Mikhail I Fyodorovich Romanov (Michael of Russia) was born on July, (12) 22nd, 1596. Mikhail Fyodorovich was the first governor from the Romanovs’ dynasty, which reigned over Russia for more than three hundred years. His coming to power put an end to the long period of Time of Troubles. But before it happened, Mikhail and his family had endured lots of tribulations.

When Mikhail was only 4 years old, his parents were forced to take monastic vows, and the family was separated and exiled to various remote places. The reason was the fear of Boris Godunov that the Romanovs would take his place on the Russian throne. Besides, the family was exposed to prosecutions of the Poles, who also had designs on the Russian throne.

After releasing Moscow from the Poles the Assembly of Land took place in order to elect the new tsar. At once it was decided that the tsar should be Russian. Mikhail was the nephew of the last tsar from the preceding Ruriks’ dynasty, and his candidacy was almost unanimously supported.

The first years of his board passed along with permanent work of Assemblies of Land, since the tsar was still young and inexperienced. Until the age of majority of Mikhail it was his mother Nun Marfa (Xenia Ivanovna Shestova) who ruled the country.

The reign of Mikhail Fyodorovich was marked with revival and establishing of peace and order. Peace treaties were signed with Poland and Sweden on conditions favourable enough for Russia. The local government bodies and the army were reorganized. Industry and science enjoyed a boom: the first ironworks and the German Settlement of foreign engineers and military experts were founded.

Mikhail Fyodorovich died of dropsy on July, (13) 23rd, 1645 at the age of 49. He was buried in the Archangel Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin.