Russia

The Russian Empire.

Russia was one of the few empires to survive to the modern day. Originally, Russia was a group of small kingdoms that vied for power, with the duchy of Moscow was able to conquer its neighbors and unite Russia under one flag. Under the rule of the Tsars, the empire grew to extraordinary heights, spanning 6,000 miles and 15 time zones by the beginning of the 19th century. This greatness was not without its price however, these achievements were built on the backs of the Russia people. Many lives were lost build St. Petersburg, nicknamed the city of bones, and the Trans-Siberian railroad. After World War I, the Russian people decided to take matters in their own hands, overthrowing the Tsars and created the U.S.S.R.

St. Basil's Cathedral

St. Basil's Cathedral, was built in 1555 by Tsar Ivan the IV to commemorate to victory of the city of Khazan. Originally eight different churches, the cathedral were built mostly of brick and combined the original churches into one. Known for its distinct onion domes, the building has eight domes one for each day of the siege of Khazan. The onion shape is achieved by placing an iron frame in the same shape. Hand painted metal sheets were then placed over the frames.