Russian history is a vast and complex tale that spans over a thousand years. It began with the establishment of the Kievan Rus in the 9th century, a federation of Slavic tribes. Over time, the region saw the rise of powerful leaders like Ivan the Terrible and the expansion of the Russian Empire, which became one of the largest empires in history. In the early 20th century, Russia faced significant turmoil, leading to the Russian Revolution of 1917. This event resulted in the fall of the Tsarist regime and the rise of the Soviet Union, a communist state that lasted until its dissolution in 1991. Today, Russia continues to play a significant role on the world stage.