The term "Romanov" refers to the last ruling dynasty of Russia, which began in 1613 and ended in 1917. The Romanovs were known for their opulent lifestyle and significant influence over Russian history. They oversaw major events, including the expansion of the Russian Empire and the tumultuous period of World War I. The dynasty came to a tragic end during the Russian Revolution, when Tsar Nicholas II and his family were executed in 1918. The fall of the Romanovs marked a significant shift in Russian society, leading to the rise of the Soviet Union and the end of centuries of imperial rule.