Why did russia become such an absolute monarchy?

Russia became an absolute monarchy primarily due to the consolidation of power by rulers like Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible) and Peter the Great, who sought to centralize authority and diminish the influence of the nobility. The vastness of the country and its diverse population prompted leaders to establish a strong, centralized state to maintain control and order. Additionally, the influence of the Orthodox Church and the belief in the divine right of kings reinforced the idea of absolute rule. Over time, this led to a political structure where the Tsar wielded near-unlimited power, shaping Russia's governance for centuries.