In the mid-16th century, Ivan IV Vasilyevich became the first Tsar of Russia at the age of 17. Called Ivan “the Terrible”, this nickname is very light considering what he did to the Russians. At the beginning of his reign, he increased the number of reforms. On Red Square, Ivan IV built the Basilica of Basil the Blessed with its bulb-shaped domes of all colors. He reorganized the army and expanded his territory with military victories against peoples who challenged his authority.
In 1581 he reached the height of his madness. At the head of the country for more than 30 years, Ivan IV attacked the wife of his eldest son in yet another bloody attack. His son was also called Ivan, he was 27 years old and was to succeed him.
Because of an outfit considered indecent, he hit his daughter-in-law when she was pregnant. The attack was so violent that she had a miscarriage. Hearing his wife's cries, the Tsarevich, Ivan, intervened. And, drunk with anger, his father, Ivan the Terrible, yelled: “Unhappy child! Rebellious son! Do you already want to dethrone me? Do you want to take my place?”
The tsar rushed at his son with a long wooden stick, tipped with steel, which he carried around everywhere to beat anyone, at any time. He hit his son in the shoulders and head. IHe fought hard until the poor young man collapsed in a pool of blood..
Ivan the Terrible remained prostrate for several minutes, then began to shout: “I killed my son! I killed my son!” After several days of agony, the heir to the throne finally died. At the funeral, Ivan the Terrible was haggard, pale and could barely stand. But very quickly, he ended up recovering.
>> The Bastards of History. Through a long-format story, Éric Brunet retraces, every week, the life and crimes of a bastard of History. A special collection of our flagship show Enter history.
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