Ivan III Vasilevich (Иван III Васильевич) (January 22, 1440 - October 27, 1505) also known as Ivan the Great ruled from 1462 - 1505; oldest son of Vasili II Vasiliyevich.

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 (see Great standing on the Ugra river). During his rule Muscovy subjugated Yaroslavl (1463), Novgorod (1478), Tver (1485), Vyatka, Perm, and some other cities and territories.

In 1472 Ivan married his second wife Sophia, niece of Constantine XI, the last Byzantine Emperor. She 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 the Third 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

Grand Prince of Moscow

Succeeded by: Vasili III

External links

Sudebnik