Ivan IV

Ivan IV, later known as Ivan the Terrible, was born to Grand Prince Vasily III and Elena Glinskaya in Kolomenskoye, near Moscow.

Ivan's father, Grand Prince Vasily III, died, leaving Ivan as the Grand Prince of Moscow. His mother Elena Glinskaya began a regency.

Ivan's mother, Elena Glinskaya, died, leading to a power struggle among the boyars (nobles) who governed Russia during Ivan's minority.

Ivan IV was formally crowned as the first Tsar of Russia, marking the beginning of his reign and the centralization of power.

Ivan IV married Anastasia Romanovna, who became his first wife and had a significant influence on him during the early years of his reign.

Ivan IV initiated a series of reforms, including the introduction of a new legal code, the Sudebnik, which standardized laws and administration.

Ivan IV led a successful military campaign against the Khanate of Kazan, significantly expanding the Russian state and securing the Volga River.

Ivan IV conquered the Khanate of Astrakhan, further expanding Russia's territory and control over the Caspian Sea region.

The death of Ivan's first wife, Anastasia Romanovna, was a significant personal loss and is believed to have affected his mental state and reign.

Ivan IV introduced the Oprichnina, a period of terror and repression, where he created a special police force to suppress the boyars and consolidate power.

Ivan IV ordered the brutal sacking of Novgorod, suspecting the city of treason, resulting in the deaths of thousands of its inhabitants.

A devastating fire in Moscow, believed to have been started by the Crimean Tatars, destroyed much of the city and had a significant impact on Ivan's reign.

Ivan IV accidentally killed his son and heir, Ivan Ivanovich, during a fit of rage, a tragic event that deeply affected him and his reign.

Ivan IV, known as Ivan the Terrible, died in Moscow, leaving a complex legacy of centralization, expansion, and brutal repression.