Legendary General Mikhail Skobelev, whose name is associated with many brilliant victories of Russian weapons, was born on September 17 (29), 1843 in the Peter and Paul Fortress, whose commandant was his grandfather. Skobelev...

The legendary commander Mikhail Skobelev, whose name is associated with many brilliant victories of Russian weapons, was born on September 17 (29), 1843 in the Peter and Paul Fortress, whose commandant was his grandfather. Skobelev was a third-generation military man, his grandfather and father rose to the rank of general.

In his youth, Michael intended to devote himself civil service and entered the mathematical faculty of St. Petersburg University, however, his studies had to be interrupted. The university was closed due to student unrest, and Skobelev, heeding his father's advice, petitioned the emperor to be enrolled as a cadet in the elite Life Guards Cavalier Guard Regiment.

Military service began with the oath and kissing of the cross, according to the characteristic. given by management, Junker Skobelev "serves zealously, not sparing himself." A year later, he was promoted to the junker belt, six months later - to the junior officer rank cornet, in 1864 Skobelev participated in the suppression of the uprising of the Polish rebels. He was included in the retinue of Adjutant General Eduard Baranov, but burdened by retinue duties, he begged the general to send him to the combat sector. Skobelev received his baptism of fire in the battle with the rebel detachment of Shemiot, and was awarded the Order of St. Anna, IV degree, for bravery.

Participation in the Polish expedition confirmed the correctness of the chosen path, subsequently Skobelev repeatedly repeated: "I am where the guns rumble."

In 1866, he entered the Nikolaev Academy of the General Staff, the defeat in the Eastern War forced the government to reconsider its approach to military education, now officers were trained according to a new program, future military leaders left the Academy with a solid store of knowledge.

As one of the best graduates, Mikhail Dmitrievich was sent to the General Staff. After a short period of "paper" work in the General Staff, Skobelev showed himself in Central Asia, in 1873 he became a member of the Khiva campaign, general leadership carried out by General Konstantin Kaufman. Skobelev commanded the vanguard of the Mangyshlak detachment (2,140 people), in the most difficult conditions, almost in daily skirmishes with the Khiva, his detachment approached the capital of the khanate in May 1873.

On May 29, Khiva fell, the first decree that the khan was forced to issue was the prohibition of the slave trade, because one of the goals of the expedition was to suppress the slave trade. Russia, as noted stingy on positive assessments " tsarist regime Engels, played a "progressive role in relation to the East ... the domination of Russia plays a civilizing role for the Black and Caspian Seas and Central Asia ...".

Due to the strong opposition of the British original plan the Russian government failed to establish good neighborly relations with the Central Asian states by peaceful means, so military measures were used. Skobelev and subsequently will repeatedly fulfill this responsible role to enforce peace.

Already in 1875, after a short business trip to Spain, Skobelev led a campaign to suppress the rebellion that broke out in Kokand. A Russian detachment of only 800 people with 20 guns near the village of Makhram entered the battle with the 50,000-strong army of the usurper Khudoyar. Despite the huge numerical superiority, the Russians scattered the enemy and put him to flight. Skobelev’s formula “It’s not enough to be brave, you need to be smart and resourceful” worked flawlessly.

N.D. Dmitriev-Orenburg "General M. D. Skobelev on horseback", 1883

In October 1875, Mikhail Dmitrievich was promoted to major general, and in February next year appointed governor-general of the formed Fergana region. With his characteristic zeal, Skobelev set about arranging the region, and in this post he proved himself to be a skilled diplomat. With the local nobility and warlike tribes, he treated "firmly, but with heart."

He understood that one military force it is not enough to assert the authority of Russia, therefore, he was actively engaged in solving social issues. On the initiative of Skobelev, a city was founded, which later received the name of Fergana and became the regional center of Uzbekistan, and the governor-general took a personal part in its design.

Having learned about the beginning of the war with the Ottoman Empire, Skobelev, using his connections in St. Petersburg, changed the relatively calm office of the Governor-General to a battlefield more familiar to him. Participation in the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878 was the peak of Mikhail Dmitrievich's military career and at the same time was the realization of his life credo: "My symbol is short: love for the Fatherland, science and Slavdom."

The Russian army owes the talent of Skobelev the capture of the strategically important city of Lovech, and it was he who became true hero third assault on Plevna.

Thanks to the efforts of Skobelev, the battle of Sheinov was won, when the crushing blow of the Russians paralyzed the actions of the 30,000th army of Wessel Pasha. General Skobelev personally accepted the surrender of Wessel Pasha and his army.

In battle, the general was always ahead of the troops in a white tunic and on a white horse. “He believed that he would be more harmless on a white horse than on a horse of a different color ...”, the artist Vasily Vereshchagin, who was well acquainted with Skobelev, explained this choice.

Skobelev's detachment captured Adrianople and the town of San Stefano, located at a distance of 20 kilometers from the Turkish capital. Constantinople was within easy reach.

Of course, Skobelev, who shared the views of the Slavophiles on the historical mission of Russia to liberate Tsargrad from the Muslims, which at the same time was cherished dream Slavs and Greeks, longed to start storming this city.

The ingenious strategist saw that the historical moment was close, “... the presence of an active army in Adrianople and the opportunity ... and now even to take the capital of Turkey with battle” is available, he noted in one of the letters. But diplomacy judged otherwise, the war ended with the signing of a treaty in San Stefano.

The name of the "White General", as both Russians and Turks called him, thundered throughout Europe. After the signing of the peace, Skobelev took a personal initiative on the issue of organizing capable paramilitary units in Bulgaria, which were called gymnastic societies. The Bulgarians, for their efforts to liberate Bulgaria from the Turkish invaders and help in the post-war reconstruction of the country, ranked General Skobelev among their national heroes.

Vyacheslav Kondratiev "Plow Geok-Tepe!"

After the war with the Ottomans, the general will lead the Akhal-Teke expedition, which has become a matter of special national importance. Skobelev was the only one who combined the talents of a military leader and the wisdom of a diplomat. The emperor himself had a confidential conversation with the general regarding this expedition. It was successful, the last source of unrest was eliminated, and peace was established in the Transcaspian possessions of Russia.

The general during the fighting has always been at the forefront. Even during the war with the Turks, soldiers composed a song about their commander, in which there are such lines:

Not afraid of the enemy's bullet,
Not afraid of the bayonet
And more than once near the hero
Death was already close.

He laughed at bullets
Clearly, God protected him.

He was wounded many times, but the bayonet and bullets did not harm his life, Skobelev did not die in the war, under other very mysterious circumstances. The causes of death that occurred on June 25 (July 7), 1882, remained undisclosed, various versions of what happened are still being put forward. A myriad of people came to the last journey of Mikhail Dmitrievich.

The Russian general dedicated his short but bright life entirely to the Fatherland.

Play Skobelev's march! To the 170th anniversary of the birth " White General».

Do not forget, brothers, that we have been entrusted with the honor of the Fatherland! Our cause is sacred!
M.D. Skobelev

And Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev did not live forty years, but after the heroes of 1812 there was no general in the Russian Empire who was equally beloved by the people.

He was a hereditary military man. His father, Dmitry Ivanovich, was well known both in the army and at court. Senior Skobelev died in the high rank of lieutenant general.

A soldier on the battlefield and a sage in a learned conversation - Mikhail Dmitrievich was a comprehensive an educated person, no stranger to literary talent. He loved Lermontov, carefully studied the Slavophiles - Khomyakov, Kireevsky, Aksakov, was friends with many of them, corresponded. He was capable of rhyming impromptu like Suvorov, whose memory he bowed to.

What is the secret of Skobelev's extraordinary popularity?

It seemed that after the Napoleonic Wars, the time of giant heroes had passed. The halo of romance from the generals was intercepted by the revolutionaries ... And Skobeleva in people's memory managed to stand on a par with Rumyantsev, Suvorov, Bagration ...

He was a genius in offensive warfare. His associate and permanent chief of staff Kuropatkin recalled: “On the day of the battle, Skobelev every time appeared to the troops as especially joyful, cheerful, handsome ... Soldiers and officers looked with confidence at his warlike beautiful figure, admired him, joyfully greeted him and from the bottom of their hearts answered him “glad to try” to his wishes, so that they would be great in the upcoming work.

In those years, Russia, by and large, closed the doors to Europe. The Treaty of Paris in 1856, which recorded the results of the Crimean War, deprived the Russian Empire of the tacit status of a European superpower, which was undeniable during the years of the omnipotence of the Holy Union.

From now on, imperial ambitions had to be satisfied in Central Asia and the Far East. It was there that the rivalry between Russia and the British Empire continued. Where the Russian soldier managed to reach, the slave trade stopped, the slave markets were closed.

Skobelev considered himself a "Turkestan pupil". In his fate, campaigns in Central Asia played key role: it was there that he studied the character of the Russian soldier, and the soldiers fell in love with their general, endowed with the ability to raise the ranks to death - not only against enemy artillery, not only against pikes and sabers, but also contrary to nature itself.

The Khiva campaign was, according to Skobelev himself, "a continuous struggle with nature." The Khanate was annexed to Russia with "little bloodshed", although at the cost of severe trials. Skobelev's reconnaissance raid became a legend when, together with five daredevils, he traveled more than 600 miles in a week in the desert, constantly risking running into armed nomads who knew the area much better.

For that intelligence, Skobelev received his first George - 4th degree. Skobelev's commanding style developed there: he demonstrated miracles of courage to the soldiers, and they responded to him in the same way. Contempt for death is contagious, as is cowardice.

