Tsardom refers to the period in Russian history when the country was ruled by a tsar, a title derived from the Latin word "Caesar." This form of monarchy began in the 16th century with Ivan IV, known as Ivan the Terrible, who was the first to be officially crowned as tsar. The tsardom lasted until the early 20th century, when the last tsar, Nicholas II, was overthrown during the Russian Revolution. During the tsardom, Russia expanded its territory and influence, becoming a major European power. The tsars wielded absolute authority, often supported by the nobility and the Orthodox Church. This era saw significant cultural and political developments, including the establishment of the Romanov dynasty, which ruled for over 300 years until the fall of the monarchy in 1917.