Who Was Peter's Half Brother?
Peter the Great's half-brother was Ivan V.
The Co-Tsars of Russia: Peter I and Ivan V
Peter I, famously known as Peter the Great, shared the Russian throne as a co-tsar with his half-brother, Ivan V. This unique arrangement in Russian history saw two brothers from different marriages of their father, Tsar Alexis, rule concurrently.
Early Co-Tsardom and Regency
Following the death of their elder brother, Feodor III, the issue of succession became complex due to Ivan V's delicate health and Peter's young age. To resolve this, Ivan V and the ten-year-old Peter were both proclaimed co-tsars. For a significant period, real power was exercised by their elder half-sister, Sophia Alekseyevna, one of Tsar Alexis's daughters from his first marriage, who served as their regent.
This regency under Sophia was a period of political maneuvering and consolidation of power within the Romanov dynasty. Sophia, an intelligent and ambitious woman, played a crucial role in managing state affairs during the early years of the co-tsardom.
The Shift in Power
Eventually, Sophia Alekseyevna's regency was overthrown. While Peter I and Ivan V continued to officially act as co-tsars, the exercise of power shifted significantly. Control was predominantly exercised by Peter's mother, Natalya Kirillovna Naryshkina, and her family. Ivan V, due to his poor health and less assertive nature, largely remained in the background, allowing Peter's influence to grow steadily.
This dynamic gradually paved the way for Peter to assume full control after Ivan V's death in 1696, leading to his transformative reign as Peter the Great, a period marked by significant reforms and the modernization of Russia.
Key Figures in the Co-Tsardom
| Role | Figure | Relationship to Peter the Great |
|---|---|---|
| Co-Tsar | Ivan V | Half-brother |
| Co-Tsar | Peter I (Peter the Great) | - |
| Regent (initially) | Sophia Alekseyevna | Half-sister |
| Power Exerciser (later) | Natalya Kirillovna Naryshkina | Mother |
For more detailed information on these historical figures, you can explore:
