Profile of the Day: Ivan IV of Russia

Ivan IV

On this day in 1547, Ivan IV of Russia, commonly known as Ivan the Terrible, was crowned tsar of Russia. He was the first tsar of all of Russia.

The grandson of Ivan the Great, Ivan IV’s long reign saw the transformation of Russia into a vast, multiethnic empire. His territorial conquests spanned far and wide, making Russia the largest nation on the planet. Accounts of his complex personality vary. He was an able diplomate, a patron of the arts and trade, and highly popular among the common people. However, he is also remembered for his bouts of violence, paranoia and brutal treatment of the nobility. In time, his behavior became increasingly erratic and he accidentally killed his eldest son in a violent fit.

After Ivan’s death, his unfit and childless son, Feodor, inherited the throne. Under Feodor’s rule the country spiraled into further chaos, and eventually led to the establishment of the Romanov Dynasty.

Do you have Russian connections? Explore Ivan IV’s family tree on Geni to discover how you’re related!

View Ivan IV of Russia’s Geni Profile