Anastasia Romanov: Finding The Lost Princess

[@Biographics]

Hello everyone. We've been experimenting with a bit of a podcast (a few people were asking for audio versions so they can get Biographics while doing other things)! Fair warning: none of these are new biographies, but rather me having a bit more of a free form chat around the script. I'd love to know what you think, if these are useful, wanted etc :). Thanks, Simon. Links: iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/biographics-history-one-life-at-a-time/id1450405839?mt=2 Sitcher: www.stitcher.com/podcast/biographics-history-one-life-at-a-time Website: biographics.blubrry.net/ RSS: biographics.blubrry.net/feed/podcast/ Spotify: open.spotify.com/album/6N9PS4QXF1D0OWPk0Sxtb4 Trolled people: open.spotify.com/show/0JzjzwJcRqFZ3BcACtahh8?si=MG5HSm1oT0GTNm_r8_HQcg

[@Tinripp69]

Yay thy thanks for the Spotify

[@tsiky7smile]

Yes, definitely would listen to the podcasts!

[@vivianebeget]

Anna Anderson was princess she l knew all family secrets all palace

[@akaclaudi3927]

I love him

[@cutestkittensanimalrescuep8531]

I don't like it when people read other people's questions 4 viewers questions during a podcast. I like the format you have words the script and they're very in-depth. I have almost no patience to sit and listen other people's questions.

[@Makoto03]

I remember the Anastasia animated movie as a kid. I didn't know the real life story was so dark and depressing.

[@CharlieQuartz]

Once upon a December...

[@Maya.0114]

Considering some of the movie's dark tones, I suppose the depressing nature of the story was hinted at. I love dark and tragic stories though, which is probably why the animated movie was so mesmerising to me, to begin with.

[@TrafalgarD.Shambles]

Then theres the musical Anastasia...

[@Maya.0114]

@@TrafalgarD.Shambles lord I hated that

[@hollyc1697]

Hi Ami!!

[@ddiesel1836]

the Romanov reigned for 100 years? the dynasty started with the ascension of Michael Rommanov in 1613 until Nicholas II abdication in 1917; that's 304 years!

[@mattp7109]

I always learned they had a 300 year dynasty

[@SvrWxArchive1807]

I mean. There was a time in 1762 when the direct line of the Romanovs died out with Tsarina Elizaveta. So the next successor was Tsar Peter III, who was a minor German Prince. Thus began the reign of the House of Holstein-Gotterp-Romanov, which would mean that the specific line ruled for 155ish years. But the entire line is still considered the House of Romanov. But thought that was interesting to point out.

[@chickenjoelnuggito7316]

The "Russian" rulers after Empress Catherine the Great were all Germans. So basically the real Russians lasted on the throne for 100 years.

[@ddiesel1836]

@@SvrWxArchive1807 Peter III was the son of Ana Petrovna, Peter the Greats daughter. That makes him also a legit Romanov

[@ddiesel1836]

@@chickenjoelnuggito7316 all the Russian Tsars that succeed Catherine (up to Nicholas II) were decedent's od Catherine's son Paul I. Paul who succeeded Catherine was half German and half Russian. That doesn't make him German

[@MitchJohnson0110]

"Oh Princess Anastasia! I love this story!" "She was actually shot then covered in acid then burned, and her body was left out in the cold, Siberian wilderness." *oh*

[@edwarddon9711]

Mitchell Johnson don’t feel bad man Anastasia wasn’t one of the missing bodies in 2007 two of the missing bone fragments are found one is comfermed to be the prince and the other one is neither Anastasia or Maria but i likely belive that bone came from Maria because i still believe Anastasia survived

[@shindari]

@@edwarddon9711 She's more than likely long dead of old age, even if that body wasn't hers. Either way you look at it, the Fairy Tale is over.

[@Hyde_Hill]

@@edwarddon9711 I think you misunderstood the evidence. While they could not be sure which sister it was in the 2007 discovery they did know that all the bodies discovered where the Romanov's including the original find. The question thus is not if any of them was alive but if Anastasia was in the original grave or in the 2007 one.

