In 1611, a man emerged from obscurity and claimed to be Tsarevich Dmitry Ivanovich, the youngest son of Ivan the Terrible. This individual, reportedly a deacon named Sidorka, appeared in Ivangorod and proclaimed his royal lineage. His arrival came at a time of unrest, as the Cossacks were wreaking havoc near Moscow.
By March 2, 1612, he garnered enough support that the local gentry in Pskov pledged their allegiance to him under duress. He was often referred to as a rebel or criminal, known as the 'thief of Pskov.' His claims and actions attracted significant attention during the tumultuous period in Russian history known as the Time of Troubles.
However, his reign was short-lived. On May 18, 1612, he fled Pskov but was soon captured and handed over to the authorities in Moscow. After being seized, he was reportedly executed. The fate of this self-proclaimed prince illustrates the chaotic struggles for power in early 17th century Russia, where identities and loyalties shifted rapidly.
