Ivan the Terrible:

Fear is the best weapon of a monarch.

— Ivan the Terrible Early Modern

First Tsar of Russia

A statement reflecting his reliance on terror to maintain power.

c. 1570s

Verification

Unverifiable

Found in 1 providers: grok

Cross Reference

1 source

"My kingdom is my family, and I will protect it with fire and sword."

"I will show no mercy to those who betray me."

"I am the instrument of God's vengeance."

"The tears of my enemies are sweeter than wine."

"Let them tremble before my name!"