[@Edmonton-of2ec]

Edward Don No, they confirmed its Anastasia.... they were able to get enough DNA out of the born fragments and tested it..... the Grand Duchess either died in the cellar, the truck, or the woods

[@neneg4340]

@@Hyde_Hill it was maria and alexei. Anastasia was in the grave with their parents.

[@prussianpotato6894]

Its pretty sickening how they slaughtered the Romanov family.

[@Coneman3]

Yes being bayonetted to death must be agonising beyond belief.

[@1212-e6y]

Prussian Potato nah not really they were bastards deserved it

[@ArturoParedesMexicanNerd471]

12 12 even the kids?

[@hunternichols9463]

@@1212-e6y If you think the the Romanovs deserved to be killed you're either a Communist or a really stupid person one

[@gong1616]

Imagine struggling to get anything to eat and there are some idiots in command of you that eat caviar for breakfast and wear jewels all the time. All that while sending you into a certain death.

[@clariceczarnecki135]

Their family's story is the saddest thing. I truly feel for them and the role they have in history.

[@Jio_w]

Yeah I wish I could go back in time and save them

[@flopsyrailwayproductions1434]

@@Jio_w I hate to burst your bubble, but there will be disastrous repercussions if you tamper with the fabrics of time.

[@redbitch3362]

@@flopsyrailwayproductions1434 lol

[@colbycraig1623]

@@flopsyrailwayproductions1434 well itll be for the better

[@flopsyrailwayproductions1434]

@@colbycraig1623 I'm confused, is it what I or @Jiovanny Williams said about what being for the better?

[@mwindanji6714]

Bedtime stories told by Rasputin. Nightmares for life.

[@brettrobinson2901]

Bet his stories beat the hell outta Creepy Pasta!

[@qthedisaster1730]

Imagine like if you woke up and he was just standing over you 'Trouble Sleeping Child' - Rasputin

[@vinnie9458]

They actually loved him to the end lol. I think I heard the girls actually kept a picture of him in a locket when they were imprisoned in that house. The Queen was totally brainwashed by him.

[@stephenvince9994]

Same as communism. Only been established a few months and they are off killing children. How anybody pursues this ideology is a complete mystery to me..

[@redshell8006]

Kate Mwariri he definitely did something awful behind closed doors

[@Mizuna]

I didn't think Miss Unknown looked like Anastasia at all.

[@Cissy2cute]

I agree. There were many differences, but I think that people wanted so much for her to be alive that they saw what they wanted to see. A very sad story all around.

[@Cissy2cute]

@Irose-No. She was a young woman who dreamed of being a princess. But what a life she had! That awful factory explosion left a lasting impression on her. How horrible it must have been! She had a lot of knowledge (and was also wrong about some things) because people, deliberately or not, were supplying her with information about the Romanovs and their lives. She was a smart woman and absorbed a lot of what people said to her. No one, I think, could ever make up such a fascinating story.

[@johnclhugyugihjbvgbkj9729]

Lyndi Williams More a young Emma/Hermione?

[@aragorniielessar1894]

Well she does look like Anastasia as she is Grand Duchess Anastasia Mikhailovna (1860-1921). But she does not look like the Anastasia who was the daughter of Nichoals II.

[@hestiac4176]

Miss unknown really did not look the same at all. There are way too many differences

[@GeorgiaGirl93]

The Romanovs reigned for over 300 years at the time of the revolution, not 100.

[@tobyelliott6175]

GeorgiaGirl93 Technically he is isn't wrong as 300 is over 100 years.

[@John-mf6ky]

I'm not very well versed in the Czar reign of Russia but as soon as I heard 100 years I knew it was wrong haha.

[@GeorgiaGirl93]

Toby Elliott I know he’s technically not wrong, but I am a HUGE fan of the Romanovs and I just couldn’t let that slide. And those pictures of “Anastasia” that he was showing of the women standing with a tiara on, the ones that were in sequence with Alexei at the beginning and the end, were not her.

[@jessthehuman]

Yeah I thought that sounded super short - I always thought of the Romanovs as being a pretty successful dynasty - as far as longevity is concerned anyway - obviously not the "end game" so to speak. I watched a whole multi-hour documentary on the Romanovs (I think it's called The Romanovs and freely available on YT) - seems like a weird thing to get wrong lol, surely of all the points in this story one might want to fact check...