In 1875-1876 it was the turn of the Kokand Khanate. And in this campaign, Skobelev showed himself to be a star of the first magnitude, his cavalry detachment became a thunderstorm of the enemy: the Russians attacked unexpectedly, stunned. In one of the fights, Skobelev was seriously wounded in the leg.

He - like Peter the Great and Suvorov - learned to speak with the soldiers with inspiration and persuasiveness.

Over the years, he addressed the soldiers:

“I can only wish for one thing, to fight with the same valiant, the same valiant troops, like those with whom I had to serve and fight here,”

“Soon we will have a combat test, I ask everyone to know about this and strengthen the spirit with prayer and reflection, which is required of us by duty, oath and honor of the name of the Russian”,

“Our attitude towards the defeated people should be not only legally correct, but also generous, for the brave Russian army from time immemorial has not been able to beat the recumbent”,

"I am convinced that the brave troops entrusted to me will not overshadow their immortal glory."

It was in Turkestan that he received the rank of general, and there they began to call him the White General. In battle, he was seen on an unchanged white horse, in a no less white uniform. It was believed that he was charmed by bullets as long as he was dressed in white. This superstition helped the soldiers to trust their commander. On the uniform already flaunted George of the 2nd degree and the order of St. Vladimir.

For some time Skobelev was the governor in Ferghana, but the administrative field brought the first severe disappointments: denunciations poured into St. young general and removed from power. It is clear: the combat cavalryman, imbued with romantic ideals, hated bribery, and in the East bribery flourished, including among Russian administrators.

The war began in the Balkans - the last big war with the Ottomans for the freedom of the Orthodox peoples. Perhaps the most noble war of all that Russia waged. Skobelev, like no one else, was devoted to the cause of the liberation of the fraternal peoples.

Mosques have risen in the Serbian region;
Janissaries, in the crowd, in broad daylight,
In the bazaars he crushed his wives with a hoof
Your Arabian horse.

- wrote A.N. Maikov.

For Skobelev, Slavic freedom is the dawn of the future glory of Russia, independent, strong, capable of challenging the major European powers of that time - british empire and Germany.

But Skobelev arrived in the Balkans in a semi-disgraced position, although in the halo of Turkestan glory. At first, his status was doubtful: he was at the Headquarters, and then led the headquarters of the division commanded by his father.

He managed to distinguish himself in battle while crossing the Danube near Zimnitsa. Since then, Skobelev's miracles began - miracles of courage and heroism, military invention and military leadership firmness. In 1877, the white general did the impossible... On July 7, Skobelev's detachment occupied the Shipka Pass with a fight. Ak-Pasha, as they called him in the East, again took risks, again remained invulnerable ...

Skobelev showed himself brilliantly during the third assault on impregnable Plevna. His detachment took on the blow of a third of the Turkish troops, although it was only a fifth of the Russian army that stormed Plevna. “In our country, only Skobelev knows how to lead troops on an assault!” They said in the army. The Skobelevites captured the most important fortifications, the path to Plevna was open, but the command did not hurry with reinforcements - and they had to start a long siege.

After taking Plevna and crossing the Balkan Range, the Russian army overturned the Turkish troops on the Shipka-Sheinovo line, and Skobelev's troops again played a decisive role in this battle. After that, at the head of the vanguard, Skobelev takes possession of Adrianople and San Stefano. Here it is, Constantinople, Tsargrad - at hand! Skobelev dreamed of freeing the Orthodox capital. But, as you know, the Turks asked for peace ...

The general was not satisfied with the Berlin peace, although in those days he was showered with awards. He dreamed of a great future for the Slavic peoples.

Skobelev had to prove himself in one more campaign - in the Akhal-Teke expedition. Mikhail Dmitrievich, demonstrating experience and foresight, drew up a plan for advancing to the Geok-Tepe fortress, which the Tekins intended to defend. They had troops - about 25 thousand, Skobelev did not have even 7 thousand, but the superiority of the Russian army in armament and training was beyond doubt. January 12, 1881 Skobelev led his troops to storm.

When the Russians broke into the fortress, most of the Teke troops fled. Skobelev organized the persecution. After the capture of Geok-Tepe, silence was established for a long time in the Trans-Caspian possessions of the empire. The loss of the Russian army in the entire expedition - about 1500 people dead and dead ...

Skobelev lived in a relatively happy time for Russia: the empire seemed powerful. But the worldview of the general was formed during the days of the tragic Sevastopol epic. The Crimean War knocked complacency from the patriots - and Skobelev understood that the Motherland was entering a period of crisis. How to save yourself, how to protect yourself from defeat and decay?

The general wrote: “My symbol is short: love for the Fatherland; science and Slavdom. On these whales we will build such a political force that we will not be afraid of either enemies or friends! And there is nothing to think about the belly, for the sake of these great goals we will make all the sacrifices.

He dreamed of the revival of "a bruised Russian self-consciousness", very deeply (not at all like a soldier!) analyzed the phenomenon of revolutionary nihilism that was gaining strength. In recent years, more than once Skobelev fell into apathy, sometimes he stopped believing in his own strength, was disappointed in people. At such moments he repeated: “I came to the conclusion that everything in the world is a lie, a lie and a lie. All this is glory, and all this brilliance is a lie. Is this true happiness? How many dead, wounded, sufferers, devastated. And then he returned to the fight.

He was a zealous opponent of Germany and German influence in Russia, foresaw big war with the Germans. Skobelev suggested relying on an alliance with France: the Russians seem to have nothing to share with her.

Skobelev's plans were not Manilov's: Emperor Alexander III, with whom Skobelev did not have good relations, after some time would choose just such a tactic. But ... the general made a fatal mistake: he rushed into politics. But Suvorov warned: the commander should not be plunged into a political whirlwind. There is death.

And now the White General spoke with his comrades about the crisis of the Romanov dynasty, that it would not be bad to change it about how the generals should behave during the revolution ... It is unlikely that he was the leader of the conspiracy, but sometimes “it’s better to be a sinner than be considered sinful." Much worse, at court he was considered a conspirator.

His - Skobeleva, whose word in the army was worth its weight in gold and lead. God forbid such an enemy! And now "the whole of Petersburg is talking about him as a seeker with dynastic claims."

It was believed that the general would lead a coup during the coronation of Alexander, in Moscow. And instead of Alexander III, Skobeleva will be crowned king. He dreamed of a free union of the Slavic peoples with the decisive word of the Russian Tsar, a common army and a common currency, but with the autonomy of governments. Slavic Garibaldi was inspired by the revelations of Khomyakov and Aksakov...

Of course, surrounded by the new emperor Skobelev, at least they were afraid. And the general kept thinking about how to preserve and strengthen the great power in the conditions of the omnipotence of usurers?

He led a life far from ascetic. On a warm evening on June 25, 1882, at the England Hotel, on the corner of Petrovka and Stoleshnikov Lane, Skobelev had dinner in a noisy company of casual acquaintances, after which he went to the room with a certain flirtatious woman - as they said later, with a German woman ... In her general's room and found dead.

How many times he walked under bullets on the battlefield - and died in someone else's bed. The protocol after the autopsy said: "He died of paralysis of the heart and lungs, inflammation of which he had suffered so recently."

But Moscow, mourning the hero, did not believe the newspapers. Few doubted that Skobelev was killed. The same was considered in Bulgaria, which plunged into mourning. There were all sorts of versions - they accused a German woman, and a policeman, and merchants who were drinking in a restaurant ... It was rumored that an unspoken court sentenced the conspirator Skobelev to death. Cheerful merchants were agents of the secret police, it was they who carried out the sentence, poisoned the hero ... Of course, there were rumors of suicide. It is sad when the death of a hero is overshadowed by such versions.

Farewell to Skobelev took place in the Temple of the Three Hierarchs, which is near the Red Gate (this modest church has not been preserved). And they buried him in his native village - Spassky-Zaborovo, which is on the Ryazan land. Bishop Ambrose of Dmitrov delivered a speech during the burial. The capitals have already argued about where to erect a monument to Skobelev ...

It will take off in Moscow, near the governor-general's house, not far from the place of the general's death, approximately where the monument to Yuri Dolgoruky is now. A wonderful monument will be destroyed at May Day 1918.

AT Soviet times Skobelev was not deleted from history: he was considered an advanced general, a successor to the best Suvorov traditions. And yet Skobelev remained on the sidelines of the parade of the heroes of history.

True, in 1954 the film "Heroes of Shipka" was released, in which Evgeny Samoilov played the role of Skobelev, energetically and charmingly. And in the 1970s, Skobelev became the hero of Boris Vasiliev’s epic novel “There were and weren’t,” which rediscovered that Russian-Turkish war for many of us…

Skobelev completed the galaxy of Russian heroes-commanders, each of whom was the personification of the military prowess of the people. In later times, brave people and talented strategists in Russia did not disappear, but the era of millions of armies, the era of weapons mass destruction. The will of one man could not decide the fate of campaigns. That is why Russia remembers Skobelev, the last of the Mohicans.

The generals of the Great Patriotic War were proud when their exploits were compared with the deeds of Skobelev. We will remember the commander not only on his birthday! Russians, Bulgarians, Ukrainians, Serbs - everyone for whose freedom he fought. And let the Skobel March sound for us - breakthrough, peppy, as it should be.

Audio recording of Skobelev's march.

