The best Russian ruler in history

Ivan III Vasilyevich (22 January 1440, Moscow - 27 October 1505), also known as Ivan the Great, was a Grand Prince of Moscow. He was one of the greatest rulers of the Russian Empire because he tripled the territory of his state, he completed the unification of Russian lands and he ended the dominance of the Golden Horde. He was one of the longest-reigning Russian rulers in history.

Picture of Ivan the Great

Ivan was the oldest son of Basil II and he get married when he was only 12 years old with the Princess Maria of Tver. Basil II died when Ivan was 22 years old. After the death of his father Ivan became the grand prince of Moscow without being confirmed by then Mongol Khan.

Picture of Princess Maria of Tver

After the death of his first wife, Ivan married Sophia Paleologue, a Byzantine princess and niece of the last Byzantine emperor, Constantine XI. The marriage was sponsored by the Vatican in hope of bringing Russia under the sway of the Pope and of establishing a broad front against the Turks, a goal that failed. From Ivan´s point of view, the marriage fitted well into general trend of elevating the Muscovite ruler.

Following the marriage, Ivan developed a complicated court ceremonial on the Byzantine model and began to use the title of czar and autocrat. Also during the reign of Ivan and his son, Basil III, Moscow came to by spokesmen as the Thrid Rome.

An impressive building program in Moscow took place under Ivan, directed primarily by Italian artists and craftsmen. New buildings were erected in the Kremlin, and the Kremlin walls were strengthened and furnished with towers and gates. Ivan died on October 27,1505, and was succeeded by his son,Basil.

Sculpture of Sophia Paleologue

By: Víctor Plámenov Marínov