The first crown to be used in Russia by the princes of Moscow was the so-called “Crown of Monomakh” or “Monomakh’s Cap.” Legend maintains that Vladimir Monomakh , a prince of Kievan Rus, received the crown from the Byzantine emperor of the 11th century, Constantine IX. The crown became known as the Crown of Monomakh during the 16th century as a result of this legend, though no one is certain about the crown’s origins or actual age.

Many experts believe that the Crown of Monomakh was actually created in the 13th or 14th centuries. It is on display in the Kremlin Armory Museum as one of the most significant relics from ancient Moscovy. The Crown of Monomakh is of worked gold, and is set with rough-hewn gems and pearls. The base is surrounded by a band of sable fur, a design element found in other Russian crowns. The cross that tops the crown may have been added as a later detail. The crown is less weighty than crowns that would be used by future tsars; it weighs a modest 2 pounds.

The Crown of Monomakh was used by Dmitry Donskoy, Grand Prince of Moscow from the 14th century, to the rule of Peter the Great during the 17th and early 18th centuries. Peter the Great, characteristically, had a new crown made during his reign – the Imperial Crown of Russia.

The Crown of Monomakh did not fall out of favor with Russian Tsars. Nicholas II is said to have wanted to use the Crown of Monomakh for coronation purposes. The crown, with its legend of having been bestowed upon Vladimir Monomakh by the Byzantine emperor, implied that its wearer ruled Russia by the will of God and was backed by the power of Byzantium.

The Crown of Monomakh’s image has been used as a symbol of Russia as well. It has been depicted in artworks that capture coronation scenes, has been used on medals and crests, and has even been recreated as a chandelier out of bronze and crystal in the Mariinksy Theater.

There is some dispute over possession of the Crown of Monomakh. Because Vladimir was a Kievan Prince, Ukraine claims the crown. However, the crown has been used by Russian ruler for centuries. It is unlikely Russia would ever give up one of its most prized artifacts of Russian sovereignty, longevity, and authority.

Nicholson, Nicholas J.B. “Jewels of the Romanovs.” www.alexanderpalace.org/jewels/history.html