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The legendary general spent more than half of his life in battle. He participated in 70 battles and emerged victorious from all of them. The officers and soldiers who knew Skobelev from his deeds considered the general a father-commander who risked his life along with his subordinates. Retired warriors, recalling past battles, certainly mentioned him, telling legends about the bravery and courage of their beloved commander. The peasants, rescued by Skobelev from the landlord bondage or debt hole, prayed for his portrait as an icon.

Many luminaries Russian science considered him a man of encyclopedic knowledge, originally thinking, creative. And young men who were just beginning to grow up found in Skobelev a model of a hero who personified devotion to the fatherland and loyalty to the word. For everyone who was sincerely interested in the prosperity of Russia, Skobelev was the hope for the implementation of political reforms. In their eyes, he became a leader worthy of leading the people.

Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev was born on September 17, 1843 in the village of Spasskoye-Zaborovo, 35 km from the Ryazhsk station. Little Misha was the first-born in the family of a lieutenant of the cavalry guard regiment, who later participated in the Crimean War, receiving the title of cavalier of the honorary golden sword. Mikhail Skobelev's grandfather, Ivan Nikitich, during the war of 1812, was an orderly at M.I. Kutuzov himself and fought in the Battle of Borodino. He was able to rise to the rank of general from infantry, was the commandant of the Peter and Paul Fortress. In addition, Ivan Nikitich Skobelev had a literary talent. On his grandson's birthday, he allowed himself an extraordinary liberties. In St. Petersburg, at an odd hour, a volley of all the cannons available in the Peter and Paul Fortress thundered. This is how the grandfather celebrated the birth of his grandson.

It was Ivan Nikitich who was involved in his upbringing. After the death of his grandfather, Misha was sent to France, where he studied at a boarding school. The boy received a comprehensive education and was fluent in eight foreign languages. He could read by heart excerpts from the works of Balzac, Sheridan, Spencer, he was very fond of Lermontov. Mikhail played the piano and sang beautifully. In a word, he was a real romantic in the uniform of an officer.

Returning to his homeland, Mikhail Skobelev entered St. Petersburg University in 1861. But family traditions prevailed, and he filed a petition to enroll him as a cadet in the cavalry guard regiment. Many colleagues said about him: “An eccentric. Excellent fellow, dashing grunt, takes crazy barriers. In 1862, Mikhail went on vacation to his father, who at that time lived in Poland.

In September 1866, Skobelev was enrolled in the Academy of the General Staff, and after graduation he was sent to the Turkestan military district.

In the campaign against the Kokand Khanate, Mikhail Dmitrievich emerged victorious from the most difficult situations, showing not only miracles of heroism, but also an amazing understanding of battle tactics. His colleagues recalled that it was a special pleasure for Skobelev to go out early in the morning to wash himself on the line of fire between our and the Turkish trenches. The adjutant followed him, and the Turks immediately began to fire at them. And returning to the trench, the general again climbed the parapet, and the enemy again opened aimed fire at him. Skobelev did not just flaunt. Such ostentatious disregard for death was deliberate: by the intensity of the fire, he tried to determine what forces the enemy had at his disposal. During the battle, his ability for quick, operational thinking and the ability to accept instantaneous, unexpected and sometimes vital important decisions. Skobelev himself very often liked to repeat: "It is not enough to be brave, you need to be smart and resourceful." These were not just words. Thinking over the strategy of the upcoming battle, Mikhail Dmitrievich used his deepest knowledge and advanced experience. V. I. Nemirovich-Danchenko recalled: “He (Skobelev) studied and read constantly, under the most sometimes impossible conditions: in bivouacs, on a campaign, in Bucharest on the ramparts of batteries, under fire, in between hot battles. He did not part with the book - and shared his knowledge with everyone.

The character of Skobelev surprisingly combined passion and calculation, ardor and will, exceptional attention to all the details of the battle with complete disregard for his own life.

After the completion of the Kokand campaign, he was awarded the orders of St. George and St. Vladimir III degree, a golden sword with diamonds and a golden saber "For Courage".

In 1877, the Russian-Turkish war began, in which Skobelev took an active part. He personally led the attack on the Shipka Pass. Next were Plevna and the Balkans. Ves-sel-Pasha surrendered to Skobelev along with the entire 20,000-strong army. For these battles, the brave general was awarded the third golden saber with the inscription "For crossing the Balkans."

The capture of Lovcha, the third assault on Plevna, the crossing of the Balkans through the Imitli pass, the battle of Shipka-Sheinovo became key events Russian-Turkish war. Each of these victories belongs to Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev. In battle, he was always ahead of the troops in a white tunic on a white horse. It is not surprising that the enemies called him Ak-Pasha (White General). Many contemporaries noted Skobelev's amazing predilection for white. The outstanding artist V.V. Vereshchagin explained it this way: “He believed that he would be more unharmed on a white horse than on a horse of a different suit, although at the same time he believed that you could not escape fate.”

The choice of white color for Mikhail Skobelev was not accidental. While still a student of the military academy, he was sent thirty miles from St. Petersburg to the coast of the Gulf of Finland to survey the area. Returning from the forest, he got stuck in a swamp. The old white horse saved the life of Mikhail Dmitrievich: “I take it to the left, it pulls me to the right. If I have to ride a horse somewhere, so that I remember this Sivka, I will always choose a white one.

It can be assumed that after this incident, Mikhail Dmitrievich developed a mystical addiction to white horses. And the white uniform was a continuation of the whiteness of his horse. Skobelev himself gradually convinced himself and others that in white he was charmed by bullets and could not be killed by the enemy. Very often, only skillful handling of a horse and a saber saved him from death. In fact, he was wounded seven times in battle.

Each victory added popularity to Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev and gave another reason for gossip to his enemies. He was credited with excessive ambition, and an intemperate lifestyle, and even embezzlement of government money. In addition, the young and popular general gave reason to think that he might someday lead Russian throne. Constantly in the capital's hotels they whispered that the sovereign-emperor was very afraid of Skobelev and wanted to get rid of him. Although this is a vile slander. Alexander II treated Mikhail Dmitrievich with deep respect and often scolded him for his excessive dashing and indiscretion.

In 1881, 38-year-old Skobelev was promoted to general of infantry and awarded the Order of St. George II degree. But enemies and envious people could not come to terms with his glory. They brutally dealt with the parents of Mikhail Dmitrievich. At first, his father died suddenly under unclear circumstances, and soon his mother was killed in Bulgaria. By a strange coincidence, her murderer was the former orderly of Skobelev, Nikolai Uzatis, who took the secret of this murder with him to the grave.

Another mortal sin could not be forgiven for Skobelev - a passion for the Slavophile movement. The outstanding commander was friendly with Ivan Sergeevich Aksakov, the theorist of this movement. Soon Mikhail Dmitrievich got another nickname - Slavic Garibaldi.

After Alexander II was killed, Alexander III, who was also fascinated by Slavophilism, ascended the throne. During one of the solemn and crowded banquets, Skobelev delivered a speech that greatly outraged all Westerners who bow to "progressive Europe." After this speech, a quatrain appeared: “And now - one of all those standing at the top is not a slave, one of our Skobelev dared to tell the truth aloud. O ulcers, long since the life of the Russian dead! About where the root of evil is - and where to look for medicines.

Clouds were gathering over the Slavic Garibaldi. Mikhail Dmitrievich himself foresaw his imminent death. AT recent months life he became very irritable. There were often pessimistic overtones in his conversation. Unusually often, Mikhail Dmitrievich started talking about the fragility of life. And unexpectedly for everyone, he began to sell securities, gold jewelry and real estate. At the same time, he drew up a will, according to which the Spasskoe family estate was to be transferred to the disposal of disabled war veterans. At the same time, among the letters that came to the illustrious general, more and more anonymous letters with threats began to come across. Who and why wrote them is still unknown. Unfortunately, he did not find support at home either. His marriage was extremely unhappy. He did not have the children he so dreamed of. And the girl whom he fell in love with shortly before his death did not reciprocate.

At the end of the maneuvers on June 22, 1882, Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev left for Moscow. On the purpose of his trip, he reported to the chief of staff Dukhonin: "I'm going to visit the graves of my parents and check the progress of the construction of a school and a hospital on my estate." Their conversation ended anxiously. “Everything in the world is a lie! Even glory…,” said Skobelev.

On the last day of his life, Mikhail Dmitrievich felt very lonely. On June 24 he visited his best friend Aksakov, left him a whole heap of papers, saying: "Recently I have become suspicious." And leaving at 11 o'clock in the evening, he said with anguish: "I see a thunderstorm everywhere." Then, staying at the Dusso hotel, he wrote an invitation to dinner on June 26 to V.I. Nemirovich-Danchenko.

At noon on June 25, Mikhail Dmitrievich was at the Hermitage restaurant. He sat alone at the table in complete thought, did not communicate with anyone. By evening, the loneliness became unbearable. Therefore, Mikhail Dmitrievich went to Stoleshnikov Lane, where the restaurant "Anglia" was located. He hoped that a cheerful feast and a good dinner in pleasant company would cheer him up, distract him from dark thoughts. The feast was in full swing when a man came out of a neighboring office and offered to drink a glass of champagne. Mikhail Dmitrievich did not refuse, because he heard toasts in his honor coming from the office. The blues didn't go away. Even the charm of the well-known all over Moscow cocotte Wanda (real name Charlotte Altenrose) could not cheer him up. This woman had at her disposal a luxurious room on the lower floor of the "England". It was there that Skobelev retired in the evening. After some time, a terrible scream was heard from the room, and a few minutes later, a frightened and tearful Wanda ran to the janitor. She could hardly squeeze out the words: "An officer died in my room." The janitor immediately sent for the police. Of course, the general known throughout Russia was immediately identified. His body was transferred to the Dusso Hotel. The police denied the version of Wanda's participation or complicity in Skobelev's death. But the nickname Grave of Skobelev was forever attached to her.

