442 years ago, one of the most cruel and tyrannical rulers in history committed an act of violence that would cost him the future of his empire: Tsar Ivan the Terrible attacked his son and heir, Ivan Ivanovich, with a scepter, after an argument that would lead to the prince's death three days later. The episode, which became known as the "parricide of Ivan the Terrible", was one of the most dramatic and tragic of the Rurik dynasty, which ruled Russia for more than 700 years.

Ivan the Terrible was the first Tsar of Russia, and one of the most powerful and feared monarchs of his time. He expanded Russia's domains, conquering territories in Asia and Europe, and created a centralized and autocratic state that repressed any opposition or dissent. He was also a cruel and paranoid ruler, who ordered massacres, torture and executions of thousands of people, including his own relatives and friends. He suffered from fits of rage and melancholy, which worsened with age and the loss of his wives and children.

Ivan Ivanovich was the eldest son and heir of Ivan the Terrible, and the only one who had the ability and courage to succeed him. He was a cultured and brave prince, who participated in several military campaigns alongside his father, and who had the respect and admiration of the people and the nobility. He was also a loving father and a faithful husband, who married Princess Eudoxia Saburova, with whom he was in love.

Ivan the Terrible's attack on his son and heir took place on November 16, 1581, in the Moscow Kremlin, the tsar's official residence. According to reports at the time, Ivan the Terrible entered his son's room, where he was with his pregnant wife, and began to insult and attack the princess because of her clothing, which he considered indecent.

Ivan Ivanovich, indignant, intervened in defense of his wife and reprimanded his father, calling him a tyrant and an oppressor. Ivan the Terrible, enraged, took his scepter and struck his son on the head, opening a mortal wound. The prince fell to the ground, covered in blood, and his repentant father embraced him, asking for forgiveness.

But it was too late: Ivan Ivanovich died three days later, on November 19, at the age of 27.