In this engaging discussion, historian Simon Sebag Montefiore dives into the tumultuous reign of Ivan the Terrible, a ruler infamous for his brutal tactics. He explores Ivan's complex early years and the chaos that marked his transition from promising ruler to tyrant. Montefiore highlights the impact of Mongol rule and how Ivan the Great's legacy laid the groundwork for the future of Russia. The conversation also touches on the significant cultural shifts introduced through political alliances, reshaping the very landscape of Muscovy.
Ivan the Great expands Muscovy's territories through conquest, embracing Renaissance influences in his architectural projects.
Ivan the Terrible's reign is marked by extreme violence, disastrous wars, and an erratic personal life, leading to the downfall of his dynasty.
Deep dives
The Rise of Russia under Ivan the Great
Ivan the Great, an ambitious and ruthless leader, successfully expands Muscovy's territories by conquering Khanates in the South. He builds the Basil's Cathedral and improves the Kremlin, embracing Renaissance influences. However, his later years are marked by paranoia and violence, leading to the creation of the Oprichnina, an elite group of henchmen responsible for brutal acts of terror. Ivan's reign ends with the chaos that follows his death, leaving his weak son to take over and eventually the Romanov dynasty to establish a new ruling power.
Ivan the Terrible: The Reign of Terror
Ivan the Terrible, known for his brutal methods and increasing insanity, rules with an iron fist. He carries out mass murders, tortures, and executions, often targeting the Boyar elite. His expansionist ambitions lead to disastrous wars and the invasion of the Crimean Tatars, resulting in the sack and burning of Moscow. Ivan's reign is marked by extreme violence and an erratic personal life, including gay love affairs and orgies. His death leaves a dynasty in ruins, setting the stage for the Romanovs to take control.
The Succession to Chaos: Michael I Romanov
After a period of instability and foreign invasions, the Romanov dynasty takes control with the ascension of Michael I. He accepts the throne reluctantly after the Russian state is on the brink of collapse. Michael creates a new ruling power and establishes the Romanov dynasty, reigning for centuries. Despite the challenges faced by the family, they become one of the most successful imperialist families in history, shaping the destiny of Russia until 1917.
Subjected, downtrodden, brutalised. The principality of Muscovy had long suffered at the hands of the Mongols. But as their overlords weaken, their ruler, Ivan the Great, begins to lead the Muscovites to freedom. Come 1533, it is time for his descendant, Ivan the Terrible to rule. A man known to enjoy hanging people by their ribs, and drowning people under river ice, will his taste for torture throw everything into chaos? Or will he expel the Mongols once and for all, laying the foundations of the Russian Empire? Listen as William and Anita are joined by Simon Sebag Montefiore to discuss the early days of Russia and its empire.