Skobelev's death shocked all of Moscow. Even Alexander III sent a letter to his sister Nadezhda Dmitrievna with the words: “I am terribly shocked and saddened by the sudden death of your brother. The loss for the Russian army is hard to replace and, of course, greatly mourned by all truly military men. It is sad, very sad to lose such a useful and dedicated figure."

After some time, the results of the autopsy of Skobelev's body, which was performed by the dissector of Moscow University Neiding, were announced. He declared death from paralysis of the heart and lungs. In this regard, Andrei Sholokhov wrote in his article: "Never before had Skobelev complained about his heart." Although his doctor O. F. Geyfader during the Turkestan campaign found signs of heart failure, noting at the same time the completely extraordinary endurance and energy of the general.

The cause of Skobelev's death remained unclear. Later, she acquired a huge number of versions, legends, conjectures and even absurd ideas about suicide.

There are two main versions of violent and non-violent death. There were several versions of non-violent death, but the most plausible of them are two. The first version was official: death came from paralysis of the lungs and heart. And the second was that Skobelev died as a result of bleeding from a torn venous expansion in the groin, which he had suffered from for a long time.

There were many versions that the White General was killed. Three of them seem to be the most plausible and the most famous. The first version indicates that Mikhail Dmitrievich was killed due to the intrigues of Russia's enemies - the Germans. This assumption indirectly confirmed the fact that the general died in the room of the German woman - Wanda. Many representatives of official circles not only supported this version, but also considered it the only correct one. Prince N. Meshchersky wrote to Pobedonostsev in 1887: “From day to day, Germany could pounce on France, crush it, but suddenly, thanks to Skobelev’s bold step, the common interests of France and Russia showed up for the first time, unexpectedly for everyone and to: horror for Bismarck. Neither Russia nor France were already isolated, Skobelev fell victim to his convictions, and the Russian people have no doubt about it. According to rumors, German agents managed to steal the war plan, which was developed by Mikhail Dmitrievich. How true this was, no one knew at the time. The German press then rejoiced: “Well, this one is not dangerous to us now - General Skobelev is no longer alive ... as for us Germans, we honestly admit this, we are pleased that death has kidnapped a zealous enemy ... ".

According to another version, Mikhail Dmitrievich was poisoned by a glass of champagne, which was sent to him from a neighboring room from a feasting company, where they allegedly drank to his health. It was said that Alexander III was sure of Skobelev's desire to overthrow the Romanov dynasty and take the throne under the name of Mikhail III. A certain F. Byubok, according to the chairman of the First State Duma S. A. Muromtsev, said that, as if in connection with the anti-government activities of Skobelev, a special secret court was established over him, under the chairmanship of Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich. This court by a majority vote (33 out of 40) sentenced the White General to death. It was entrusted to one of the police officials to carry out the sentence. The killer did an excellent job. For this, he received not only a large monetary reward, but also the next rank. "Secret squad" that carried out the murder. Skobelev, combined the features of the Third Branch, Masonic lodges and underground organizations. It included not only the Grand Duke, but also the emperor himself. M. D. Skobelev developed a very strained relationship with this “secret team”. At one time, he flatly refused to join their ranks, spoke contemptuously about the members of the organization.

J. Adam asked the question: "Which power had an interest in the disappearance of the hero of Plevna and Geok-Tepe?" - transparently hinting that worldwide Freemasonry is related to Skobelev's death.

It was known about Skobelev's connections with the Freemasons of the French lodge "Great East". While in Paris, the White General befriended Léon Gambetta, Prime Minister of France and one of the leaders of the Grand Orient. It is possible that the Masons wanted to remove the disgraced general. Most likely, it was the Freemasons who contributed to the spread of various, sometimes conflicting versions of his death.

Skobelev's death shocked not only Moscow, it can be said without exaggeration that it changed Russia for many years to come. If Mikhail Dmitrievich had survived, the political situation in Russia would have been completely different. And one could assume that the country would have developed more successfully, without the revolutions of 1905 and 1917.

Half of Moscow came to say goodbye to Skobelev. From the hotel "Dusso" the coffin with the body of Skobelev was transferred to the Church of the Three Hierarchs at the Red Gate. The memorial service was supposed to take place the next day, but people went to say goodbye to their beloved general all evening and all night. The church was buried in flowers, wreaths and mourning ribbons. For twenty versts from Ranenburg station to Spasskoye the peasants carried the coffin in their arms. Ahead of the funeral procession was a wreath from the Academy of the General Staff with the inscription: "To Hero Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev, commander, equal to Suvorov." Many of ordinary people even after the funeral, they continued to believe that the White General was alive. They said that he was seen either in Bulgaria, where he gathered an army in defense of the Slavic brothers, then in the Vyatka province, then in Uzhgorod.

Mikhail Skobelev was so popular among the people that popular prints dedicated to his exploits were issued in memory of him. Even a special kind of vodka "Gorkaya Skobelevskaya" was made, although Mikhail Dmitrievich himself during his lifetime was reputed to be an opponent of drunkenness and severely punished his soldiers for this. The nationwide love for Mikhail Skobelev was reflected in the dashing Cossack and cocky soldier songs that the people themselves composed, glorifying the White General and his military exploits: “And if you were born again, a warrior on a white horse, and would take victory in the coming war under your covers ... ".

In 1912, a monument to M. D. Skobelev was unveiled on the square in front of the Dusso Hotel. And in 1918 it was dismantled in connection with the decree Soviet government, according to the decree "On the removal of monuments to tsars and their servants and the development of projects for monuments of the Russian socialist revolution."

In our time, the names of many outstanding people are resurrected from oblivion. It's time to pay tribute to the memory of the famous Russian commander Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev. By the 900th anniversary of Ryazan, the Skobelev estate was restored, and one of the squares of the ancient city was decorated bronze bust Slavic Garibaldi.

The mystery of the death of General Skobelev

Infantry General Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev - what do we know about him today? Very little, his name is almost forgotten, and after all, once his fame thundered throughout Russia and many compatriots pinned their hopes on getting out of political crisis that shook Russia in the early 80s 19th century... Mikhail Skobelev is an infantry general. Hero of the Russo-Turkish War and aggressive campaigns in Central Asia. During his lifetime, he was known as the most popular person in the Russian Empire. His sudden death at the age of 38 raised questions that historians are still looking for answers to. Tatyana Ustinova and Lev Lurie are conducting their own investigation. Experts help them with this. Experts: military historian Boris Kipnis - senior lecturer at the St. Petersburg State University of Culture and Arts (SPbGUKI), member of the Military History Association of Russia; therapist Lyudmila Baturina - Candidate of Medical Sciences, Head of the Physiotherapy Department of the Military Field Therapy Clinic Military Medical Academy them. CM. Kirov; forensic expert Vyacheslav Popov - Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Chairman of the Forensic Medical Association of the North-West of Russia, creator of two scientific schools on traumatic brain and gunshot trauma.

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The famous Russian military leader and statesman, adjutant general (1878), general of infantry (1881); became famous in the Central Asian campaigns and during the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878, was known for exceptional courage and was popular among soldiers and officers.

The son of Lieutenant General Dmitry Ivanovich Skobelev and his wife Olga Nikolaevna, nee Poltavtseva.

Born in St. Petersburg on September 17, 1843. In 1868 he graduated from the Academy of the General Staff and was sent to serve in Turkestan. Participated in the Khiva campaign of 1873 and the suppression of the Kokand uprising of 1873-1876. Since February 1876 the military governor of the Fergana region.

During the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878, he actually commanded (being the chief of staff of the Consolidated Cossack division) the Caucasian Cossack brigade during the 2nd assault on Plevna (Pleven) in July 1877 and separate detachment during the capture of Lovchi (Lovech) in August 1877. During the 3rd assault on Plevna (August 1877), he successfully led the actions of the left-flank detachment, which broke through to Plevna, but did not receive timely support from the command. Commanding the 16th Infantry Division, he participated in the blockade of Plevna and the winter crossing through the Balkans (through the Imitli pass), playing a decisive role in the battle of Sheinovo. In February 1878 he occupied San Stefano near Istanbul.

Skobelev was a supporter of bold and decisive actions, possessed deep and comprehensive knowledge in military affairs. He spoke English, French, German and Uzbek. He treated the soldiers well, was a friend of V.V. Vereshchagin and, according to some reports, sympathized with the People's Will. Skobelev's successful actions made him very popular in Russia and Bulgaria, where streets, squares and parks in many cities were named after him.

At the end of the Russian-Turkish war, he returned to Turkestan. In 1878-1880 he commanded a corps. In 1880-1881 he led the 2nd Akhal-Teke expedition, during which Turkmenistan was conquered. In 1882, while in Paris, he defended Balkan peoples, against the aggressive policy of Germany and Austria-Hungary, which caused international complications.

He was recalled by Emperor Alexander III and soon died suddenly.

Immediately after the death of Skobelev, the Vityaz sailing corvette was renamed in his honor. In 1912 in Moscow on Tverskaya Square on folk remedies An equestrian monument was erected to Skobelev (the square received the second name Skobelevskaya), but in 1918 it was demolished.

