False Dmitry I

ModernEmperorRussia1581 — 1606

Impostor who briefly seized the Russian throne.

Compare False Dmitry I with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1581

Died

1606

Country

Russia

Era

Modern

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)26

Political (20%)32

Influence (20%)49

Legacy (20%)39

Leadership (15%)38

Strategy (15%)55

Total Score40.8

False Dmitry I — Complete Timeline

1604 AD

Invasion of RussiaWar◆ Major

False Dmitry I, claiming to be the miraculously surviving Tsarevich Dmitry, invaded Russia from Poland with a mixed force of Polish nobles, Cossacks, and Russian exiles. He gained support from disaffected boyars and peasants.

InvasionPolandImpostor

Impact: national

1605 AD

Capture of Moscow and CoronationPolitical Action◆ Major

After Tsar Boris Godunov's sudden death, False Dmitry I entered Moscow and was crowned Tsar. He was recognized by the boyars and the populace, who believed him to be the legitimate heir.

MoscowCoronationImpostor

Impact: national

1606 AD

Marriage to Marina MniszechPolitical Action

False Dmitry I married Marina Mniszech, a Polish noblewoman, in Moscow. The wedding included Catholic ceremonies, which angered the Russian Orthodox Church and alienated many of his Russian supporters.

MarriagePolandOrthodox

Impact: national

Overthrow and AssassinationPolitical Action◆ Major

A boyar uprising led by Vasily Shuisky stormed the Kremlin. False Dmitry I was killed, his body was mutilated and burned. His brief reign ended, and Vasily Shuisky was proclaimed Tsar Vasily IV.

UprisingAssassinationShuisky

Impact: nationaltragic