[@indy_go_blue6048]

@@jessthehuman I may be off by a year plus/minus, but I heard in another Romanov historical video the reign lasted exactly 318 years. At any rate it was several centuries, not one.

[@sampriktaganguli3052]

The Romanovs were not executed. They were murdered.

[@talotalo1192]

The Romanovs were but out of life

[@ladykoiwolfe]

They were slaughtered.

[@zurdddtk3025]

Romnovs were executed cause of their crimes against the people

[@zurdddtk3025]

@@dimitrisergei1637 if not executed they would have been used as propaganda when the white army which was close by would have captured them which would continue the bloody civil war killing more millions and thousands of men women and children.

[@MegaGothrocker]

@@zurdddtk3025 Because millions of men, women and children weren't killed later on by the Commies in Russia alone, right? Go ahead and make me laugh some more please.

[@papi945]

Police: Anastasia is missing People: Who’s that? Police: A Grand Dutchess People: Oh that’s me

[@jaddiemannie7418]

hahahahah lol but keep in mind to not call her just Duchess because the title Duchess is different than Grand Duchess. Grand Duchess is translated as Grand Princess. That is because she is the daughter of an Emperor, so that means she doesn't have to bow to the daughter of a King

[@papi945]

Jaddie Mannie lol ok

[@The_Whimsical_Stenographer]

😂

[@frogglen6350]

I like how Americans got mad at the film for being historically inaccurate, but Russians were cool with the film.

[@frogglen6350]

@@darkcloud93 Dude, you can't blame an entire race for something that happened 100s of years ago by a minority party. That's gay. Remember, many Russians wanted her to live.

[@rd0676]

That's bc the Russians were all drunk

[@G5rry]

@@frogglen6350 100s?

[@r5037]

Outrage for events that you know little about is pretty silly but seems like all it takes is some kind of "well it was on tv!" to get outraged these days. Because of course the internet and tv never lie. Abraham Lincoln told me so.

[@bobby8012]

Russians don't even care that they get sent to gulag why would they even care about a film

[@ThatFanBoyGuy]

Walk into any mental asylum, and you will find at least one person that honestly thinks they are the reincarnation of a historical figure

[@JTA1961]

Good luck walking out

[@ladykoiwolfe]

Most people are. Just not usually the famous ones. Few souls are on their first lives.

[@onlyplayaseattacoswiththei9433]

@@ladykoiwolfe Why do you say that?

[@wonderland2023]

And once in a while they may be right!

[@honeymilano5325]

Willa Wolfendøttr yes you can always tell who’s on their first few lives though they act ignorant and their obsessed with MONEY and hurt anyone to get it not realizing they sabotaging their selves

[@loditx7706]

Of course Alexi's health was a closely guarded secret because at the time few hemophilia sufferers survived to adulthood. I always questioned how anyone could think he could have survived even one bullet wound to an arm or a leg since he would have bled out very quickly. I guess since his condition was not generally known people could hope for awhile.

[@Michael-hb4wc]

RIP Alexi 😔

[@immaniyaren7850]

@@Michael-hb4wc he was a brat but no kid deserves to die

[@Michael-hb4wc]

@@immaniyaren7850 I was wishing him peace in death.

[@suzanneh975]

Not only that but it was rumored that all the children suffered from hemophilia to some degree (inherited from mothers side, passed down by queen Victoria no less)

[@mariakelly5]

Exactly.

[@cozycasasmr4510]

Ms unknown and Anastasia look NOTHING alike wtf

[@elicrowleyycontreras1135]

Ther are still 20 years apart... Keep that in mind.

[@ΣοφοκλήςΤόλε]

@@elicrowleyycontreras1135 still basic features dont change eyes lips chin etc completely different

[@redw.2452]

And thats why the family wasnt giving up no money they did feel it was her

[@spicyshrimp4323]

Ikr!😂

[@inka-on6mt]

@@ΣοφοκλήςΤόλε You have to understand that her family and friends were clearly desperate

[@sapphazard8349]

The first family vlogging channel 👀

[@althea5251]

🤣🤣🤣

[@jalenxavier2072]

Rasputín was the family dog

[@charlesmoit5902]

And first selfie

[@requiredparticular6831]

Something that causes memory problems is also going to cause personality differences too. Though I hadn’t known they found the bones. Thanks!