Childhood and adolescence

At first he was brought up by a German tutor, with whom the boy did not have a relationship. Then he was sent to Paris to a boarding house to the Frenchman Desiderius Girardet. Over time, Girardet became a close friend of Skobelev and followed him to Russia and was with him even during the hostilities. In the future, Mikhail Skobelev continued his education in Russia. In 1858-1860, Skobelev was preparing to enter St. Petersburg University under the general supervision of Academician A. V Nikitenko, and these studies were very successful. Skobelev successfully passed the exams, but the university was temporarily closed due to student unrest.

Military education

On November 22, 1861, Mikhail Skobelev entered the military service in the Cavalier Guard Regiment. After passing the exam, Mikhail Skobelev was promoted to junker harness on September 8, 1862, and to cornet on March 31, 1863. In February 1864, he accompanied, as an orderly, Adjutant General Count Baranov, who was sent to Warsaw to publish a manifesto on the liberation of the peasants and on the allocation of land to them. Skobelev asked to be transferred to the Life Guards Grodno Hussars, who conducted military operations against the Polish rebels, and on March 19, 1864 he was transferred. Even before the transfer, Mikhail Skobelev spent his vacation as a volunteer in one of the regiments pursuing Shpak's detachment.

Since March 31, Skobelev, in the detachment of Lieutenant Colonel Zankisov, has been participating in the destruction of gangs. For the destruction of the Shemiot detachment in the Radkovitsky forest, Skobelev was awarded the Order of St. Anna, 4th degree "for courage". In 1864, he went on vacation abroad to see the theater of the Danes against the Germans.

In the autumn of 1866 he entered the Nikolaev Academy general staff. At the end of the course of the academy in 1868, Skobelev became the 13th of 26 officers assigned to the general staff. Skobelev had poor success in military statistics and photography, and especially in geodesy, but this was corrected by the fact that Skobelev was second in subjects of military art, and first in military history in the entire issue, and was also among the first in foreign and Russian languages, on political history and on many other subjects.

First business in Asia

In view of the petition of the commander of the troops of the Turkestan military district, Adjutant General von Kaufman I, Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev, was promoted to staff captain and in November 1868 was appointed to the Turkestan district. At the place of service, in Tashkent, Skobelev arrived at the beginning of 1869 and at first was at the headquarters of the district. Mikhail Skobelev studied local methods of warfare, also carried out reconnaissance and participated in petty affairs on the Bukhara border, and expressed personal courage.

Skobelev, however, did not develop relations with people. He turned against himself part of the Cossacks. In addition, Skobelev was called to a duel by two representatives of the Tashkent golden youth. General Kaufman was dissatisfied with Skobelev's behavior.

At the end of 1870, Mikhail was sent to the disposal of the commander-in-chief of the Caucasian army, and in March 1871 Skobelev was sent to the Krasnovodsk detachment, in which he commanded the cavalry. Skobelev received an important task, with a detachment he had to reconnoiter the routes to Khiva. He reconnoitred the way to the well Sarykamysh, at which he walked along a difficult road, with a lack of water and scorching heat, from Mullakari to Uzunkuyu, 437 km (410 versts) in 9 days, and back to Kum-Sebshen, 134 km (126 versts). ) at 16.5 hours, with an average speed of 48 km (45 miles) per day; with him there were only three Cossacks and three Turkmens. Skobelev presented a detailed description of the route and the roads leading from the wells. However, Skobelev arbitrarily reviewed the plan for the upcoming operation against Khiva, for which he was fired on an 11-month vacation in the summer of 1871 and his expulsion to the regiment. However, in April 1872 he was again assigned to the main staff "for writing classes." Participated in the preparation of a field trip of officers of the headquarters and the St. Petersburg military district to the Kovno and Courland provinces, and then he himself took part in it. After that, on June 5, he was transferred to the general staff as a captain with the appointment of senior adjutant of the headquarters of the 22nd Infantry Division, to Novgorod, and already on August 30, 1872, he was appointed lieutenant colonel with the appointment of a staff officer for assignments at the headquarters of the Moscow military district. He did not stay long in Moscow and was soon seconded to the 74th Stavropol Infantry Regiment to command a battalion. He fulfilled the requirements of the service there regularly. Skobelev established good relations with his subordinates and superiors.

Khiva campaign

In the spring of 1873, Skobelev took part in the Khiva campaign, as an officer of the general staff at the Mangishlak detachment of Colonel Lomakin. Khiva was a target for Russian detachments advancing from different points: Turkestan, Krasnovodsk, Mangishlak and Orenburg detachments. The path of the Mangishlak detachment, although not the longest, was nevertheless fraught with difficulties, which increased due to the lack of camels (only 1,500 camels for 2,140 people) and water (up to ½ bucket per person). In the echelon of Skobelev, all the combatant horses had to be loaded, since the camels could not lift everything that was supposed to be carried on them. They left on April 16, Skobelev, like other officers, walked.

When passing the segment from Lake Kauda to the Senek well (70 miles), the water ran out halfway. April 18 reached the well. Skobelev showed himself in difficult situation, a skilled commander and organizer, and when speaking on April 20 from Bish-akta, he already commanded the advanced echelon (2, later 3 companies, 25-30 Cossacks, 2 guns and a team of sappers). Skobelev supported in his echelon perfect order and at the same time cared for the needs of the soldiers. The troops traveled 200 miles (210 km) from Bish-akta to Iltedzhe quite easily and arrived in Iteldzhe by April 30.

Skobelev conducted reconnaissance all the time in order to secure the passage of the troops and inspect the wells. Skobelev with a cavalry moved in front of the army in order to protect the wells. So on May 5, near the well of Itybai, Skobelev with a detachment of 10 horsemen met a caravan of Kazakhs who had gone over to the side of Khiva. Skobelev, despite the numerical superiority of the enemy, rushed into battle, in which he received 7 wounds with pikes and checkers, and until May 20 he could not sit on a horse.

After Skobelev was out of action, the Mangishlak and Orenburg detachments united in Kungrad and, under the leadership of Major General Verevkin, continued to move towards Khiva (250 miles) over very rugged terrain, cut by many canals, overgrown with reeds and bushes, covered with arable land, fences and gardens. Khivans, numbering 6,000 people, tried to stop the Russian detachment at Khojeyli, Mangyt and others settlements, but unsuccessfully.

Skobelev returned to the stand and on May 21, with two hundred and a rocket team, moved to Mount Kobetau and along the Karauz ditch to destroy and destroy the Turkmen villages in order to punish the Turkmen for hostile actions against the Russians; This order he carried out exactly.

On May 22, with 3 companies and 2 guns, he covered the wheeled convoy, and recaptured whole line attacks of the enemy, and from May 24, when the Russian troops were at Chinakchik (8 miles from Khiva), the Khiva attacked the camel convoy. Skobelev quickly realized what was happening and moved with two hundred hidden, gardens, to the rear of the Khiva, stumbled upon a large detachment of 1000 people, knocked them over on the approaching cavalry, then attacked the Khiva infantry, put it to flight and returned 400 camels beaten off by the enemy.

On May 28, the main forces of General Verevkin carried out a reconnaissance of the city wall and captured the enemy blockage and a three-gun battery, and, in view of the wounds of General Verevkin, the command of the operation passed to Colonel Saranchov. In the evening a deputation arrived from Khiva to negotiate the surrender. She was sent to General Kaufman.

On May 29, General Kaufman entered Khiva with south side. However, due to the anarchy prevailing in the city, the northern part of the city did not know about the surrender and did not open the gate, which caused an assault on the northern part of the wall. Mikhail Skobelev with two companies stormed the Shakhabat gates, was the first to get inside the fortress and although he was forged by the enemy, he kept the gate and the rampart behind him. The assault was stopped by order of General Kaufman, who at that time peacefully entered the city from the opposite side.

Khiva subdued. The goal of the campaign was achieved, despite the fact that one of the detachments, Krasnovodsky, never reached Khiva. To find out the cause of what happened, Skobelev volunteered to carry out reconnaissance of the section of the Zmukshir - Ortakaya route (340 miles) that Colonel Markozov had not passed. The task was accompanied with great risk. Skobelev took with him five riders (including 3 Turkmens) and set out from Zmukshir on August 4. There was no water in the Daudur well. When there were still 15-25 miles to Ortakuyu, Skobelev, on the morning of August 7, near the Nefes-kuli well, came across Turkmens and escaped with difficulty. It was not possible to break through, and therefore Mikhail Skobelev returned to his starting point on August 11, having traveled more than 600 miles (640 km) in 7 days, and then presented General Kaufman with a proper report. It became clear that in order to transport the Krasnovodsk detachment to Zmukshir, with a waterless transition of 156 miles, it was necessary to take timely measures. For this intelligence, Skobelev was awarded the Order of St. George, 4th degree (August 30, 1873).

In the winter of 1873 - 1874, Skobelev was on vacation and spent it for the most part in southern France. But there he learned about internecine war in Spain and made his way into the location of the Carlists and was an eyewitness to several battles.

On February 22, Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev was promoted to colonel, on April 17 he was appointed adjutant wing with enrollment in the retinue of His Imperial Majesty.

and on September 17, 1874, Skobelev was sent to the Perm province to participate in the enactment of the military service order.

