A map illustrating the rise and expansion of the Tsardom of Russia under the rule of Ivan IV Vasilyevich (commonly known as The Terrible, from the Russian “grozny“(грозный), Fearsome or Awe-inspiring). Originally a Grand Prince of Moscow, Ivan IV became the first to be crowned and rule as the Tsar of all Russia (from the Latin Caesar), previously a conglomerate of dutchies. He laid the foundation of absolute rule, engaged in a reign of terror against the nobility, reformed the government, opened diplomatic relations with England, wrote music, oversaw cultural and religious renaissance, and aggressively expanded the Russian borders through war and conquest. Shortly after his death (in 1584), Russia entered decades of instability known as The Troubles (Смута) that ended his Rurik dynasty and opened the way for the Romanovs.