[@vasilykovalenko697]

Her last name is supposed to be “Romanova”, because “Romanov” is for males

[@lucinae8512]

Tell that to Black Widow.

[@hijeejoo398]

Do masculine and feminine suffixes apply a subject's gender of the possessive pronoun and not just possessive nouns in Russian? Just curious.

[@extrapressure]

but it's her last name, from her father.

[@anotheraccount2052]

Hi Jeejoo I believe in all Slavic languages everything must agree For example when you say in serbo-Croatian Little Girl- Mala devojka It’s like how the Romance languages are to an extent.... I hope someone can explain this better then me

[@vasilykovalenko697]

Hi Jeejoo would you kindly rephrase your question? English is obviously not my first language and I have a hard time understanding your question

[@KabbalahSherry]

Wow, I never knew they found her body! 😞🥀 How sad. She was a young woman with her whole life ahead of her. Lenin was a friggin monster!

[@Excalibur_86]

Surplus History watch faux much? They want a govnt close to other western developed countries with universal healthcare, free tertiary education and liberal democracy.

[@darkcloud93]

comunist causing innocent deads, what are the odds....

[@christineparis5607]

@Surplus History It's obvious you have never been anywhere near a college student, or a college. You're just mindlessly parroting the lines fed to you...don't you have a brain of your own?

[@crushedcranium]

As are all communists... and socialists...

[@sebaseba6710]

Well, the Romanov were kinda cunts so you know

[@YokoshimaSTAR]

Once upon a December... It's December now and I'm watching this. I have left a mark behind me here and as I go.

[@neceebash6358]

I used to sing this with my whole heart

[@gailaldea8933]

No resemblance at all. The true princess have a delicate features compared to miss unknown. Glaring difference are their eyes ang jawline. Princess has soft jaw while miss unknown has strong angular jaw. .

[@LonelyLeliel]

When I was a kid, I identified with Anastasia from the movie so much, that I looked her up and learned about her real story. I still found her fascinating and now I’m going to write an alternate version of her my novel series. I’m so grateful for historical channels like yours! Thank you!

[@flopsyrailwayproductions1434]

In one of my upcoming videos, titled An LMS Patriot Class Act 2, which I plan to release on the 104th anniversiary of Anastasia Romanov's death, I'd have her spirit possess a blue 1984 Dodge Shelby Charger that would bhave the engine hotwired to the point where she would only play 1950's songs, and would serve as one of two secondary antagonists (alongside Ronald Conktip), who I plan to share that role with.

[@melodi_bunniez]

That's awesome! As a fellow writer, I've also wanted to write alternative versions of historical figures and events using my own characters and timeline!

[@OliviaLaferriere]

Awesome and good luck with that ❤

[@tokyo_taxi7835]

Um, Anastasia started smoking when she was 16. I don't know where you're getting some of these facts about her being vegetarian. Alexandra was vegetarian, but I don't recall ever coming across Anastasia advocating for vegetarianism because she "didn't want to be like Rasputin". As far as I've ever read, Anastasia welcomed Rasputin as a friend. Only Olga, who was much older, seemed to have any awareness of the political ramifications from Rasputin's involvement with her family.

[@letmeinyourwindow88]

and coming from a russian (royal and deeply spiritual) family they most likely fasted wednesday and fridays and over half of the year they gave up meat and dairy , so maybe that fact has been twisted

[@roseg.9519]

@@letmeinyourwindow88 exactly. But that's what many orthodox people do.

[@saygoodbyetofate]

THIS. I was rolling my eyes at that whole segment.

[@reybensoulmates6498]

I heard too that Olga's love interest (a soldier who fell for in hospital) had even offered to kill Rasputin himself to stop the danger he was bringing to the family as far as their standing with the ppl. Edit: they fell in love while she was caring for him when he was wounded.

