Peter I, also known as Peter the Great, was born on June 9, 1672, in Moscow, Russia. He was the son of Tsar Alexis I and his second wife, Natalia Naryshkina. Ascending to the throne in 1682, Peter became sole ruler in 1696 after a power struggle. He is renowned for his extensive reforms that aimed to modernize Russia and align it more closely with Western Europe.
Peter emphasized the importance of a strong navy and established St. Petersburg in 1703, which became the new capital of Russia and a symbol of his ambitions. He reformed the army, introduced new technologies, and sought to improve education and governance. A key figure in the Great Northern War, he led Russia to victory against Sweden, enhancing its status as a major European power.
Peter the Great passed away on February 8, 1725, leaving a lasting legacy as a transformative leader who shaped modern Russia.