When the Romanovs came to power, Russia was weak - recovering from the chaos left by Ivan the terrible, and trapped between powerful neighbours. When their reign came to an end, the country was again in turmoil. But in between, the Romanovs were the most successful dynasty in modern history. They ruled for over 300 years, and at their peak, Russia controlled more than 15% of the world.

And as with the regime's power, its stories of debauchery and war, rivalries and extravagance are almost unmatched.

Simon Sebag Montefiore is a journalist and author who has written extensively on Russia. And now he has put together the history of the family behind Russia’s great empire – The Romanovs 1613-1918.

Simon chatted with Sky Kirkham about Ivan the Terrible, Catherine the Great, and the political cunning behind drunken revelry. Originally broadcast 17/03/16. The Romanovs is out via Hachette.