Miloslavsky family

Russian family

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June 30, 2026

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The Miloslavsky family was a prominent Russian boyar family that significantly influenced Russian politics in the 17th century. Mariya Ilinichna Miloslavskaya, the first wife of Tsar Alexis, was a member of this family. She bore him numerous children, including two sons who became tsars: Fyodor III and Ivan V.1

After Mariya's death, her relatives formed a political faction that rivaled the Naryshkin family, the relatives of Alexis's second wife. This rivalry played a crucial role in succession disputes, particularly during the reigns of Fyodor III and the regency of Sophia. The Miloslavsky family's influence waned significantly after Peter the Great consolidated power, effectively ending their political prominence.12

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Peter I
Youth and accession
…into the hands of the Miloslavskys, relatives of Fyodor’s mother, who deliberately pushed Peter and the Naryshkin circle aside. When Fyodor died childless in 1682, a fierce struggle for power ensued between the Miloslavskys and the Naryshkins: the former wanted to put Fyodor’s brother, the delicate and feebleminded Ivan V,…
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…into the hands of the Miloslavskys, relatives of Fyodor’s mother, who deliberately pushed Peter and the Naryshkin circle aside. When Fyodor died childless in 1682, a fierce struggle for power ensued between the Miloslavskys and the Naryshkins: the former wanted to put Fyodor’s brother, the delicate and feebleminded Ivan V,…
Read More

Russia
Alexis
…between the rival Naryshkin and Miloslavsky families. The Naryshkins were exiled, and the Miloslavskys, with their clients and supporters, took over. In 1682, however, Fyodor died, and the Naryshkin faction sought to place his half brother Peter on the throne instead of Fyodor’s full brother, the ailing Ivan. The elite…
Read More
…between the rival Naryshkin and Miloslavsky families. The Naryshkins were exiled, and the Miloslavskys, with their clients and supporters, took over. In 1682, however, Fyodor died, and the Naryshkin faction sought to place his half brother Peter on the throne instead of Fyodor’s full brother, the ailing Ivan. The elite…
Read More