In late 1825, a group of reform-minded Russian military officers believed the time was ripe to end the rule of the czars.

Alexander III's remains have been exhumed for DNA tests to confirm the identities of two grandchildren. Historians say the Russian Orthodox Church wants to reaffirm its ties to the imperial family.

Russia will exhume the remains of Tsar Alexander III as part of a probe into the century-old murder of his son, the country's last emperor Nicholas II, and his family, investigators said on Monday.

Alexander III was crowned Tsar of Russia 140 years ago and ruled with an iron fist - something that Vladimir Putin is said to admire. By Joel Day. 07:30, Sun, May 28, 2023. Share Article.