Ivan III of Russia

Ivan III Vasilevich (Иван III Васильевич) (January 22, 1440 - October 27, 1505) also known as Ivan the Great ruled from 1462 - 1505. Ivan III has been referred to as the "gatherer of the Russian lands". He subjugated a number of Russian territories, turned back the incursion of Lithuania into Russian lands and broke free Muscovy from the control of the Golden Horde. During his rule Muscovy subjugated Yaroslavl (1463), Novgorod (1478), Tver (1485), Vyatka, Perm, and some other cities and territories.

His second wife Sophia, niece of Constantine XI, the last Byzantine emperor, brought customs of the Byzantine court and more openness to European culture. The new political and religious position of Muscovy gave rise to the idea of Moscow as theThird Rome (Rome and Constantinople being the first and second). Under Ivan III, a code of law, Sudebnik, was compiled in 1497 and the title "Veliki Kniaz (Grand Duke) of the Whole Rus'" was established.

Preceded by:
Vasili II

List of Russian Tsars

Succeeded by:
Vasili III

External links

Sudebnik

zh-cn:伊凡三世