Modern Russian history starts with St Petersburg Russia. The city was built on the swamp. For a couple of years newly built Russian army was ambushing Swedish units all around Baltic Sea gaining strength and confidence. When the army took over the Rabbit Island in the mouth of Neva River, Peter the Great ordered to build Alexandrov fort and a chapel of Peter and Paul on it. The third erected building was a tavern named "Four Frigates." Here Czar spent a lot of time drinking, thinking and discussing future of Russia.

The population of Russia at that time was at 6.5 million according to the tax notes. Every boat that anchored at the new city had to carry a load of the rocks, which were in high demand or pay a heavy fine. Every noble man with 500 serves or more had to build a stone house. Several thousands of serves died building the city. When horses died of hard work and poor conditions, Czar ordered his people to sail boats as in Venice. The constructions of the city did not stop even during the war. That was a humble beginning of Pressburg (the first name). Officially, St Petersburg was founded in 1703.

Alexander Menshikov

Alexander Menshikov (Alexashka) became the first governor of the city. He started life as baker’s helper boy. He was well dressed and was well mannered. More importantly he was the only person who could stop Czar Peter in rage. They were childhood friends. Peter ordered Menshikov to marry Peter’s sister. In future Alexashka became an outstanding organizer, political leader, profiteer and thief. Czar forgave him everything because of his unquestionable loyalty. Only in Russia such relationship could exist. Only Eastern man can tolerate Menshikov and gain from such a relationship. Menshikov was more gifted than Peter in everything accepts physical strength. While Alexashka was making money left and right on state contracts Peter was only receiving a salary of an admiral.