Tsar Ivan the Terrible, born in 1530, was the first ruler of Russia to be crowned as Tsar. He ruled from 1547 until his death in 1584. Ivan 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, Ivan's rule was also marked by violence and paranoia. He established the Oprichnina, a state policy that involved a secret police force to suppress dissent. His later years were characterized by erratic behavior, leading to a legacy of fear and instability in Russia.