Iván the Terrible, born in 1530, was the first Tsar of Russia, ruling from 1547 until his death in 1584. He is known for centralizing power and expanding the Russian territory, including the conquest of Kazan and Astrakhan. His reign marked the transition from a medieval state to an early modern empire. Despite his achievements, Iván's rule was also marked by violence and paranoia. He established the Oprichnina, a state policy that involved political repression and mass executions. His later years were characterized by erratic behavior, leading to a legacy of fear and instability in Russia.