With this volume, the outstanding Russian historian, publicist, teacher and public figure D.I. Ilovaisky completes the study of the era of the first Russian dynasty - the Igorevich dynasty. Then, in Russian political life, a turning point occurs, known as the Time of Troubles. The author presents a vivid picture of the formation and strengthening of the Russian state with the steady, often tough, unification of the specific principalities around the Moscow kingdom.