Peter the Great is often remembered as the towering figure who modernized Russia and transformed it into a major European power. But beyond his well-known achievements, Peter’s life was filled with surprising and sometimes shocking details that reveal the complexity of his character. Here are three lesser-known facts about Peter the Great that will surprise you.
A Hands-On Ruler
Unlike many monarchs, Peter the Great was not content with simply giving orders from the throne. He was intensely curious and believed in learning by doing. Peter famously worked incognito as a shipbuilder in the Netherlands to master the art of shipbuilding, which he later used to establish Russia’s navy. This hands-on approach was a hallmark of his reign, as he personally participated in many projects to modernize Russia.
Westernization With a Twist
Peter is credited with bringing Western culture and technology to Russia, but his methods were sometimes extreme. He imposed a “beard tax” on nobles who refused to shave their traditional beards, symbolizing the push toward Western fashion. He also ordered the construction of a new capital, St. Petersburg, on swampy land, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of workers—an indication of his relentless pursuit of modernization at any cost.
A Revolutionary Reformer
Peter’s reforms were revolutionary, but they often met with resistance. His changes to the Russian Orthodox Church, including abolishing the patriarchate and replacing it with a government-controlled Holy Synod, shocked many and demonstrated his belief in absolute power. These reforms fundamentally altered Russian society and governance, leaving a legacy that shaped the future of the Russian Empire.