Family Tree of Ukrainian and Russian Monarchs

Overview

• Matt Baker explores the lineage of Ukrainian and Russian monarchs starting from Rurik to Nicholas II.
• Rurik: Viking leader, initial ruler of Varangians or Rus, debated origins - Normans or Slavs.

Shared Origins

• Kyiv: Initial base of the dynasty, early monarchs considered Ukrainian and Russian.

Rurikid Dynasty

• Rurik: Legendary founder, leader of Varangians.
• Novgorod: First settlement, shifted south to Kyiv under successor Oleg the Wise.
• Oleg the Wise: Proxy ruler for Rurik's son Igor, expanded influence to Constantinople.
• Olga: Widow of Igor, significant expansion, converted to Christianity.
• Vladimir the Great: Converted Rus to Orthodox Christianity, built Saint Sophia Cathedral.

Kyivan Rus Expansion

• Sviatoslav I: Conquered Khazar Khaganate, civil strife post-death.
• Yaroslav the Wise: Peak of Kyivan culture, Russkaya Pravda law code, royal family connections.

Fragmentation & New Paths

• Vladimir Monomakh & Mstislav the Great: Fragmentation into smaller states.
• Ruthenia vs. Russia: Term differences based on language and proximity to Catholic Europe/Orthodox territory.

Galicia-Volhynia & Cossacks

• Galicia-Volhynia: United by Roman the Great, eventual decline under Mongol pressure.
• Cossack State: Semi-independent, absorbed by the Russian Empire.

Rise of Moscow

• Yurievichi Line: Key regions Rostov-Suzdal, city of Vladimir; Moscow founded.
• Vsevolod III: "Big Nest", built Grand Principality of Vladimir.
• Alexander Nevsky: Historical battle victory.
• Ivan I: Significant expansion of Moscow's wealth and importance.

Tsardom and Empire

• Ivan the Great: Independence from Mongols, "Third Rome" vision.
• Ivan the Terrible: Consolidation of power, tragic death of son leading to Time of Troubles.

Romanov Dynasty

• Michael Romanov: End of Time of Troubles, start of Romanov reign.
• Peter the Great: Major reforms, establishment of Russian Empire, founded Saint Petersburg.

Catherine the Great & Successors

• Catherine II: Cultural and territorial expansions, key political maneuverings.
• Paul I's succession laws: Automatic male succession.

Decline of the Monarchy

• Nicholas II: End of Romanov rule, abdication during WWI, execution in 1918.

Conclusion

• Potential Modern Tsar: Previous exploration of potential successors if monarchy were restored.

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