Early Modern Russia refers to the period from the late 15th century to the 18th century, marked by significant political and social changes. This era began with the rise of the Grand Duchy of Moscow, which gradually unified various Russian principalities. The reign of Ivan IV, known as Ivan the Terrible, saw the establishment of a centralized state and the expansion of Russian territory. The period also included the Time of Troubles in the early 17th century, a time of political instability and foreign intervention. Eventually, the Romanov dynasty began in 1613, leading to a more stable government and further territorial expansion, setting the stage for Russia's emergence as a major European power.