Ivan the Terrible and Killing the Son Free Essay Example, 2000 words

Ivan developed the trade relations which Russia had with other countries in the world by opening seaports in the White Sea. However, due to the uneven handling of Russian rulers in the past, traders were not motivated to land on these ports and continued trading with other Baltic countries which meant that the Russian empire would have to wait for several more years before sea trade could become possible (Wikipedia, 2006). Personal LifeHis personal life certainly shows signs of him being a terrible person. From a disturbed and abused child, Ivan grew into a disturbed man who was violent and often considered mad. He drank too much and too often and roamed about Moscow with a group of his courtiers where they beat up people or raped women. The victims were often disposed of by being burnt, buried or thrown to hungry bears while they were still alive. Although he had little personal need of money, he enjoyed robbing farmers (Troyat, 2001). At the same time, he was a voracious reader an d had read hundreds of books on history, religion, and theology which led to him being far more polished than other members of the court. We will write a custom essay sample on Ivan the Terrible and Killing the Son or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page He had six children with her but only two lived beyond infancy while she herself died after thirteen years of being married to Ivan. After her death, Ivan suspected foul play and to a certain extent that can be used as a point of reference from where Ivan became the terrible tyrant the world remembers him to be (Troyat, 2001). In terms of family life, after his first wife, he married only to fulfill his desires and egocentric nature. In 1561 he was married to Maria Temriukovna but did not treat her as he treated his first wife, after her death, he turned to Martha Sobakin, but she only lived for two weeks after she was married. The fourth wife was Anna Koltovskaya whom Ivan sent away (Perrie Pavlov, 2003). The fifth marriage was with Anna Wassilchikura and the sixth was with Wassilissa Melentiewna.