1718 Death of Tsarevich Alexei

Three hundred years ago, on July 7, 1718, 28-year-old Tsarevich Alexei, the son and former heir of Peter I, died in the Peter and Paul Fortress. Previously, he was sentenced to death on charges of treason. According to the official version, death occurred from apoplexy.

After the verdict was passed, Alexei was subjected to torture, which could lead to death. However, most historians believe that the prince was killed on the orders of Peter by one of his closest associates in order to prevent the public execution of a representative of the reigning dynasty. In the reign of the son of Alexei, Emperor Peter II, the prince was rehabilitated.