Whom did Ivan the Terrible feed to dogs? - briefly
Ivan the Terrible, also known as Ivan IV, is infamous for his brutal reign and paranoia. One of his most notorious acts was feeding his own son, Ivan Ivanovich, to dogs after accusing him of treason.
Whom did Ivan the Terrible feed to dogs? - in detail
Ivan the Terrible, born as Ivan IV Vasilyevich, was the first Tsar of Russia and is known for his ruthless reign marked by violence and brutality. One of the most infamous acts attributed to him is the feeding of victims to dogs. This gruesome practice reflects the deep-seated fear and paranoia that characterized Ivan's rule.
The most notorious case involves Andrey Kolychev, a nobleman who served as a military commander under Ivan. In 1565, Andrey was accused of treason by Ivan, who believed he had been plotting against him. The accusation was based on fabricated evidence and false testimonies, a common occurrence during Ivan's reign. Despite Andrey's pleas for mercy and his insistence on his innocence, Ivan remained convinced of his guilt.
The punishment meted out to Andrey Kolychev was particularly brutal. He was tied to a stake in the middle of a courtyard and left there as prey for a pack of hungry dogs. The dogs, driven by their primal instincts, tore into Andrey's flesh, causing him immense pain and suffering until he finally succumbed to his injuries. This grisly spectacle was meant to serve as a warning to any who dared to defy Ivan the Terrible.
The act of feeding victims to dogs was not an isolated incident during Ivan's reign. It was part of a broader pattern of violence and intimidation used by Ivan to maintain his grip on power. His paranoia led him to suspect treachery among even those closest to him, resulting in numerous executions and acts of cruelty. The gruesome fate of Andrey Kolychev stands as a chilling testament to the ruthless nature of Ivan the Terrible's rule.