Peter The Great Ineffective Disguise

Between 1697 and 1698, Tsar Peter the Great of Russia traveled through Western Europe incognito under the alias Peter Mikhailov to study European advances in learning and statecraft. He joined what became known as the Grand Embassy, visiting places like the Dutch Republic and England to observe shipyards, workshops, and modern administration firsthand. At about 6 feet 8 inches tall, he was likely the tallest man in Europe at the time, which made the idea of him passing as an ordinary traveler nearly absurd, even as he tried to blend in under a fake name.

Previous Fact Next Fact