Points of Russia: Exploring the Land of the Tsars

Important People in Russian History Throughout history, Russia has seen its fair share of influential figures, and many of them have had a major impact on the country’s development and the state of modern Russia today. From religious leaders and generals to intellectuals and poets, the people of Russia have produced a number of great minds whose legacies will surely never be forgotten. Here, we take a look at some of the most important people in Russian history, whose distinguished and inspiring lives have shaped Russia’s past and its people’s future. Ivan the Terrible Ivan the Terrible, or Ivan IV, was the first Tsar of Russia, or ruler of all the Russian lands. Under his rule, Russian culture expanded, and he is credited with modernizing the country. Ivan was born in 1530 and was crowned at the tender age of 16. He would go on to form the Oprichnina, a secret state police that violently suppressed opposition. Ivan was a deeply religious man, and he sought to unite all the various R...

Examining Modern and Ancient Russian Scripts The Russian alphabet has been around for centuries, a symbol of the nation and its culture. But how has it evolved over the years, and what different types of scripts are used today? In this article, we'll take a look at some of the historic roots and present-day uses of Russian scripts. Looking Back at Old Russian Scripts The oldest form of Russian writing is the Cyrillic script, a writing system created by St. Cyril and St. Methodius in the 9th century. Before this period, the language of ancient Slavs used an adapted Greek alphabet, although their language was primarily oral and not written. The Cyrillic alphabet is still used in writing Russian today, but its look and shape have changed over the centuries. For example, the Smoothened Cyrillic script, sometimes called 'civil': evolved in the late 18th century when Peter the Great aimed to 'modernize' the script to a more Latin-like form. This was eventually replaced...

Recognizing the Power of Russia’s Political Figures Russia is a country of vast land, imperial history and powerful political figures. Although the story of the Tsars and their noble families has been lost in time, it is still important to understand their legacy and the effects that it has had on Russia since. From ancient conquests to modern economic leaders, Russia’s politics have always been a significant source of influence. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most influential political figures in Russian history, and the roles they played in leading the nation to its current state. Russia has had the fortune of being ruled by a few strong and wise rulers, who have had a profound impact on the nation's history and current state of affairs. Prime amongst them were the celebrated Tsars, who ruled Russia from the 16th to the early 20th century. Ivan IV ruled from 1547 to 1584 and is credited as a successful ruler and brilliant military strategist, famously leading the cou...

Journeying Through the Volga River Nestled in the heart of Russia is the Volga River, the longest river in Europe and the largest in the country. Known throughout the world as the Mother River of Russia, the Volga River has been a valuable source of transportation, trade, and sustenance that has enriched the land throughout its long history. This majestic river stretches a span of 2,300 miles (3,700 kilometers) across 11 of the country’s federal subjects, passing through a variety of awe-inspiring landscapes. From the pristine lakes of the north to the steppe of the south and the sweeping banks of the Golden Ring region in between, journeying through the Volga River is an unforgettable experience for any exploring soul. Begin your exploration of the Volga from the northwest, where the river’s source lies in the Valaam archipelago of Lake Ladoga. Many of the ancient monasteries in this region are perched atop rocky, often-snowy islands, providing visitors a glimpse into a forgotten er...