Mikhail Mikhailovich Golitsyn (field marshal)

Mikhail Mikhailovich Golitsyn (Russian: Михаил Михайлович Голицын; 1675 – December 10, 1730) was a Russian field marshal and one of the most prominent military figures of the early 18th century in Russia. A member of the distinguished Golitsyn family, he played a crucial role in the military reforms of Peter the Great and distinguished himself in numerous campaigns of the Great Northern War.

Golitsyn began his military service in the elite Semenovsky Regiment. He first saw action at the Battle of Narva in 1700, a significant Russian defeat in the early stages of the Great Northern War. Despite the overall loss, Golitsyn's performance drew attention and he rapidly rose through the ranks.

His most significant contributions came during the later stages of the Great Northern War. He commanded the Russian center at the decisive Battle of Poltava in 1709, contributing to the overwhelming victory over Charles XII of Sweden. Following Poltava, he participated in the pursuit and capture of the remnants of the Swedish army.

In 1714, Golitsyn led the Russian fleet to victory at the Battle of Gangut (Hangö), the first major Russian naval victory. This victory established Russian naval power in the Baltic Sea and significantly impacted the course of the war.

After the death of Peter the Great, Golitsyn continued to serve under Empress Catherine I and Emperor Peter II. He held various high military and administrative posts, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and influential figure in the Russian Empire. He died in Moscow in 1730 and was buried in the Golitsyn family vault at the Donskoy Monastery.