Dmitry Ivanovich (10 October 1483 – 14 February 1509), also known as Dmitry the Grandson, was Grand Prince of Moscow from 1498 to 1502. He was the only surviving son of Ivan Ivanovich, the eldest son of Ivan III of Russia. Following the death of his father in 1490, Dmitry became heir presumptive and was later crowned in 1498 as grand prince by his grandfather. Eventually, he lost the title to his uncle Vasili and was imprisoned along with his mother Elena.

Life

Dmitry's parents were Ivan the Young, the eldest son of Ivan III of Russia and heir apparent, and Elena of Moldavia, a daughter of Stephen III of Moldavia. After his father's death in 1490, he became heir presumptive. On 4 February 1498, Ivan III had his grandson, Dmitry, crowned as grand prince of Vladimir, Moscow and all Russia. Even after receiving the title, Dmitry did not play any political role. On the other hand, his uncle Vasili received, from Ivan III, control of Novgorod and Pskov in 1499. During the next three years, the Muscovite court became a place of conspiracy between supporters of Dmitry, represented by his mother Elena, and supporters of Ivan's second-born son Vasili, represented by his mother and Ivan III's second wife, Sophia Paleologue. On 11 April 1502, Ivan III sent Dmitry and his mother Elena to prison. Three days later, Ivan gave Vasili the title of grand prince and autocrat of all Russia. In 1509, Dmitry died in prison.

Ancestry

Sources