[@yankee2666]

" I don't know where you're getting some of these facts about her being vegetarian. Alexandra was vegetarian." Rather than insinuate that the "facts" are disingenuous, why don't you pose a question? "I don't recall ever coming across Anastasia advocating for vegetarianism." Why would a child in a royal family advocate for anything? Advocating seems almost distinctly and predominately American. "...seemed to have any awareness." Your comments are riddled with speculation. You might do well to ask more questions - at least, that's one of the primary ways I arrive at conclusions. DaVinci did pretty well with it also.

[@marywinchester1322]

I will always love the animated movie Anastasia. A dark yet amazing fairy tale.

[@Rebelheart1985]

My only problem with it is that Rasputin and Anya needed more one on one time before the big battle

[@corvettedm1]

Thank you, Simon. I’m looking at all of my history books that surround me in my new house in California. A broken neck, suffered in a car crash 9 years ago, has kept me from reading as much as I used to. Your videos are a comfort to me, and I look forward to each one. The Romanov family has fascinated me for years. Thank you for your informative content. It is delivered in a manner that is comprehensive and entertaining. I appreciate the respect given to all that are reported about and hope that you will continue as long as you can. Feel free to comment upon any spelling or grammatical errors on my part! Di

[@JOONBUGFILMS]

Even though I know what happened to Anastasia I still personally like to think she made it out alive mainly because I like the idea for a story Also let's face it by this point Anastasia escape has become a Russian fairy tale

[@marieshenk1091]

Miss Joonie B films same I like to think that Anastasia survived because if she were to come out as Anastasia than she would obviously be killed

[@trawlins396]

@@marieshenk1091 She definitely didn't survive.

[@christoffellner84]

Fairy tales are of course easier to accept than brutal reality. It were the Soviets themselves that actually helped to spread those rumors by stating that although former Tsar Nicolai II. had been executed, the rest of the family was brought to security. Soon afterwards, in early 1919, the White Army sent a...lets call it special investigator, a former Judge, Nikolai Socolov. And he could proof in a book published just after his own death in France, that the entire family was shot and burnt. Many refused to believe it. And although he never found their burial site he came pretty close to it. The book even contains an actual photography of the grave, unknowingly though. Yet, it was the one hint, those who found the burial place 60 years later, in 1979 needed.

[@meenam206]

THAT PICTURE OF RASPUTIN AT 3:49 IS T E R R I F Y I N G

[@yassi8814]

These innocent children had to suffer so much. Absolutely heartbreaking 💔💔

[@remar1213]

I’m so in love with Russian history, these rumours about Anastasia truly fascinates me.

[@trawlins396]

They're truly just rumors. She didn't survive.

[@Suibhne]

Really enjoying this show

[@brobroman425]

Okay

[@sciencmath]

Where does Bartok the bat fit into this?

[@FlyToBeach]

sciencmath I am dying! LOL! Haha!

[@Hsvdm_89]

Hahahaha

[@darthgueule9870]

Probably buried next to the rotted corpses of her and her sister, whom died violently, possibly even raped before they were shot. But that's hilarious...

[@sciencmath]

@@darthgueule9870 You gave away the punchline of my Romanov family Aristocrats joke...

[@SO-jc9bp]

😂 😂 😂

[@blindbookworm8019]

I love reading about the Romanovs.

[@donhatter159]

Same

[@blindbookworm8019]

@@donhatter159 Which books have you read about them? I have a whole playlist of books that I have read about them. I loved the book “The Romanov Empress”. Please let me know. Not a lot of people have the same interests as me. They just think I’m weird and a nerd LOL!!!

[@oscarc.3597]

@@blindbookworm8019 Have you read Pierre Gillard's book? He was one of the closest persons to the Imperial Family, especially to Alexei.

[@trawlins396]

@@blindbookworm8019 The Romanovs are a very popular subject. A lot of people love reading about them. You're not odd.

[@blindbookworm8019]

@@trawlins396 yay thank you for the encouragement :-)

[@louisakost620]

"Romanova" because she's a woman)

[@kenxclout]

Louisa Kost why is language so complicated 🙄

[@louisakost620]

Ken Fulton {Baby Elder} because it's Russian 💪)))

[@miyojewoltsnasonth2159]

@@louisakost620 Because we are communicating in English -- not Russian -- it's Romanov, not Romanova or Романова. I am, however, glad we are all writing Romanov instead of Romanoff.

