Archangel

Russia's only outlet to the sea until the founding of St. Petersburg, Archangel is inconveniently distant from Moscow and closed during the long winter. Archangel is situated 30 miles up the North Dvina River from the White Sea. British, Dutch, and German merchants throng it during the hectic open season. Peter the Great sets up shipbuilding in Archangel and spends long periods there. After the establishment of Baltic ports, Archangel declines sharply in importance.

Azov

An ancient Greek colony 15 miles upstream from the Sea of Azov on the Don River, Azov since 1475 is a Turkish fortress guarding against Russian penetration into the Black Sea. It is fortified with towers and walls with two outlying watchtower forts on opposite banks of the river with iron chains stretched between them to prevent galleys from slipping through. Peter the Great's first campaign to seize Azov in 1695 is disastrous but is hailed...