This One's A Bummer: Ivan & Novgorod

We've talked a lot about why Ivan the Terrible earned his nickname, but today we're diving into one of the darkest chapters of his reign: the Massacre of Novgorod.

In 1570, Ivan's growing paranoia and suspicion of treason led him to unleash his brutal secret police, the Oprichniki, on one of Russia's most important cities. What followed was weeks of unimaginable violence, torture, and destruction that devastated Novgorod and its people.

In this episode of Katy's Corner, we're exploring what led to the massacre, the horrifying events that unfolded, and the lasting consequences of Ivan's reign of terror.

Content warning: This episode contains discussions of mass murder, sexual violence, torture, and violence against children. It's a particularly heavy one, so please take care while listening.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction and content warning

• 02:00 – Ivan's childhood and growing paranoia

• 06:00 – The Oprichniki: Ivan's brutal secret police

• 10:00 – Why Novgorod became a target

• 12:30 – The massacre begins

• 17:00 – Ivan arrives in Novgorod

• 20:00 – The devastating aftermath

Cheers, bitches!