Ivan III

Ivan III, also known as Ivan the Great, was a Grand Prince of Moscow from 1462 to 1505. He is credited with centralizing power in Russia, expanding its territories, and laying the foundations for the Russian state. Ivan ended Mongol dominance over Russia by refusing to pay tribute and defeating the Mongol khanates. He introduced reforms that strengthened the monarchy and promoted the Orthodox Church, which became a unifying force in Russia. His reign marked the rise of Moscow as a major power and set the stage for future Russian rulers. Ivan III is considered a pivotal figure in Russian history.