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His grandfather Michael I was founder of the Romanov dynasty in Russia
Born on 9th June 1672 in Moscow, Russia, Peter Alexeyevich -
Peter became co-tsar of Russia at the age of 10
After the death of Alexis I on 29th January 1676, Peter’s half-brother Feodor III succeeded to the throne. However as Feodor was weak and sickly, the real power was held by the Miloslavsky family. After the death of Feodor in 1682 -
He became sole ruler of Russia in 1696 after the death of Ivan V
Peter remained co-ruler with Ivan V till 1696, when the death of Ivan made him the sole emperor of Russia. Sofia was forced to become a nun after another Streltsy rebellion in 1698 and died six years later. -
He traveled as Peter Mikhailov across Europe and worked as a carpenter
Peter knew that it would be difficult for Russia to face the mighty Ottoman Empire alone. In 1697, he traveled incognito to Europe under the name of Peter Mikhailov, with a large Russian delegation, known as the Grand Embassy. -
Peter’s successful Azov campaigns began Russia’s ascendancy as a naval power
On September 12, 1698, the port city Taganrog was founded by Peter the Great near the mouth of Don River, which flows to the Azov Sea. Taganrog became the first military base of the Russian Navy. The success of Azov campaigns is considered the beginning of Russia turning into a maritime power. -
He brutally suppressed all rebellions during his reign
During Peter’s visit to Europe, he received news that there had been another Streltsy Uprising in Russia. By the time Peter returned to tackle the revolt, it had already been crushed. -
His primary military success came at the Great Northern War against Sweden
The war shifted decisively towards Russia after success at the Battle of Poltava (1709); and culminated with the Russo-Swedish Treaty of Nystad (1721), which opened the eastern shores of the Baltic to Russia. The Northern War also established Russia as a dominant power in Europe. -
He shifted the capital of Russia from Moscow to Saint Petersburg
During the Great Northern War, Peter actively participated in several operations including the Russian capture of Narva (1704); the decisive Battle of Poltava (1709); and Russia’s first victory at sea at the Battle of Gangut (1714). -
Peter the Great married a servant and crowned her Empress in 1724
Peter first married at the age of 17 on 27th January 1689 to Eudoxia Lopukhina. He had three children with her, of whom one survived to adulthood. Peter didn’t get along with his first wife, divorced her in 1698 and forced her into joining a convent. -
Peter the Great is credited with modernizing Russia
Peter’s overall health was never robust and in 1723 he began to have problems with his urinary tract and bladder. His health further deteriorated in early 1725 and he breathed his last on February 8, 1725 in St. Petersburg.
