Story Highlights
- historical event: Tsar Ivan the Terrible got angry when he saw his daughter in law – the Tsarevich’s wife Elena – wearing immodest clothing. He physically attacked her because of that, despite the fact that she was pregnant. She later miscarried
One of the bloodiest episodes in the history of Russian emperors ended on this day. Namely, Tsar Ivan the Terrible, in a quarrel, killed his own son Ivan Ivanovich. The 27-year-old was his eldest son and heir, and carried the title of Tsarevich.
The confrontation between father and son went as follows: Tsar Ivan the Terrible got angry when he saw his daughter-in-law – Tsarevich’s wife Elena – wearing immodest clothing. He physically attacked her because of that, which was very cruel because Yelena was pregnant (and she later miscarried). When the Tsarevich heard of his father’s assault on Elena, he confronted him. The Tsar struck his son with his pointed scepter, and fatally wounded the Tsarevich.
When he saw what he had done, Tsar Ivan the Terrible was allegedly very remorseful. He threw himself on the floor by his wounded son and tried to save him. The Tsarevich was laid in bed, and the Tsar prayed incessantly for a miracle, hoping that his son would live. However, on this day the Tsarevich died. The dynasty of Ivan the Terrible soon died out because of that.
