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Ivan IV Vasilyevich was born on August 15th 1530
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Ivan The Terrible's father, Basil, died from a deadly sore and on his deathbed, wanted his son Ivan to become the ruler of Russia when he turned into a man, at age 15.
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Ivan the Terrible became the Grand Prince of Moscow at the age of 3 when his father gave the throne to him. Because he was only three, boyars took over Russia and neglected Ivan. Ivan was starved, neglected, and even molested, which could have played a part in his later life decisions.
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Ivan's mother died when he was eight years old from suspected poisoning, leaving Ivan as an orphan.
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On Sunday, January 16th, 1547, Ivan the Terrible took his thrown as Czar of Russia. He was crowned in Moscow's lavish Cathedral of the Assumption.
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From 1547 to 1560, Ivan the terrible had a good period where he conquered land and made good progress for Russia.
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Ivan married Anastasia Romanovna, his first wife and the only wife he would every really love.
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Ivan the terrible gained his nickname when he conquered Kazan, the nickname was "Grozny" which translates to terrible in English, but it was more meant to mean dangerous of formidable.
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Ivan built St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow's Red Square. It was built between 1555 and 1561. The Cathedral was built to commemorate the conquest of the Tatar City in Kazan.
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Ivan's wife, Anastasia, died in 1560 causing Ivan to have a mental breakdown. He became angry and depressed.
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After Ivan's wife Anastasia died, Ivan the terrible entered a bad period of rule.
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Anastasia's death left Ivan in a state of paranoia, he fled Moscow with some of his court saying that he was to visit various monasteries. But in reality Ivan left Moscow with his family and valuables out of paranoia. He was gone from court for around three months.
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Ivan returned to Moscow with no hair on top of his head and a white beard due to psychological stress.
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On November 19th, 1582 Ivan killed his son, Ivan Ivanovich, after he protected his wife from Ivan the terrible himself. His son was the only feasible ruler that descended from Ivan the terrible, so when Ivan died, Russia was left with Ivan the terrible's other less capable son.
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Ivan died on March 18th, 1584 leaving behind Russia without a ruler. He died suddenly of a heart attack while preparing for a game of chess.
