Cities of the Lower Volga Region at the time of Peter the Great: Key Trends and Development Results

The article presents the evolution of the Lower Volga cities (Astrakhan, Tsaritsyn, Dmitrievsk, Saratov) at the time of Peter the Great. Initially, these cities were distinguished by their remoteness from the center, the absence of an agricultural area and counties, and proximity to nomadic population. The policy of Peter I made significant adjustments to their existence and determined the trajectory of their further development. Astrakhan, having survived a number of socio-economic upheavals, retained its trade and economic positions, became a provincial center and the base of Russia's imperial policy in the Caspian region. Tsaritsyn remained a fortress city and strengthened its role in protecting Russia's borders in the South-East. Dmitrievsk-Kamyshin, having experienced rapid growth at the turn of the 17th — 18th centuries, fell into decline by the end of Peter the Great's reign. Saratov began to turn into a significant trade and industrial center with an agricultural area.