History

Never in history has our region enjoyed such a high-profile status as at the time of Peter the Great. The initiation of shipbuilding created perfect conditions for the rapid development of the region resulting in Voronezh obtaining and maintaining its status of a large agrarian, industrial and cultural center. To this day, each voronezher is aware and proud of the fact that he lives in the city that is the cradle of the Russian Navy.

Not many towns situated at a distance of over 600 km from the seaside can take pride in having the status of the Navy birthplace. In Russia this honorary title was awarded under Peter the Great orders to the town of Voronezh.

The service on board the sailing ship in the 18th century is usually associated by contemporaries with the romanticism of sea adventures, captivating voyages of pioneers and glorious victories in sea battles. All that is true, however, «the reverse of the medal» was the life of common sailors, with its dangers, privations and hard physical work in extreme conditions.

Army and Navy of any country in the world has a system of penalties and punishments aimed at the maintenance of military discipline. In the18th century these measures were exceptionally harsh on the ships of sailing fleets: the seamen were in extreme conditions from day to day while they risked their lives, and grave punishments were designed to make them perform their duties as required.