Ivan the Terrible was a mentally unstable ruler with an iron fist, but when he died his legacy would become dreadfully missed, as the next thirty years would become nothing but trial after trial of the human endurance. The severity of the Times of Trouble, or Smutnoe Vremia, can be attributed to Boris Godunov's rise to power; the three imposters who attempted to usurp the throne; and the revolt leaders who created additional chaos and unrest during this most difficult time in Russian history.

Boris Godunov

After having almost sole control over Russia during the reign of the obtuse and uninspired Fedor, Godunov was crowned tsar in 1598, with Fedor's death. Much dispute arose, as people doubted his divine...