Ivan the Terrible (1530-1584)

Children – had at least nine children,

### Sexual Orientation

There are rumours and accusations about Ivan the Terrible's sexual orientation, but there is no concrete evidence to support any, claims. Some sources suggest that Ivan was attracted to young men in female attire. However, it is important to note that these claims are not substantiated and may have been used to discredit Ivan during his reign. It is also suggested that Ivan suffered from syphilis, which may have affected his sexual behaviour. Overall, there is no definitive answer to Ivan the Terrible's sexual orientation, and any claims should be viewed with scepticism.

### Best Known For

establishing a tradition of absolute rule in Russia

## About

Ivan the Terrible, also known as Ivan IV Vasilyevich, was the grand prince of Moscow from 1533 to 1547 and the first Tsar of all Russia from 1547 to 1584. He was born on August 25, 1530, in Kolomenskoye, near Moscow, to Grand Prince Vasily III of Moscow and his second wife, Yelena Glinskaya. Ivan was proclaimed grand prince of Moscow on December 4, 1533, immediately after his father's death, when he was only three years old. His mother ruled in his name until her death in 1538. The deaths of both of Ivan's parents led to struggles among various factions of nobles for control of the young prince and for power. Ivan's reign saw the completion of the construction of a centrally administered Russian state, the creation of a new class of nobility, and the introduction of the first Russian legal code. However, his reign was also marked by a period of murderous strife among the clans of the boyars, or nobles, and by the execution of thousands of people. Ivan was known for his sadistic and irrational traits, and there is sufficient evidence to make his reign a study in abnormal psychology. As a boy, he took delight in throwing young animals to their death from high rooftops and formed the habit of robbing and beating the people of his capital. In 1581, Ivan killed his own son in a fit of rage. Ivan the Terrible died on March 18, 1584, in Moscow. The location of his burial is not entirely clear, but it is believed that he was buried in the Archangel Cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin.

## Early Life and Education

Ivan the Terrible did not receive any formal education at the royal court, as it was not a tradition in Russia at the time. Ivan's father, Grand Prince Vasily III of Moscow, died when Ivan was only three years old, and his childhood was marked by a sanguinary feud between the dominant families of the Kremlin. Despite his lack of formal education, Ivan was literate. Ivan was the first Tsar of Russia and expanded Russia's territories during his reign. However, he also established the Oprichnina, a state within a state that was marked by terror and violence, and killed his own son.

## Career

Ivan the Terrible, also known as Ivan IV Vasilyevich, was the Grand Prince of Moscow from 1533 to 1547 and the first Tsar of all Russia from 1547 to 1584. During his reign, Russia transitioned from a medieval state to an empire. Ivan's career was marked by struggles for power among various factions of nobles, and his character has been described as sadistic and irrational. He was a significant ruler of the Grand Duchy of Muscovy or Moscow in the sixteenth century. Ivan was also known for his military campaigns, including the conquest of the Khanate of Kazan and the Khanate of Astrakhan.

## Personal Life

Ivan the Terrible had at least six (possibly eight) wives, although only four of them were recognized by the Church. Three of them were allegedly poisoned by his enemies or by rivalling aristocratic families who wanted to promote their daughters to be his brides. He had nine children. Ivan was born on August 25, 1530, to Vasili III, Grand Prince of Moscow, and his second wife, Elena Glinskaya. Ivan's childhood was marked by abuse and repression.

## Controversies

Ivan the Terrible is known for his controversial reign. He was known for his sadistic and irrational behaviour, which earned him the epithet “the Terrible”. Ivan IV believed that his mother was murdered and suspected the nobles of being involved in his mother's death. He hated the royal class, but had to rely on them to maintain his power. Ivan's reign was marked by struggles for power among various factions of nobles, and he was responsible for the deaths of many of his own subjects, including his own son, whom he killed in a fit of rage. Despite his controversial legacy, Ivan the Terrible is also remembered for his contributions to the development of Russia, including the expansion of its territory and the establishment of a centralized government.

## Filmography

two-part Soviet epic historical drama film called “Ivan the Terrible” written and directed by Sergei Eisenstein. The film is a biopic of Ivan IV of Russia and was Eisenstein's final film, commissioned by Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin, who admired and identified with Ivan. The first part of the film was released in 1944, and the second part was released in 1958. The film has been controversial and has contributed to making Ivan the Terrible a controversial figure. The Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa cited this film as one of his 100 favorite films.