War with Kokand

In April 1875, Skobelev returned to Tashkent and was appointed head of the military unit. Russian embassy sent to Kashgar. He had to appreciate in every way military value Kashgar. This embassy went to Kashgar through Kokand, whose ruler Khudoyar Khan was under Russian influence. However, the latter, with his cruelty and greed, provoked an uprising against him and was deposed in July 1875, after which he fled to the Russian borders, to the city of Khujand. Followed him and Russian embassy, covered by Skobelev with 22 Cossacks. Thanks to his firmness and caution, this team, without letting in weapons, brought the khan to Khojent without loss.

Fanatics soon triumphed in Kokand, led by the talented leader of the Kipchaks, Abdurrahman-avtobachi; Khudoyar's son Nasr-eddin was elevated to the khan's throne; "Ghazavat" was proclaimed; in early August, Kokand troops invaded the Russian borders, laid siege to Khojent and agitated the native population. Skobelev was sent with two hundred to clear the environs of Tashkent from enemy gangs. On August 18, the main forces of General Kaufman approached Khujand (16 companies, 8 hundred, with 20 guns); Skobelev was appointed head of the cavalry.

Meanwhile, the Kokand people concentrated up to 50,000 people at Mahram with 40 guns. During the movement of General Kaufman to Makhram, between the Syr Darya and the spurs of the Alay Range, the enemy cavalry masses threatened to attack, but after the shots of Russian batteries they scattered and disappeared into the nearest gorges. On August 22, General Kaufman's troops took Mahram. Skobelev with cavalry swiftly forged numerous enemy flocks of foot and horsemen, put to flight and pursued more than 10 miles, timely using the support of a rocket battery. Russian troops won a brilliant victory. Skobelev was lightly wounded in the leg. On August 21 and 22, Skobelev showed himself to be a brilliant cavalry commander.

Having occupied Kokand on August 29, Russian troops moved towards Margelan; Abdurrahman fled. To pursue him, Skobelev was detached with six hundred, a rocket battery and 2 companies planted on carts. Skobelev followed Abdurrahman relentlessly and destroyed his detachment, but Abdurrahman himself fled.

Meanwhile, an agreement was concluded with Nasreddin, according to which Russia acquired the territory north of the Syr Darya, which formed the Namangan department.

However, the Kipchak population of the khanate did not want to admit defeat and was preparing to resume the struggle. Abdurrahman deposed Nasreddin and elevated Pulat-bek to the khan's throne. Andijan was the center of the movement. Major General Trotsky, with 5½ companies, 3½ hundreds, 6 guns and 4 rocket launchers, moved from Namangan and took Andijan by storm on October 1, with Skobelev conducting a brilliant attack. Returning to Namangan, the detachment also met the enemy. At the same time, on the night of October 5, Skobelev, with 2 hundred and a battalion, made a swift attack on the Kipchak camp.

On October 18, Skobelev was promoted to major general for military distinctions. In the same month, he was left in the Namangan department as a commander with 3 battalions, 5½ hundreds and 12 guns. He was ordered to "act strategically defensively", that is, not going beyond the possessions of the Russian Empire. But circumstances forced him to act otherwise. Subversive elements constantly infiltrated the area; in the Namangan department, an almost continuous small war broke out: uprisings broke out in Tyurya-Kurgan, then in Namangan. Skobelev constantly thwarted Kokand attempts to cross the border. So on October 23 he defeated the detachment of Batyr-tyur near Tyur-Kurgan, then hurried to the aid of the Namangan garrison, and on November 12 defeated up to 20,000 enemies near Balykchi.

Under such conditions, the offensive enterprises of the Kokand people could not be stopped. There was a need to put an end to this. General Kaufman found Skobelev’s forces insufficient to hold at least the greater part of the khanate and ordered Skobelev to make a movement in winter to Ike-su-arasy, part of the khanate on the right bank of the Darya (before the Naryn River) and confine himself to pogrom of the Kipchaks roaming there.

Skobelev set out from Namangan on December 25 with 2,800 men, 12 guns and a rocket battery, and a convoy of 528 carts. Skobelev's detachment entered Ike-su-arasy on December 26 and in 8 days passed through this part of the khanate in different directions, marking their way with the destruction of villages. The Kipchaks evaded the fight. There was no worthy resistance in Ike-su-arasy. Only Andijan could offer resistance, where Abdurrahman gathered up to 37,000 people. On January 1, Skobelev crossed to the left bank of the Kara-Darya and moved towards Andijan, on the 4th and 6th he made thorough reconnaissance of the outskirts of the city, and on the 8th captured Andijan after the assault. On the 10th, the resistance of the Andijanians ceased; Abdurrahman fled to Assaka, and Pulat Khan to Margelan. On the 18th, Skobelev moved to Assaka and defeated Abdurrahman on his head, who wandered for several more days and finally surrendered on January 26th.

February 19 Khanate of Kokand was annexed to the Russian Empire and the Fergana region was formed, and on March 2 Skobelev was appointed military governor of this region and commander of the troops. In addition, the 32-year-old Major General Skobelev for this campaign was awarded the Order of St. Vladimir 3rd degree with swords and the Order of St. George 3rd degree, as well as a golden sword with diamonds with the inscription "for courage".

Military governor

Becoming the head of the Fergana region, Skobelev found mutual language with conquered tribes. Sarts reacted well to the arrival of the Russians, but still their weapons were taken away. The militant Kipchaks, once subjugated, kept their word and did not revolt. Skobelev treated them "firmly, but with heart." Finally, the Kirghiz, who inhabited the Alai ranges and the valley of the Kizyl-su river, continued to persevere. Skobelev had to go to wild mountains with weapons in hand. In addition to appeasing the Kirghiz, the expedition to the mountains also had scientific goals. Skobelev with a detachment went to the borders of Karategin, where he left the garrison, and almost everywhere the foremen appeared to him with an expression of humility.

As the head of the region, Skobelev especially fought against embezzlement, this created many enemies for him. Denunciations against him with grave accusations rained down on St. Petersburg. The accusations remained unconfirmed, but on March 17, 1877, Skobelev was removed from the post of military governor of the Fergana region. At that time, Russian society was distrustful and even unfriendly towards those who advanced in battles and campaigns against the “halatniks”. In addition, many still perceived him as the fledgling hussar captain that he was in his youth. In Europe, he had to prove by deeds that success in Asia was not given to him by chance.

Russian-Turkish war 1877-1878

Meanwhile, in the Balkan Peninsula, since 1875, a fierce struggle of the Bulgarians of the Slavs against the Turks took place. In 1877 Skobelev went to active army to take a personal part in the Russian-Turkish war. At first, Skobelev was only at the main apartment and participated in small operations on a voluntary basis. Then he was appointed only chief of staff of the consolidated Cossack division, commanded by his father, Dmitry Ivanovich Skobelev. On June 14-15, Skobelev participated in the crossing of the detachment of General Dragomirov across the Danube near Zimnitsa. Having taken command of 4 companies of the 4th Infantry Brigade, he hit the Turks on the flank, which forced them to retreat. What the report of the head of the detachment says: “I cannot but testify to the great help provided to me by the Retinue E.V. Major General Skobelev ... and about the beneficial effect that he had on the youth with his brilliant, invariably clear calmness” . For this crossing, he was awarded the Order of St. Stanislaus 1st degree with swords.

After the crossing, Skobelev participated: on June 25, in reconnaissance and occupation of the city of Bela; On July 3, in repelling the attack of the Turks on Selvi, and on July 7, with the troops of the Gabrovsky detachment, in the occupation of the Shipka Pass. On July 16, with three Cossack regiments and a battery, he reconnoitered Lovcha; found out that it was occupied by 6 camps with 6 guns, and considered it necessary to take Lovcha before the second assault on Plevna, but it had already been decided otherwise. The battle at Plevna was lost. Scattered attacks of the columns of Generals Velyaminov and Prince Shakhovsky, whose common leader was General Baron Kridener, ended in retreat. Skobelev with the troops guarded the left flank of the Russian troops and showed what the cavalry is capable of in capable hands. Skobelev held out against superior enemy forces for as long as it was necessary to cover the retreat of the main troops.

After the Plevna failures, on August 22, 1877 (old style), a brilliant victory was won: when Lovcha was taken, Skobelev again showed his talents in command of the forces entrusted to him, for which Skobelev was promoted to lieutenant general on September 1. At the end of August, it was decided to make a third assault on the Plevna fortification. For which 107 battalions (including 42 Romanian) and 90 squadrons and hundreds (including 36 Romanian) or 82,000 bayonets and 11,000 sabers with 444 guns (including 188 Romanian) were allocated. General Zolotov determined the strength of the Turks at 80,000 people with 120 guns. Artillery preparation began on August 26 and ended on August 30 with the start of the assault. The troops of the right flank, the Romanian infantry and 6 Russian battalions, stormed the Gravitsky redoubt No. 1 on the least important left flank of the Turks. The troops of the right flank lost 3,500 people and it was decided to stop the offensive in this area, despite the fact that there were still 24 fresh Romanian battalions. The center of Russian troops made 6 attacks and these attacks were repulsed with losses of 4500 people. After that, with the beginning of twilight, it was decided to stop the fight. The left flank under the command of Skobelev with the support of Prince Imeretinsky, with 16 battalions, captured two enemy redoubts, while the battalions were very upset. There was nothing to develop success. It remained to fortify and hold the redoubts until reinforcements arrived. But no reinforcements were sent, except for one regiment sent at the initiative of one private chief, but even he arrived late. Skobelev had 1/5 of all Russian and Romanian forces, pulled over 2/3 of all the forces of Osman Pasha. On August 31, Osman Pasha, seeing that the main forces of the Russians and Romanians were inactive, attacked Skobelev from both flanks and shot him. Skobelev lost 6,000 men and repelled 4 Turkish attacks, then retreated in perfect order. The third assault on Plevna ended in failure for the allied forces. The reasons were rooted in the wrong organization of command and control.

