The massacre of Novgorod was an attack launched by Ivan the Terrible's oprichniki on the city of Novgorod, Russia, in 1570. Although initially an act of vengeance against the perceived treason of the local Orthodox church, the massacre quickly became possibly the most vicious in the brutal legacy of the oprichnina, with casualties estimated between two thousand to fifteen thousand and innumerable acts of extreme, violent cruelty. In the aftermath of the attack, Novgorod lost its status as one of Russia's leading cities, crippled by decimation of its citizenry combined with Ivan's assault on the surrounding farmlands.
Tsar Ivan IV the Terrible begins his march to Novgorod
The massacre of Novgorod was an attack launched by Ivan the Terrible's oprichniki on the city of Novgorod, Russia, in 1570.
Historical Significance
The massacre of Novgorod was an attack launched by Ivan the Terrible's oprichniki on the city of Novgorod, Russia, in 1570.
Key People
Events Before
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Duke of Alva leads "tenth penning" in Les Ponts de Cé
Lithuanian Parliament accepts Union of Lublin, merging the Crown of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuan
Lithuanian Parliament accepts Union of Lublin, merging the Crown of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania into the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, becoming one of Europe's largest countries at the time
Coronation of John III, King of Sweden
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Gilbert Kennedy, Scottish Earl of Cassilis, roasts the administrator of Crossraguel Abbey, Alan Stewart, over an open fi
Gilbert Kennedy, Scottish Earl of Cassilis, roasts the administrator of Crossraguel Abbey, Alan Stewart, over an open fire at Castle Dunure to obtain Abbey lands; it works after two turns of the spit [1]
Events After
Battle of Lepanto: Holy League of Catholic states formed by Pope Pius V destroys an Ottoman fleet in a significant defea
Battle of Lepanto: Holy League of Catholic states formed by Pope Pius V destroys an Ottoman fleet in a significant defeat off Western Greece
Spanish troops occupy Manila
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Catholic Italian businessman Roberto Ridolfi leaves England
Catholic Italian businessman Roberto Ridolfi leaves England
Miguel Lopez de Lagazpi founds Manilla in the Philippines
Miguel Lopez de Lagazpi founds Manilla in the Philippines
Catholic rebellion in Scotland
Catholic rebellion in Scotland
More from the 1570s
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on January 2, 1570?
- The massacre of Novgorod was an attack launched by Ivan the Terrible's oprichniki on the city of Novgorod, Russia, in 1570. Although initially an act of vengeance against the perceived treason of the local Orthodox church, the massacre quickly became possibly the most vicious in the brutal legacy of the oprichnina, with casualties estimated between two thousand to fifteen thousand and innumerable acts of extreme, violent cruelty. In the aftermath of the attack, Novgorod lost its status as one of Russia's leading cities, crippled by decimation of its citizenry combined with Ivan's assault on the surrounding farmlands.
- Why is Tsar Ivan IV the Terrible begins his march to Novgorod significant?
- The massacre of Novgorod was an attack launched by Ivan the Terrible's oprichniki on the city of Novgorod, Russia, in 1570.
- Who was involved in Tsar Ivan IV the Terrible begins his march to Novgorod?
- Key figures include Ivan the Terrible.