Moscow

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Moscow

Role / Field:

Capital of Russia, a historical center evolving from a minor settlement to a global metropolis.

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia, situated on the Moskva River in Central Russia. The city has a population estimated at more than 13 million residents within city limits, more than 19.1 million residents in the urban area, and more than 21.5 million residents in the metropolitan area. The city covers an area of 2,511 square kilometers (970 sq mi); the urban area covers 5,891 square kilometers (2,275 sq mi); and the metropolitan area covers more than 26,000 square kilometers (10,000 sq mi). Moscow is among the world's largest cities: the most populous city entirely in Europe, the largest urban and metropolitan areas in Europe, and the largest city by land area on the European continent. First documented in 1147, Moscow became the capital of the Grand Principality of Moscow, which led the unification of Russian lands in the 15th century and became the center of a unified state.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Following the proclamation of the Tsardom of Russia in 1547, Moscow remained the country's political and economic center for most of its history. During the reign of Peter the Great, the Russian capital was moved to the newly founded city of Saint Petersburg in 1712, leading to a decline in Moscow's importance throughout the imperial period. Following the Russian Revolution and the establishment of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (Russian SFSR), the capital was moved back to Moscow in 1918. The city later became the political center of the Soviet Union and experienced significant population growth throughout the Soviet period. In the aftermath of the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Moscow remained the capital city of the newly reconstituted Russian Federation and has experienced continued growth.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The northernmost and coldest megacity in the world, Moscow is governed as a federal city, where it serves as the political, economic, cultural, and scientific center of Russia and Eastern Europe. Moscow has one of the world's largest urban economies. Moscow has the second-highest number of billionaires of any city (tied with Hong Kong). The Moscow International Business Center is one of the largest financial centers in the world and features the majority of Europe's tallest skyscrapers. Moscow hosted the 1980 Summer Olympics and co-hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1147: 1147 Milestone — First documented in 1147, Moscow became the capital of the Grand Principality of Moscow, which led the unification of Russian lands in the 15th century and became the center of a unified state.
2. 1547: 1547 Milestone — Following the proclamation of the Tsardom of Russia in 1547, Moscow remained the country's political and economic center for most of its history.
3. 1712: 1712 Milestone — During the reign of Peter the Great, the Russian capital was moved to the newly founded city of Saint Petersburg in 1712, leading to a decline in Moscow's importance throughout the imperial period.
4. 1918: 1918 Milestone — Following the Russian Revolution and the establishment of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (Russian SFSR), the capital was moved back to Moscow in 1918.
5. 1980: 1980 Milestone — Moscow hosted the 1980 Summer Olympics and co-hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Moscow

True or False: “Moscow was the primary capital city of Russia continuously from its founding until the modern era.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The Russian capital was moved to Saint Petersburg during Peter the Great's reign in 1712, causing a significant period of decline for Moscow.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Minamoto no Yoritomo — Historical peer (Born in 1147) (1147): Founder of the Kamakura Shogunate and first great military ruler of Japan.
• Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester — Historical peer (Died in 1147) (1147): Illegitimate son of Henry I, key military figure in the Anarchy.
• Francis I of France — Historical peer (Died in 1547) (1547): Renaissance monarch who fostered French culture and expanded French power.
• Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey — Historical peer (Died in 1547) (1547): Founding poet of the English Renaissance, known for his noble life and tragic end.
• Francesco Algarotti — Historical peer (Born in 1712) (1712): Italian polymath, philosopher, and influential art critic of the Enlightenment.
• Frederick the Great — Historical peer (Born in 1712) (1712): King of Prussia, military genius, and Enlightenment patron who transformed his nation.
• Abdul Hamid II — Historical peer (Died in 1918) (1918): Last effective Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, navigating decline and constitutional upheaval.
• Abraham Pais — Historical peer (Born in 1918) (1918): Pioneering physicist and acclaimed science historian of modern physics.
• Abby Wambach — Historical peer (Born in 1980) (1980): Iconic American soccer forward, celebrated for her goal-scoring prowess and longevity.
• Adande Thorne — Historical peer (Born in 1980) (1980): Trinidadian-American YouTuber, animator, comedian, and actor known as Swoozie.

Frequently Asked Questions about Moscow