Death of Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible)

Timeline

1. 1584Moscow Kremlin · MoscowIn early 1584, Ivan IV's health deteriorated sharply; his body was swollen and he was unable to handle routine affairs of state. Secret maneuvering over the succession unfolded within the court, with Boris Godunov and other magnates beginning to arrange the succession. Previously, in 1581 Ivan IV, in a fit of rage, had beaten his eldest son Ivan Ivanovich to death, leaving only the frail second son Feodor as heir, thus laying the groundwork for the succession crisis.
2. 1584Moscow Kremlin · MoscowOn March 18, 1584 (Julian calendar), Ivan IV died in the Kremlin at the age of 53. According to historical records, he was playing chess at the time of death. Modern forensic studies have found high concentrations of mercury and lead in his remains; some scholars believe poisoning is possible, but this claim remains disputed and death by illness is still the mainstream view.
3. 1584Moscow · MoscowIn May 1584 Feodor I was crowned tsar in Moscow, but because of his weakness and incompetence, real power quickly passed to his brother-in-law Boris Godunov. Godunov dominated Russian politics as regent for 14 years, until Feodor I died without an heir in 1598, formally ending the Rurik dynasty; Godunov then declared himself tsar, ushering in the turbulent Time of Troubles.