The Russian Empire was born, contrary to popular belief, not under Peter I, but under his father, “The Quiet Sovereign,” Alexei Mikhailovich. In the second half of the 17th century, Golden-Domed Rus' reached the heights of power and prosperity, defeated Poland, Sweden, the Ottoman Empire, and China in wars, significantly increased its territory, created national industry and the highest culture, thanks to which it became one of the most powerful and developed world powers. But the contradiction between the medieval religious consciousness of the common people and the secularized spirit of the ruling elite at that time not only reached its greatest severity, but also led to the tragedy of the church schism. The break with Russian national tradition, as well as a sharp and complete turn towards Western Europe, created such contradictions in Russian society, the consequences of which were felt until the 20th century. To find out the unknown Rus' that Peter I and the chicks of his nest rejected, read the new book by historian and writer V. E. Shambarov.