A great explorer and reformist politician, Pyotr Semyonov-Tyanshansky was one of the last of his breed.

Looking at the place of Pushkin in the Russian psyche, on the anniversary of the poet's tragic death.

Seventy years ago, Russia was on the verge of a horrific bloodletting, a purge of society so monumental that its effects are still felt.

A profile of the man who founded Russia's first public theater 250 years ago.

Four hundred years ago, a rebellion to put False Dmitry II on the throne almost succeeded. Led by Ivan Bolotnikov, a colorful peasant, it laid seige to Moscow and relied on subversive distribution of propaganda.

The "discovery" of the Bering Strait happened well before Vitus Bering passed through its icy narrows.

A short biography of the composer whose life was continually challenged by the Powers That Be.

Russia's first (actually, technically its second) circumnavigator was an fearless explorer who often put up with some difficult diplomats, like Nikolai Rezanov.

Ivan Kupala is the annual celebration of Summer Solstice. It has deep roots in Russia's pagan past, and is making a comeback.

The founding of the first public library on the campus of Moscow State University was a momentus event for lovers of books and knowledge. The library's history echoes that of the nation.

In 1916, the Brusilov Offensive was a surprise breakthrough on the Russian-Austrian front. Had those in command recognized its potential, WWI could have had a very different outcome.

One hundred years ago, the Smolny Institute was founded. We look back on its influence and what it was like to be a student there.