During the siege of Plevna, Skobelev was at the head of the Plevno-Lovchinsky detachment, which controlled the IV section of the siege ring. Skobelev was against the siege, which he argued with Totleben, as it greatly slowed down the advance of the troops. Meanwhile, Skobelev was busy putting the 16th Infantry Division in order, which had lost up to half personnel. At Skobelev, part of the people were armed with guns recaptured from the Turks, which were superior in accuracy to the Krakow guns.

On November 28, Osman Pasha made an attempt to break out of the encirclement. The ensuing battle ended with the surrender of Osman's army. Skobelev took an active part in this battle with the 3rd Guards and 16th Infantry Divisions.

After the fall of Plevna, the commander-in-chief decided to cross the Balkans and move to Constantinople. Skobelev was sent under the command of General Radetsky, who with 45,000 stood against Wessel Pasha with 35,000. General Radetsky left 15½ battalions in the Shipka position against the Turkish front, and sent:

a) the right column of Skobelev (15 battalions, 7 squads, 17 squadrons and hundreds and 14 guns)

b) the left column of Prince Svyatopolk-Mirsky (25 battalions, 1 squad, 4 hundreds and 24 guns) bypassing the main forces of Wessel Pasha, who were in fortified camps near the villages of Shipki and Sheinova.

On the 28th, all three units of the detachment of the detachment of General Radetzky attacked the enemy from different sides, and forced the army of Wessel Pasha (30,000 people with 103 guns); Wessel Pasha's surrender was personally accepted by Skobelev.

After crossing the Balkans, Skobelev was appointed head of the vanguard of the army (32 battalions and 25 hundreds of squadrons with artillery and 1 battalion of sappers) and moved through Adrianople to the outskirts of Constantinople. Upon the cessation of hostilities, on May 1, he was appointed head of the "left detachment" of the army, and then was part of the army at its location in Turkey and with the gradual cleansing of the territory of Turkey itself and the newly created Russia of Bulgaria.

Skobelev appeared in the Balkan theater of operations as a very young and semi-disgraced general. Skobelev showed outstanding examples of military art and care for his subordinates, and also proved to be a good military administrator.

Skobelev became very famous after the war. On January 6, 1878, he was awarded a golden sword with diamonds, with the inscription "for crossing the Balkans", but the attitude of the authorities towards him remained unfavorable. In a letter to a relative on August 7, 1878, he wrote: “The more time passes, the more the consciousness of my innocence before the Sovereign grows in me, and therefore a feeling of deep sorrow cannot leave me ... only the duties of a loyal subject and a soldier could make me temporarily try on with the unbearable burden of my position since March 1877. I had the misfortune to lose confidence, it was told to me and it takes away from me all the strength to continue the service for the benefit of the cause. Therefore, do not refuse ... with your advice and assistance for deducting me from my post, with enrollment ... for reserve troops. But gradually the horizon in front of him clears up and the charges against him were dropped. On August 30, 1878, Skobelev was appointed Adjutant General to the Emperor of Russia, which indicates the return of confidence in him.

After the war, Skobelev took up the training and education of the troops entrusted to him in the Suvorov spirit. On February 4, 1879, he was approved as a corps commander and carried out various assignments in Russia and abroad. Skobelev paid attention to the assessment of some aspects of the military system of Germany, which he considered the most dangerous enemy of the Russian Empire. Skobelev is very close to the Slavophiles.

Akhal-Teke expedition 1880-1881

In January 1880, Skobelev was appointed commander of a military expedition against the Tekins.

In the western part of Central Asia, 80,000-90,000 Tekins lived in the Akhal-Teke oasis. They were natural, courageous warriors. Robbery was one of their main livelihoods. Tolerate such neighbors for a long time was impossible. All expeditions before 1879 were unsuccessful. It was necessary to put an end to the Tekins. To do this, it was necessary to go with the troops through the desert, devoid of vegetation and water. Only camel caravans and troops with camel carts could move across Turkmenistan, laying down at least one camel per person. Skobelev drew up a plan, which was approved and should be recognized as exemplary. His goal was to deliver a decisive blow to the Tekins al-teke. Towards the goal, Skobelev decided to go carefully and concentrate as many reserves as necessary to carry out the case to the end; as everything necessary is accumulated, move forward and, when everything is ready, put an end to the Tekins in a decisive battle. For their part, having learned about the campaign, the Tekins decided to move to the Dengil-Tepe (Geok-Tepe) fortress and limit themselves to desperate defense of this point only.

Skobelev arrived in Chekishlyar on May 7 and, first of all, ordered the transfer of part of the troops to the Caucasus in order to reduce the number of mouths and speed up the accumulation of supplies. I had to bring 2,000,000 pounds of supplies. A railroad was built along one supply line. 16,000 camels were purchased to carry the needs of 11,000 people with 3,000 horses and 97 guns. On May 10, Skobelev occupied Bami and began to set up a stronghold in this place, for which 800,000 pounds were transported there within 5 months. different stocks. In early July, Skobelev, with 655 people. with 10 guns and 8 rocket launchers, carried out reconnaissance, approached Dengil-Tepe and fired at this fortress. By this he made a strong impression on the Tekins, and most importantly raised the spirit of the troops entrusted to him. By December 20, Skobelev concentrates 7,100 people (with non-combatants) in the Samurskoye fortification (12 miles from Dengil-Tele) and reserves for 8,000 people until the beginning of March 1881. Not limited to this, he sends Colonel Grodekov to Persia, who prepares 146,000 pounds of the necessary supplies on Persian territory, just one passage from Dengil-Tepe. This was supposed to provide contentment for the troops after the capture of the fortress.

On December 15, due to the petition of Skobelev, a detachment of Colonel Kuropatkin arrived in Samurskoe from Turkestan with 884 people. with 900 camels. After that, the troops are preparing for the assault.

There were 45,000 people in the Dengil-Tepe fortress, of which 20,000-25,000 were defenders; they had 5000 guns, many pistols, 1 gun and 2 zembureks. The Tekins made sorties, mainly at night and inflicted considerable damage, even once capturing a banner and two guns.

January 6, 1881, 200 fathoms from the corner of the fortress, a breach battery was built, armed with 12 guns. Skobelev was preparing for an assault on January 10, but, due to a collapse in the mine gallery and damage to the fan, he postponed it to January 12, promising the miners 3,000 rubles and 4 orders for 30 people with success. By midnight on the 10th - 11th, the mine gallery approached under the ditch 2 sazhens below the horizon, and on the night of the 12th, the mine chambers were driven. By January 12, Skobelev had concentrated 4,788 infantrymen, 1,043 cavalrymen, 1,068 artillerymen, totaling 6,899 men, with 58 guns, 5 canisters, and 16 mortars. Before the assault, a mine explosion was supposed to occur in order to collapse part of the wall. According to the disposition, three columns were appointed for the assault:

a) Colonel Kuropatkin (11 ½ companies, 1 team, 6 guns, 2 rocket launchers and one heliograph machine) must master the collapse from a mine explosion, firmly establish themselves on it and strengthen in the southeastern corner of the fortress;

b) Colonel Kozelkov (8 ½ companies, 2 teams, 3 guns, 2 rocket machines and 1 heliograph machine) must seize the gap and get in touch with the first column;

c) Lieutenant Colonel Gaidarov (4 ½ companies, 2 teams, 1 ½ hundreds, 4 guns, 5 rocket machines and 1 heliograph machine, making a demonstrative attack) should actively contribute to the first two, for which to seize Melnichnaya kala and the nearest trenches, to operate reinforced rifle and artillery fire on inner space fortresses.

The assault was made on January 12, 1881. At 11:20 a.m., a mine exploded. The eastern wall fell and formed an easily accessible collapse. The dust had not yet settled when Kuropatkin's column went on the attack. Lieutenant Colonel Gaidarov managed to capture the western wall. The troops pressed the enemy, who, however, offered desperate resistance. After a long battle, the Tekins fled through the northern passages, with the exception of a part that remained in the fortress and died fighting. Skobelev pursued the retreating enemy for 15 miles. Russian losses for the entire siege with the assault reached 1104 people, and during the assault they amounted to 398 people (including 34 officers). Inside the fortress were taken: up to 5,000 women and children, 500 Persian slaves and booty, estimated at 6,000,000 rubles.

Soon after the capture of Geok-Tepe, detachments were sent by Skobelev under the command of Colonel Kuropatkin; one of them occupied Askhabad, and the other went more than 100 miles to the north, disarming the population, returning it to the oases and spreading an appeal in order to pacify the region as soon as possible. And soon a peaceful situation was established in the Transcaspian possessions of the Russian Empire.

Akhal-Teke expedition 1880-1881 presents a first-class example of military art. The center of gravity of the operation was in the field of military-administrative matters. Skobelev showed what the Russian troops were capable of to the Turkmens, which made it possible after some time to annex the rest of Turkmenistan with Merv to the Russian Empire. On January 14, Skobelev was promoted to general from the infaterium, and on January 19 he was awarded the Order of St. George, 2nd degree. On April 27, he left Krasnovodsk for Minsk. There he continued to train troops.

peaceful life

From time to time Skobelev traveled to his estates, mainly to the village of Spasskoye in the Ryazan province. He treated the peasants well. At this time, Skobelev's health deteriorated. During the Akhal-Teke expedition, he suffered a terrible blow: his mother, Olga Nikolaevna Skobeleva, was killed by a man whom he knew well from the Balkan War. Then another blow followed: Alexander II died as a result of terrorist act. Skobelev was not happy in his personal life. He was married to Princess Maria Nikolaevna Gagarina. The couple soon separated, and then divorced.

