Ivan IVand

Elizabeth I.

Ivan IVIn the history of Russia there are very few people as

famous as the Russian tsar Ivan the Terrible, who lived and ruled our country in the 16th century. A lot of conflicting features are combined in his complex personality.

On the one hand, Ivan IV was described as a very intelligent, devout person and an expert in military strategy.

On the other hand, Ivan IV`s cruelty, rage and episodic outbreaks of mental illness still make people shudder with terror.

That `s why people's attitude towards his unique personality still remains ambiguous.

Elizabeth IElizabeth I, the Queen of Britain, was one of

the most talented rulers of her time. The reign of Elizabeth I is often reffered to as “the Golden Age” of British history, the period of flourishing of British economy and culture. England became a great maritime power under Elisabeth's reign.Queen Elizabeth is still one of the best loved monarchs and one of the most admired rulers of all time. She became a legend and was famed for her remarkable abilities and achievements. She used to say: “Though you have had and may have many mightier and wiser princes sitting in this seat; yet, you never had, nor shall have any that will love you better”.However, we know very little about Elizabeth the woman. She is an enigma to us and was an enigma to her own people.

It is known that in 16th century Ivan IV was in correspondence with Elizabeth I. At first he wanted to marry the Queen of England, but she refused his proposal. After that the Russian tsar offered her to unite their armed forces against the Livonian Order. However, Ivan IV met with a cold refusal which offended him greatly and he wrote a wrathful letter to Queen Elizabeth, where he threatened her and promised to sever all trade and diplomatic relations with Britain. Soon afterwards the correspondence between the two greatest monarchs of the time broke off.

Elizabeth the II and Ivan IV.