This was 100 years ago when Pyotr Stolypin was prime minister under Tsar Nicholas II.

ECONOMIST: Russia's presidency

In 1917, in Russia at Pskov, Tsar Nicholas II abdicated for himself and his son.

CNN: Saturday, March 15, 1997R

Forensic evidence has also shown beyond doubt that the Tsar Nicholas II and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918.

BBC: Despatches

It ended on an even more sour note, with the execution of Tsar Nicholas II and his family by Bolshevik forces in 1918.

BBC: Inside the Kremlin walls

Previous Russian leaders, including Tsar Nicholas II, Lenin and Stalin, all had the sense to set low rates, says Mr Sadomsky.

ECONOMIST: Sorry for this delay of 100 years

"Tsar Nicholas II said that it's Russia, but not Russian, and what he meant is that this is a city that was intentionally built to embrace and look to the West of Europe, " Reid said.

CNN: 5 tips for an unforgettable Russia visit

But a row over how and where to bury the presumed remains of Tsar Nicholas II, killed by the Bolsheviks in 1918, has rattled on for six years now since the bones were discovered near Yekaterinburg.

ECONOMIST: Russia��s bones of contention

What made him a power in Russia was the fact that the tsar, Nicholas II, listened to him and usually trusted his judgment.

ECONOMIST: Russian history