Ivan IV

Ivan IV

Ivan IV was notorious for his cruelty and he became known as Ivan the Terrible. Ivan was brutal, extremely suspicious, and perhaps, at times, insane. His political police terrorized nobles, merchants, and peasants. He ordered the arrest and murder of hundreds of aristocrats. He also burned many towns and villages, and he killed church leaders who opposed him.

Excerpt adapted from the "Ivan IV" article, The World Book Encyclopedia © 1999