The New Student's Reference Work/Ivan

Ivan (ē-vȧn′), the Russian form of John, is the name of a number of Russian czars.

Ivan I

Ivan (or Joaan, i.e., John) I, grand-duke of Moscow from 1328 to 1340, was surnamed Kalita, in allusion to the purse which he always carried at his girdle. The importance of Ivan in Russian history is that he was the consolidator of the power of Moscow, the nucleus out of which the empire was to be formed at a future period.

Ivan III

Ivan III, surnamed the Great, grand-duke from 1462 to 1505, forms one of the most important figures in the annals of Russia, for to him is due the consolidation of the autocracy (i.e., absolute and independent power). His long reign of 43 years was very beneficial to his country. He was a skillful diplomatist, and often brought about by intrigue what others could effect only by force of arms. In 1472 he married Sophia, niece of Constantine Palæologus. On account of this union Ivan considered himself the heir of the Byzantine emperors, and adopted the two-headed eagle for his arms. Embassies were sent to foreign powers. Italian architects were invited into Russia. Many learned monks found refuge there from the yoke of the Turk.

Ivan IV

Ivan IV, called the Terrible, is the best known. He reigned as czar from 1533 to 1584. While his reign was marked by many improvements in the arts and sciences and in the advancement of the wealth and prosperity of his kingdom, his name was a terror to most of his subjects. The first printing-press in Russia he established. He was cruel and heartless, and in some of his towns large numbers were killed. In Novgorod, during the latter part of his reign, 60,000 people were slain in six weeks. Ivan died of sorrow for his son. whom three years before he had slain in a mad fit of anger. He was the first Russian sovereign to be crowned as czar, and from his reign dates the annexation of Siberia. A plot was discovered to deliver parts of his territory into the hands of the king of Poland, and it was to revenge this treason that he executed large numbers both of the innocent and guilty. See Ivan the Terrible by Pember.