Background
Ivan was born to Vasily II the Blind and Yelena of Borovsk. He was co-regent with his disabled father during the later years of the latter's life, and was only 22 years old when his father died. He tenaciously pursued the unifying policy of his predecessors; nevertheless, he was cautious to the point of timidity. He avoided as far as possible any violent collision with his neighbors until all the circumstances were exceptionally favorable, always preferring to attain his ends gradually and indirectly. The Grand Duchy of Moscow had, at the time of his reign, become a compact and powerful state, whilst her rivals had grown weaker, which was well-suited to the speculative nature of a statesman of Ivan III's peculiar character. Regarding the arts, he centered his efforts on attracting and hiring Italian artists and craftsmen. Because of this plan, new buildings were erected in the Kremlin, and the walls were strengthened and furnished with towers and gates. Ivan III reigned for forty three years, dying on 27 October 1505. He left his empire to his son Vasili.
Read more about this topic: Ivan III Of Russia
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