Ivan IV Vasilyevich (25 August 1530 – 28 March 1584), more often known in English as Ivan the Terrible, was the first Tsar (Emperor) of Russia, and before that was the Grand Prince of Moscow. He was called Ivan the Terrible because in those days the word terrible meant "formidable" or "fearsome", not "really bad". This is comes from his Russian nickname Ivan Grozny, which also means "Ivan the Formidable".
Ivan the Terrible | the first Tsar (Emperor) of Russia
Questions and Answers
Q: Who was Ivan the Terrible?
A: Ivan the Terrible was the first Tsar (Emperor) of Russia, and before that was the Grand Prince of Moscow. His birth name was Ivan IV Vasilyevich.
Q: When did he live?
A: He lived from 25 August 1530 to 28 March 1584.
Q: What is his nickname in English?
A: In English, he is more often known as Ivan the Terrible.
Q: What does "terrible" mean in this context?
A: In this context, "terrible" means "formidable" or "fearsome", not "really bad".
Q: What is his Russian nickname?
A: His Russian nickname is Ivan Grozny, which also means "Ivan the Formidable".
Q: How did he become Tsar of Russia?
A: He became Tsar of Russia by being elected as Grand Prince of Moscow and then becoming Emperor.