The turbulent history of the Russian Empire

The Russian Empire, also known as Imperial Russia, extended across Eurasia from 1721 (succeeding the Tsardom of Russia) until the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917. Ruled by tsars who had ultimate authority, it was, and still is, the largest country in the world, stretching from the Black Sea in Europe to the Bering Straits of East Asia. Having amassed huge influence across the world, the days of the Russian Empire were a fascinating era, filled with mystery and curiosities.

Discover more about this time in history by clicking through the following gallery.

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