-
Period: 1533 to
Rule
This is the amount of time Ivan ruled Russia. -
Dec 4, 1533
Beginning of Rule
Ivan Vasilyevich was proclaimed Grand Prince at age three. -
Period: 1538 to 1547
Death of Ivan's Mother and Unfortunate Period
Ivan's mother ruled in his name until her death in 1538 by poison. 1538-1547 was a period of murderous strife among the clans of the warrior caste. -
1547
First Wife
The first and only wife he truly loved was Anastasia Romanovna. They married on this date. -
Period: 1547 to 1560
"Good Period"
In this time referred to as his "good period," Ivan won great victories, added land to Russia, gave Russia a code of laws, and ruled justly. -
Jan 16, 1547
Tsar of Russia
Ivan was crowned tsar (caesar or emperor). He was the first Russian ruler to use this title officially. -
1549
Zemski Sobor
The first Zemski Sobor was summoned to meet in an advisory capacity. It was a national assembly made of boyars, clergy, and some elected representatives of the new service gentry. -
1550
Legal Code
A new legal code reorganized central administration of Russia into departments and improved conditions of military service. -
1552
Kazan
Ivan set out for Kazan and the Russian Army succeeded in taking the town by assault. -
1554
Birth of First Child
Ivan Ivanovich, Ivan's first child and heir to the thrown was born. -
1556
Annex of Khanate
The Khanate of Astrakhan was annexed without a fight. -
1558
Beginning of War
Ivan went to war in attempts to establish Russian rule over Livonia. -
Period: 1560 to
"Bad Period"
Ivan's "bad period" began when his first wife (Anastasia Romanovna) died. He accused boyars of poisoning Anastasia and turned against them, creating his own police force (secret police). -
1581
Death of Eldest Son
Ivan Ivanovich was Ivan's eldest and strongest son. In a fit of rage, Ivan hit his son on the head and killed him immediately from impact.
