Ivan IV and Elizabeth I.

Ivan IVand

Elizabeth I.

Ivan IV

In the history of Russia there are very few people as famous as the Russian tsar Ivan the Terrible, who lived and ruled our country in the 16th century. A lot of different features are combined in his amazing personality.

Ivan IV

On the one hand, Ivan IV was described as a very intelligent person, who believed in God, and an expert in military strategy*.

military strategy* - военная стратегия

On the other hand, Ivan IV` s cruelty and rage still make people shudder with terror. That `s why there are so many opinions about this Russian monarch.

Ivan IV

Elizabeth IElizabeth I, the Queen of Britain, was one of the most talented rulers of her time. People call the period of Elizabeth I` s reign “the Golden Age” of British history, the period when Britain became rich and powerful.

Elizabeth I

Queen Elizabeth I was famous for her words: “Though you have had and may have many mightier and wiser princes sitting in this seat; yet, you never had, nor shall have any that will love you better”.

Elizabeth became a legend but we know very little about Elizabeth the woman. She is an enigma to us and was an enigma to her own people.

Elizabeth I

We know that in the 16th century Ivan IV began to write letters to Elizabeth I. At first he wanted to marry the Queen of England, but she refused his proposal.

Elizabeth the I and Ivan IV.

Ivan IV

After that the Russian tsar offered her to fight against the Livonian Order together. The British Queen refused again.

Ivan IV

Ivan IV got very angry and he wrote a letter to Queen Elizabeth, where he threatened her and promised to break up all trade and diplomatic relations* with Britain.

*trade and diplomatic relations – торговые и дипломатическиеотношения.

Some months later the correspondence between the two greatest monarchs of the time ended.

Ivan IV Elizabeth I

Why did Elizabeth I refuse Ivan IV’ s offer?

To answer this question we need to know more about her childhood.

She was a daughter of Henry VIII and Ann Boleyn. She was fond of her mother. Elizabeth was born a princess but when her mother was executed, she became an illegitimate daughter of king Henry VIII.

Henry VIII

He spent much money on her education but she couldn’t forgive him her mother’s death.

The family of Henry VIII

Many scientists think that the Queen of England swore never to get married because of her mother’s death.

No one knows for sure but perhaps that is the reason why Elizabeth I refused to marry Ivan IV.

Elizabeth I

The end