Which ruler is known as Ivan the Great?

Ivan the Great, also known as Ivan III, is recognized for his significant role in establishing the foundation of the Russian state and expanding its territories. He reigned from 1462 to 1505 and is credited with ending Mongol dominance in Russia, consolidating various principalities, and initiating the centralization of power in the Grand Duchy of Moscow. Ivan III's leadership helped to elevate Moscow from a regional power to a centralized, dominant state, giving rise to what would later become the Russian Empire. His achievements laid the groundwork for subsequent rulers and significantly shaped Russian history during the period of the Renaissance and beyond.

In contrast, other figures mentioned, such as Ivan IV (commonly known as Ivan the Terrible), ruled later and were known for their distinct contributions and reputations. Peter the Great and Louis XIV were influential leaders in their own right, but they belong to different historical contexts and geographic regions, making them unrelated to the title of Ivan the Great.