Old Russian Autocrats, also known as Tsars, were the rulers of Russia from the 16th century until the 1917 revolution. They were absolute monarchs who held complete control over the country and its people. Tsars were usually members of the Romanov dynasty, which was founded by Michael I in 1613. They had a great deal of power and authority, and their rule was often oppressive and autocratic. Tsars were responsible for many of the reforms that shaped modern Russia, including the emancipation of serfs and the introduction of a representative form of government.