Ivan the Terrible transformed Russia from a medieval state into a massive empire. While his name suggests pure evil, the truth involves a brilliant scholar who suffered from deep paranoia. For instance, he created a secret police force that dressed like monks and carried severed dog heads. Furthermore, he killed his own heir in a fit of sudden rage. Prepare to meet the man who defined the Russian throne.
Ivan the Terrible
His nickname does not actually mean evil. The Russian word Grozny translates more accurately to formidable or inspiring awe. Therefore, his subjects feared his power rather than just his cruelty.
Ivan became a grand prince at only three years old. Because he was so young, powerful boyars fought for control of his throne. This chaotic childhood fueled his lifelong hatred and suspicion of the nobility.
He was the first person to take the title of Tsar. He officially crowned himself Tsar of All the Russias in 1547. He chose this name because it derived from the Roman title Caesar.
He established a secret police force called the Oprichniki. These men rode black horses and carried broomsticks and dog heads. Consequently, they symbolized their mission to sniff out and sweep away traitors.
Ivan the Terrible possessed a massive legendary library. He supposedly owned thousands of rare Greek and Latin manuscripts. However, the entire collection vanished after his death and remains a mystery today.
He accidentally killed his own son and heir. During a heated argument, Ivan struck the younger Ivan with a heavy staff. Thus, he plunged his dynasty into a crisis that eventually led to a civil war.
He blinded the architects of Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Legend says he loved the building so much that he wanted to prevent them from creating anything more beautiful. Fortunately, most historians now believe this story is just a myth.
Ivan married seven or eight different women. The church originally allowed only three marriages, so he had to pressure priests to approve his later weddings. Several of his wives died under suspicious circumstances.
He wrote letters to Queen Elizabeth I of England. Surprisingly, he proposed marriage to her to create a powerful alliance. She declined his offer, but they continued to trade goods for many years.
Ivan was a talented composer and writer. He composed several hymns and wrote long, intellectual letters to his enemies. Specifically, he loved to debate theology and history during his spare time.
Ivan the Terrible once abdicated the throne as a political trick. He left Moscow and told the people he was quitting because of the greedy nobles. Naturally, the terrified citizens begged him to return with even more absolute power.
His body contained high levels of mercury. Scientists discovered this during an examination of his remains in the 1960s. He likely used the toxic metal as a medicine to treat his chronic joint pain.
He grew up as a prisoner in his own palace. Noblemen often ignored his needs and even left him hungry as a child. This neglect taught him that he could trust no one around him.
Ivan founded the first printing house in Russia. He wanted to spread religious texts and laws more efficiently. However, angry scribes burned the building down because they feared for their jobs.
Ivan the Terrible died while playing a game of chess. On a March afternoon in 1584, he collapsed during a match with a close associate. He passed away before he could finish his final move.
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