Alexei

Alexei, called PETROVITCH, the eldest son of Peter the Great of Russia, was born at Moscow in 1690. Having shown himself opposed to the reforms and innovations made by the emperor, he was excluded by Peter from the line of succession to the throne. With this decision he appeared to be satisfied, and declared his intention of spending the remainder of his days in a monastery; but escaped to Vienna, and thence went to Naples. He was induced to return to Russia, and soon after, the accomplices of his flight were punished with merciless severity. Alexei was condemned to death, but received a pardon; yet the agitation of the trial so affected his health, that he died in prison a few days after (1718). Other accounts assert that he was beheaded in prison. Alexei left a son, who, as Peter II., was elevated to the throne.