Russian colonization of Antarctica began in 1820 following first contact between the Chiefdom of Krannkush and the Russian expedition lead by Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen. Throughout the 19th century, the Russian Empire established trading posts and colonies across half of the continent. Russian control over these colonies lasted until the collapse of the Russian Empire in 1917. Following which, Russia's colonies emerged as the independent nations of Bellinsgauzenia, Ognia, and portions of New Devon (New Vestfold), and the Free Territory of the South Pole.