5th September 1698: Peter the Great of Russia imposes a tax on beards

Peter the Great’s decision to ban beards was unpopular, not only because it was a significant challenge to tradition but also because shaving a beard was interpreted by some Orthodox Christians as being sinful.

27th May 1703: The foundation of St Petersburg by Tsar Peter the Great

In 1703 Peter’s forces captured Swedish possessions at the mouth of the Neva river, and it was here that he laid the foundation stone for the Peter and Paul Fortress on Zayachy Island.