June 26, 1718

Posted on June 26, 2020 by Joel Byers

On June 26, 1718, Tsarevich Alexei Petrovich of Russia, Peter the Great’s son, died under mysterious circumstances after being sentenced to death by his father for plotting against him. The only mystery was why he didn’t die sooner. Alexei hated his father and didn’t want to be the next Tsar. The only thing he wanted was to live quietly on one of the family’s estate with his mistress. Alexei had fled Russia to Austria and was living there in exile. This was a great insult to Russia and Tsar Peter. He convinced his only son to come home after swearing that Alexei would not be punished in any way and would be allowed to live in peace with his mistress. Alexei, in turn, promised to turn over his inheritance to his young son, Peter. Once Alexei returned, he was immediately tortured and forced to confess to plotting to kill his father. Almost all of Alexei’s friends were tortured and killed. Turns out not only do you not get involved in a land war with Russia, you also don’t ever believe a Russian who tells you that if you return home, you won’t be punished in any way.

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About Joel Byers

Born in North Georgia and educated at some very fine public institutions. Real education started after graduating from college and then getting married and raising two boys. Has the ability to see the funny and absurd in most things and will always remark on it, even if it means getting the stink-eye from his victims.
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