Among the most turbulent periods in Russia’s tumultuous past, the years coinciding with the regency, reign and death of Boris Godunov (r. 1589–1605) marked a major turning point for the Muscovite state and its subjects. Preceded by famine, plague, and growing social unrest, the passing of Tsar Boris in 1605 touched off a succession crisis that led to domestic chaos and civil war followed by foreign occupation and, in time, the founding of a new dynasty under the House of Romanov.

In this lecture, Dr. Scott W. Palmer will discuss the wide-ranging events that took place during Russia’s Time of Troubles and the period’s subsequent impact in shaping Russian culture.