Who were the oprichnia?

The oprichnia were a political and secret police force established by Tsar Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible) in the 16th century, specifically from 1565 to 1572. They were tasked with suppressing dissent among the nobility and enforcing the tsar's authority, often through brutal means, including executions and confiscation of property. The oprichniki, as members of this force were called, wore distinctive black clothing and rode black horses, symbolizing their loyalty to the tsar and their role in instilling fear. The oprichnia ultimately contributed to the centralization of power in Russia but also left a legacy of terror and repression.