Hierarchy of Hierarchies: Muscovite Society during the Reign of Ivan iv

Abstract

Muscovite society during the reign of Ivan iv was hierarchical. Each social class stood in a position of superiority or inferiority toward every other social class. However, each social class also had its own hierarchy of sub-classes. This article examines the internal social pyramids of elite lay society, the dynasty, the boyars, the princes, the gentry, and the secretaries. It concludes that by the sixteenth century, Muscovite society already possessed a complex and sophisticated social structure.