Johann Hunt
The Romanov family’s legacy still sparks intrigue and fascination centuries after their reign. From their royal connections across Europe to their tragic end, their story is packed with drama, mystery, and surprising details. Read on to explore ten facts that reveal a new side of the Romanovs.
The Founding Of St. Petersburg
Tsar Peter I founded St. Petersburg in 1703, naming it after St. Peter. Nine years later, he declared it the capital of Russia. However, in 1918, Moscow reclaimed the title. Today, an equestrian statue of Peter the Great stands proudly in the city, honoring his legacy.
The Romanovs’ Connection To European Royalty
The Romanovs were related to many European royal families, including the British, Danish, and Greek monarchies. For instance, Tsarina Alexandra was a granddaughter of Queen Victoria, making her a cousin to many European monarchs. King George V bore a striking resemblance to his cousin, Tsar Nicholas II.
The Romanovs Ruled Russia For Over 300 Years
Beginning with Michael I in 1613 and ending with Nicholas II’s abdication in 1917, the Romanov dynasty ruled for more than three centuries. Notable figures from the family include Catherine the Great, who deposed her husband to seize power, and Empress Elizaveta Petrovna, who left a lasting mark on Russian history.
The Family’s Tragic Execution In 1918
Unfortunately, the family is best known for the tragedy that befell them in 1918. Between July 16 and 17, Tsar Nicholas II, his wife, and his children were executed by Bolshevik revolutionaries in Yekaterinburg. The act not only ended the family’s reign but put an end to tsarism in Russia.
The Influence Of Grigori Rasputin
One of the Romanovs’ undoings was their favoritism of the mythic healer, Grigori Rasputin. His ability to alleviate the symptoms of Tsarevich Alexei’s hemophilia made him a trusted physician with significant influence. Despite the growing dissent, the family remained close to Rasputin, highlighting the lengths they’d go to for the prince.
The Romanov Family’s Canonization
In 2000, the Russian Orthodox Church canonized Nicholas II and his immediate family as martyrs. According to the announcement, their canonization acknowledged their disposition in the face of imprisonment and execution. Two churches are built on the site where they were murdered and where their remains were discovered.
The Romanovs’ Fabergé Eggs
The Romanov family commissioned exquisite Fabergé eggs as Easter gifts, symbolizing their wealth and artistic patronage. The eggs remain popular and have been the center of movies like Ocean’s Twelve. Despite their age, these eggs remain highly valuable and command a hefty asking price.
The Romanovs’ Role In Expanding Russian Territory
Today, Russia has the world’s largest land mass, and the Romanovs had a role in achieving that. During the family’s reign, the country acquired Siberia and parts of Eastern Europe. Romanov monarchs like Catherine the Great, Nicholas I, and Peter the Great significantly increased the country’s territory through conquest and diplomacy.
The Romanovs’ Generosity
Tsar Nicholas II was wealthy and charitable. Between 1896 and 1913, he donated over 66,000 gold rubles to educational institutions. He also donated to the upkeep of boarders, children, and pensioners. In addition, the Romanov family contributed to the construction of churches both in Russia and abroad.
The Romanovs Defined Christmas In Russia
In 1828, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna revolutionized Christmas festivities in Russia. She organized the first “Christmas tree party” for the royal family in St. Petersburg, a popular custom in her native Prussia. That single act set the pace for the festivals, fairs, and Christmas tree decorations in present-day Russia.