Firstly let me assure you there are no GoT spoilers contained in this post, so sit back and relax. I also want to say I haven’t made any of this up. It all happened.
Many of the actions of the lords and ladies in Game of Thrones seem unbelievable and cruel, but compared to the life of Empress Anna of Russia they appear quite reasonable.
Anna was born in 1693, the daughter of Czar Ivan V, better known as “Ivan the Ignorant.” Her father was both mentally and physically deficient to such an extent that he would sit in a nearly vegetative state for hours. He was capable only of performing ceremonial functions as czar.
Anna’s mother was very traditional and that meant she did not get an education and was barely literate. Anna was also not blessed with looks either; it is said she had terrible manners and a grim demeanor.
But her notable lack of good qualities didn’t keep her from getting married. In 1710, she was wedded to Frederick William, the Duke of Courland. Anna was excited and glad to be married. The wedding was beautiful and possibly the best life would ever get for this lady.
