Ivan Mazepa

Ivan Mazepa (1639–1709) – Cossack Hetman

• Actions:
  • Allied with Sweden in an attempt to free the Hetmanate from Russian control under Peter the Great.
  • Before his break with Russia, governed the Hetmanate effectively, benefiting from a close relationship with Peter.
  • Commissioned the restoration and construction of churches in a distinctive Baroque style later named after him.
  • Ultimately lost the revolt, was abandoned by most Cossacks, and died in exile.
• Significance:
  • His reign marked the emergence of competing identities—Ukraine, the fatherland, and Little Russia.
  • His failed revolt effectively ended large-scale nation-building efforts until the First World War. (Collapse & brief Freedom)
  • Seen as a pivotal figure in the contest over Ukrainian identity.
  • The only Hetman besides Bohdan Khmelnytsky to appear on a modern Ukrainian banknote.
• Successor and Legacy:
  • The Hetmanate was significantly weakened, paving the way for its eventual dissolution.

This is part of the #Significantpersons series.