5 Most Influential Russian Women in History

As you may know, most rulers, military, generals, commanders, and famous statesmen are men. But women in the history of Russia occupied no less influential positions. You may already hear the names of the most popular women-rulers in Russia: Catherine the Great, Olga of Kyiv, the noblewoman Morozova and others. Each made a huge contribution to the development of the state, science, culture, or religion. In Russia, USSR approximately one hundred years ago stated that men and women are equal, but Russia had many powerful and influential women a very long time ago. Some of them ruled together with their men, others ruled by themselves trying to protect their country and children from enemies.

  1. Olga of Kyiv

Yes, Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine. Nowadays, Russia and Ukraine are too different countries, but during some period, there was only Kievan Rus that occupied lands now belonging to Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus. Olga was the first woman to the throne of Kievan Rus. She ruled from 945 to 960. Also, she is believed to be the first Christian ruler of Kievan Rus. She was the wife of Igor Rurikovich. Unfortunately, he died too early, and she had to avenge his life. Drevlyans paid a high price for killing her husband. Even after the maturity of her son, Svyatoslav, she remained the de facto head of state. Thanks to her wise rule, Kievan Rus preserved and increased its territories, successfully repelled the attack of the Pechenegs, and took the first steps towards the adoption of Christianity.

  1. Evdokia Dmitrievna

The wife of Dmitry Donskoy, who was married at the age of 13, and had a rich biography. She always supported her husband in all his endeavors. Actively engaged in charity work, a large number of churches were built under her leadership. After his death, she became the head of the Principality of Moscow and monitored the observance of the throne succession among her sons. Also, there are rumors that she had more than 20 lovers. This woman didn’t need to read the ultimate guide on how to get a second date to be successful.

  1. Feodosia Morozova

She was one of the most famous and influential women who was one of the Old Believers. The woman was rich and noble, became a widow at the age of 30. Raised a son. But, despite all the luxury to which the noblewoman and women were accustomed, she decided to renounce earthly life for the sake of her beliefs. She was hiding other believers in her house. In those days, common folk and priests were persecuted by the authorities for their beliefs. Unfortunately, she was arrested in November 1671 and died from starvation.

  1. Catherine the Great

This woman is the most famous empress of the history of the Russian state. She came to power as a result of a coup, because her husband was very unpopular among people and even his guards. During her reign, she managed to a double population of the country, her armies gained over 100 major victories, she gave lands to the Cossacks, annexed the lands of Ukraine, and the Baltic States, conquered Finland, created the Black Sea Fleet and expanded the rights of the nobility. As a result, the borders of the Russian state were significantly expanded.

  1. Valentina Tereshkova

Tereshkova was the first and the only woman who flew into space alone. In total, her flight lasted for 2 days, 22 hours, and 41 minutes. During the flight, Valentina Tereshkova made 48 revolutions around the Earth. She didn’t have political influence and never held any high governmental positions. However, it is difficult to overestimate her contribution to the history of space exploration. Valentina managed to inspire millions of Russian girls to pursue science.


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