Born in 1530 to the second wife of Vasily III Ivan had Greek origins although his mother was from the line of Khan Mamay of the Golden Horde and his father Vasily III was descended from one of the Khan's enemies. Ivan became Tsar at the age of three although power was held by regents. He and his brother were treated harshly when not in public and as a result Ivan began to treat others badly too torturing animals running down peasants with his horse; thus learning this cruel side of ruling at an ea..
