Moscow is the capital city and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural and scientific center in Russia and in Eastern Europe. Moscow is the northernmost megacity on Earth, the second most populous city in Europe after Istanbul and the 6th largest city proper in the world. It is the largest city in Russia, with a population, according to the 2010 Census, of 11,503,501.
Moscow in 1632[]
Drawing of 17th century Moscow.
At the time of the Ring of Fire Moscow was still the political, economic, and cultural hub of Russia as well as the home of the Czar.