Jason Bronson, age 13, of Dotham, Ala., for his question:

HOW DID IVAN THE TERRIBLE GET HIS NAME?

Ivan was the name of several Russian rulers. Ivan III was called Ivan the Great because he freed Russia in 1480 from its 240 year rule by the Tartars. He extended Russian rule over adjoining territories and revised the old Russian law code.

Grandson of Ivan III was Ivan IV, who was called Ivan the Terrible. He was the first czar of Russia and expanded the country into Siberia and conquered the region along the Volga River. He made Moscow the capital. He was born in 1530 and lived for 54 years, until 1584.

Ivan the Terrible received his name because he was extremely crafty and cruel. His secret police spread terror throughout the country.

But Ivan the Terrible also invited experts from other countries to improve Russian craftsmanship and military techniques and also began diplomatic relations and trade with Western powers.