Russia’s history.
Modern Russia
The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the end of a dark era for Russia. The Soviet Union’s collapse was caused by a combination of factors, including economic struggles, political unrest, and a desire for political freedom among the Soviet people. The collapse of the Soviet Union resulted in the formation of various independent states, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of Europe and Asia. Today, the events leading up to the collapse of the Soviet Union continue to be studied and analyzed by historians and political scientists around the world.
Since the turn of the millennium, Russia has emerged again as a global power. Under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin, the country has experienced economic growth and modernization efforts while also expanding its influence through military interventions in neighboring countries such as Georgia and Ukraine.
However, Russia has also faced criticism for its human rights violations and suppression of political opposition. The country’s relationship with the West has been strained, particularly due to allegations of interference in foreign elections and conflicts in Syria and Ukraine. Despite these challenges, Russia remains a significant player in the global political landscape.
Russian Coins
Russian silver and gold coins are highly collectible due to their historical significance and exquisite artistry. These coins are crafted with great precision by skilled artisans and are often adorned with unique artwork, designs, and motifs. They are also known for their rarity, which makes them all the more valuable to collectors. Below is an example of a 1902 10 Kopek and a link to all of the Russian Silver Coins we currently have in stock.
Russian Silver Coins
These are all of the Russian silver Certified and Non-Certified coins we currently have for sale. If you would like to read about the history of Russia, we recommend reading our blog post: “Russia: The Motherland.”
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