Facts About Ivan the Terrible
Moscow's 16th Century Ruler is a Famous Figure of Russian History
Facts about Ivan the Terrible's life have captivated historians, artists, writers, and directors. Five facts about the Russian tsar give details about his life.
Fact about Ivan the Terrible: Ivan IV Built St. Basil's Cathedral
Ivan the Terrible, also Known as Ivan IV or Ivan Grozny, was responsible for the construction of St. Basil's Cathedral in the year 1560. This most famous symbol of Russia was important in two ways. It was a monument to Eastern Orthodoxy and the greatness of Byzantium, which had been inherited by Moscow. It was also a celebration of Ivan the Terrible's victory over the the Mongol Tatars. While Ivan the Terrible initially named the cathedral the Intercession of the Virgin, the cathedral became known as St. Basil's. Basil Fool, or Basil Holy Fool, was a popular figure in Moscow during Ivan the Terrible's day.
Fact about Ivan the Terrible: Ivan IV was Responsible for the Election of Boris Godunov
Boris Godunov, a charismatic leader who succeeded Ivan the Terrible, was the first ruler of Moscow to be elected. Boris Godunov had lived in the house of Ivan the Terrible while growing up. Ivan the Terrible had three sons – Ivan, Fedor, and Dmitry – who would play parts in the drama of Ivan the Terrible's life. But Boris Godunov was the tsar's true successor.
Fact about Ivan the Terrible: Ivan IV's Sons Did Not Succeed Him
Ivan killed his first son, Ivan. This scene is famously depicted in a painting by Ilya Repin, in which the horrified tsar cradles his dead's son's body after he has bludgeoned him with a staff. The second son, Fedor, was not mentally stable; Boris Godunov ruled as regent while Fedor held the throne, but Fedor died, leaving Boris Godunov to ascend to the position of tsar. Dmitry, the youngest, had met his end while still a boy – whether the death was natural or the result of a plot, history still wonders. Dmitry would haunt Russia in many forms, including as the so-called “False Dmitry” or pretender to the throne.
Fact about Ivan the Terribe: Ivan IV Wanted to Conquer the Baltics
Ivan the Terrible's military campaign against the Baltic regions of Eastern Europe, including Livonia, Lithuania, and specific cities within and around the Baltics, was ambitious. In an effort to “reclaim” lands for his realm, Ivan the Terrible directed military advances upon Riga, Revel, and Narva. These campaigns were largely wasted effort on Ivan the Terrible's part, as the regions under attack were supported by neighboring countries.
Fact about Ivan the Terrible: Ivan IV Was a Role Model for Stalin
Stalin revered the historical Ivan the Terrible. Ivan the Terrible's bold and cruel personality, coupled with his leadership skills, made him an ideal historical counterpart for Stalin's own manner of rule. A movie about Ivan the Terrible was made for Stalin, but Stalin approved of only those parts that showed Ivan the Terrible as a strong leader. However, the director was determined to show Ivan repenting for his sins and hoped that this would convince Stalin to do the same.
References
Dvornik, Francis. The Slavs in European History and Civilization. New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 1962.
Figes, Orlando. Natasha's Dance: A Cultural History of Russia. New York: Picador, 2002.