Skobelev paid special attention to the possible approach of war with Germany and Austria-Hungary. He could not fail to notice that a new direction had appeared in Austrian literature calling for paralyzing Russia's influence in the Balkans and subjugating them. Austrian writers argued the need to capture the Kingdom of Poland and the Little Russian provinces. The Germans, on the other hand, went even further and considered it necessary to “take away Finland, Poland, the Baltic provinces, the Caucasus and Russian Armenia from Russia” and “the destruction of Russia in the sense of a great European power.” Skobelev performed various assignments in a number of service, the most important of them was a business trip to Germany for maneuvers. Skobelev died of a heart attack in Moscow on June 25, 1882. He was buried in his family estate, the village of Spassky-Zaborovsky, Ranenburg district, Ryazan province, next to his parents, where, during his lifetime, anticipating death, he prepared a place.

Our world is based on money, power, eternal struggle and inequality, so only the strong and strong can survive in it. strong-willed personalities, but for those who have wealth and titles, this path to the top becomes easier. For centuries, property and monetary savings were transferred from heir to heir, which made it possible to create entire dynasties that prosper with each new generation, steadfastly hold their positions and increase wealth.

Unfortunately, not all ruling families have become great and influential. However, this article will present the most powerful and majestic dynasties of the world that have contributed special contribution to the future of their country and their people.

Rothschild dynasty

The Rothschilds are a dynasty of German financiers and bankers that controlled all of Europe. The family was also granted nobility by the governments of England and Austria. Its founder is Mayer Amschel Rothschild, who sought to leave the business in family circles, so few people knew about the business achievements and money accumulations of the dynasty.

The founder of one of the most powerful and influential families in the history of childbirth very carefully chose future spouses for representatives of his family, so he looked for the most suitable candidate exclusively in the circles of close relatives. the beginning financial empire was the opening of the bank "N. M. Rothschild and Sons" in 1811. The institution is still active today.

The dynasty reached a special flourishing and prosperity in the period from 1825 to 1826, as it began to issue its own coins. In the 19th century, the dynasty had about 1 billion dollars. She took an active part in the financing of various projects.

Today, its representatives own three world banks, two holding companies, hundreds of beautiful gardens and parks, an insurance fund, etc. The dynasty has an incredibly large heritage, which is why it is considered the richest and most influential in modern world.

Plantagenet dynasty

Unlike the Tudors, the Plantagenet dynasty (1126-1400) left behind a significant contribution to the development of the political and cultural system of England, which successfully function to this day. The Plantagenet family dates back to 1126. At that time it was a royal house, the founder of which was Henry II.

Between 1154 and 1485, the dynasty was led by about fifteen monarchs of this kind, which included junior government lines. During their reign, the Plantagenets were able to shape monastic English art and culture. In those years, Gothic was of particular value, with the use of which, with the support of the dynasty, the world-famous York Cathedral and Westminster Abbey were built.

The rulers also paid special attention to the social sphere, which was partially changed under them. For example, Edward III signed the so-called Magna Carta, which over time radically influenced the formation of constitutional and common law. Also existing today, the Parliament of England, the universities of Oxford and Cambridge are the "brainchildren" of the Plantagenet dynasty, which ended with Richard III in 1400.

Nehru Gandhi dynasty

The Nehru-Feroz Gandhi dynasty is exclusively political, as its representatives not only took an active part in the National Indian Congress Party, but also occupied leading positions in it. They made a significant contribution to the country, especially in the early years of its independence.

The founder of the family business was Motilal Nehru Gandhi, after whom the dynasty was continued by his direct heir, Jawaharlal Nehru Gandhi. Also, family aspirations were supported by his son Rajiv and daughter Indira, who took the positions of Indian prime ministers, but after a few years they were killed.

Rajiv left his wife Sonia, who is currently the head of the National Indian Congress, and their son, named Rahul, has been working in the country's Parliament since 2004. Without a doubt, it can be argued that this Indian dynasty is the personification of the traditions of tribal government on the territory of democratic Asian republics.

Khan dynasty

The Mongol Empire was established in the 13th century. She quickly became incredibly powerful and brought fear to literally the whole world. Its founder was Genghis Khan, who was able to unite the nearby territories. He gathered his own huge army from the tribes of nomads who lived in the Asian northeastern lands. This fearless and at the same time merciless ruler attacked cities and small settlements, appropriated other people's possessions and conquered thousands of peoples.

At a time when power was in the hands of Genghis Khan, the main part of the territory of Central Asia was under the control of the Khan dynasty. After his death in 1227, his son Ogedei took the throne, but his grandchildren and other children also received a small share. Where the great Genghis Khan is now buried is not known for certain, but there is an assumption that he rests on the territory of Mongolia. The descendants continued his work, each time replenishing the possessions of the clan with new vassal states. The reign of the Khan family ended in 1370.

Julio-Claudian dynasty

The Julio-Claudian dynasty was an amalgamation of several clans, the main of which was the Claudian family. The imperial family included such world famous Roman rulers as Augustus, Caligula, Tiberius, Claudius and Nero.

It was under their leadership that the majestic Roman Empire developed and flourished from 27 BC to 68 AD. The imperial family was ended by the last heir - Nero, who committed suicide. All these great personalities were related to each other either by adoption or by marriage alliances with representatives of these great families.

Each of these rulers made a special contribution to the expansion of the Roman borders, and also thanks to them many buildings were erected, among which special place occupied the Colosseum, which the whole world knows about today. As historians say in their writings ancient rome, the emperors were held in high esteem by the common people, but the senators did not like them. There is also evidence that the representatives of the imperial family were not only crazy and tyrants, but also sexually perverted.

Ming dynasty

Despite the fact that the rulers of one of the greatest dynasties world was the surname Zhu, the founder Chinese empire Zhu Yuanzhang named his "brainchild" - Ming. The translation of this name sounds like "diamond". Its historical path began after the fall of the Mongol Yuan Empire in 1368, and existed for a relatively short time - only until 1644.

However, despite this, the short period of her reign became one of the greatest for the entire history of mankind, as she was able to influence the correct and stable development social life not only in China, but all over the world. The Ming Dynasty was the last in Asian lands to be ruled by ethnic Chinese.

At that time, the empire had significant privileges, which consisted in the presence of a huge army and grandiose military forces, which were created by millions of warriors. With her help, the Great Wall of China was restored and built " forbidden city". At that time, such projects required huge financial investments. Also, it was during the existence of the Ming family that the formation of capitalism began.

Habsburg dynasty

The House of Habsburg was founded presumably in 930 by Guntram the Rich, who lasted until 1918. Throughout its reign, the dynasty controlled the lands of the Holy Roman Empire, as well as the lands of Austria and Spanish empires. The Habsburg family had Swedish roots, however, despite this, it could be one of the most influential and powerful in Austria for 600 years.

The dynasty differed from the rest, first of all, in its ability to successfully enter into marriage alliances with other royal families, thereby increasing not only its territorial possessions, but also creating profitable alliances. For example, Maria Theresa gave ten heirs to the dynasty. And today there are descendants of the Habsburgs, but they live an ordinary life, not continuing their "blood" empire.

Ptolemaic dynasty

The Ptolemies are a Macedonian Hellenistic royal dynasty that ruled ancient Egypt from 305 BC to 30 AD. It was founded by one of the assistants of Alexander the Great - Ptolemy. It was he who in 323 BC was appointed Egyptian satrap after the death of the ruler.

In 305 BC, Ptolemy declares himself king. The dynasty ruled until 30 AD, but its end came when Egyptian lands became the property of the Roman conquerors. The last and outstanding queen of a noble family was Cleopatra VII. She became famous for her political qualities in the struggle with Pompey and Julius Caesar, as well as with Mark Antony and Octavian. However, the great ruler committed suicide when her possessions became the property of the Romans she hated.

Medici dynasty

The Medici dynasty was an oligarchic dynasty that ruled from the 13th to the 17th century in the territory of Florence. The family also included popes, French and English royal families, as well as many high-ranking personalities of Florence. The dynasty contributed to the beginning of the development and prosperity of humanism and art.

Moreover, together with influential Italian families such as the Sforza, Visconti, Mantua and Este de Ferrara, the Medici Empire initiated the Italian Renaissance. At one time the dynasty was considered one of the richest and most powerful in the world. European territory. Its representatives were able to gain political power not only in the lands of Florence, but also in the vastness of all of Europe.

Capetian dynasty

The Capetian dynasty was the largest and most influential royal house in Europe. It consisted of pure-blooded descendants of the French king Hugh Capet, who founded the empire in 987. Also in the ranks of its representatives were the great Duke of Luxembourg Henri and the Spanish ruler Juan Carlos. For more than one century, the family took root throughout Europe and founded a completely different units ranging from estates to kingdoms.

Moreover, the dynasty became famous as the most incestuous, especially the monarchs of Spain. Many years have passed since then, but the empire has been able to survive to this day. Evidence of this fact are the Duke of Anjou and Prince Luis Alfonso de Bourbon, who rule in the territory of the Kingdom of Luxembourg and Spain.