Ivan VI Spent Life Imprisoned

Russian emperor Ivan VI ascended the throne in October 1740 at only two months old, but his cousin Elizabeth Petrovna overthrew him 13 months later. Ivan spent the rest of his life imprisoned, much of it isolated from his family. After his transfer to Shlisselburg Fortress, his identity was concealed so thoroughly that even the commandant did not know who he was. Guards murdered the 23-year-old Ivan in 1764 under secret orders when army officer Vasily Mirovich tried to free him and declare him emperor once more.

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