[@sciencmath]

@@kenxclout Read Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. Some of the names get really long and weird.

[@elsakristina2689]

@@louisakost620 It's not just Russian, it goes for all Slavic languages.

[@m.s.4238]

The woman at 0:30 is not Anastasia, daughter of Nicholas II. She is Grand Duchess Anastasia Mikhailovna, a granddaughter of Nicholas I of Russia. She died in 1922 at age 61, whereas Anastasia Nikolaevna was murdered with her family in 1918, at the age of 17.

[@ignitionfrn2223]

1:30 - Chapter 1 - The young life of anastasia 7:15 - Chapter 2 - The last days of the romonovs 9:30 - Chapter 3 - Anna anderson 12:55 - Chapter 4 - DNA Evidence

[@losthart5577]

Simon is such an eloquent speaker that when I even just read the paper to myself, I do it in Simons voice..

[@t.crockett5992]

LOL. Yes, I love his particular British accent, though I do not like all British accents.

[@SewerKid1]

The palaces and the family would have been "imperial palaces/family" rather than royal, since Nicholas was an emperor, not a king. It's interesting that you consider Anastasia's boredom when it came to learning with a sign of being highly intelligent. I don't remember if it was Gibbes or Gilliard who wrote that at some point she just stopped caring about learning. As per memories of the tutors and their care takers, Anastasia never stroke me as being particularly bright. Only Olga and maybe Tatiana seemed to have some level of intellectual curiosity. Also, I've never heard/read about Nicholas' drug use. Would you mind sharing your sources for that? I did a (lazy) search on forums about the Romanov family, and nothing came up. Robert Massie and others never mentioned it on their works. It's interesting because despite being used for medical purposes with great liberty, Nicholas and Alexandra refused to give derivates of opium to Alexei to manage the pain of his internal injuries, because they were aware that it caused addiction.

[@syoung320]

I too would like sources for the drug use. I am a Russian history major with a particular interest in the Romanov dynasty and i have never heard of the drug use. I would be interested to see if this is true!

[@Cissy2cute]

@@alanedark1538 - Cocaine was a commonly used medication at the time. It was used for a number of ailments. So Nicholas taking cocaine was nothing out of the ordinary. Few people became addicted to it because it was taken responsibly. Of course today, things are way different. Opium dens were the real drug problems in the 1880s and early 1900s. I too agree that Anastasia found learning difficult and was a problem child when it came to being tutored. But she must have been fun to be around as she liked to entertain people.

[@dawndonivan3089]

I did read by Helen Rappaport that they had morphine and some other drugs with them. Dr Evgeny Botkin had a painful kidney infection and they allowed for him to use some. Interesting fact: Ipatiev Monestary was where the Romanov dynasty began and Ipatiev house where it ended. I always wondered if the family knew that house was owned by someone with that last name.

[@the-kilted-trucker59]

Well there are a few reasons that Anastasia might have been a problem student. 1 is it possible she was dyslexic? 2 was the lessons challenging her or was it to simple? ( since she was the youngest daughter its possible she had learnt it from her sister.) 3 none of the lessons where of interest to her. Over the years I have learned that people learn more if it relates to their interests. Low grades do not show failure in learning, ( testing brain freeze). Lastly even though dyslexia is known and how to identify it. Many cases slip by the teachers. School never challenged me, went 13 years and never was recognized as dyslexic and my grades where not the best.

[@frank-gavinmoratalla7942]

Wow! First ya gave me Elizabeth Bathory and now Anastasia Romanova! Two obsessions from my youth! Thanks for two great videos this week!! Now if you could do a Mata Hari video, it would be an absolute perfect trifecta!!!

[@taebundy658]

I’ve just watched this episode for the 4th time and I must say...... I loved it more than the three previous times. You & your group make the most interesting, thought-provoking, and entertaining clips in all of You Tube. HANDS DOWN! You interjecting part of yourself in these stories is what makes them great. Please keep up the awesome work!

[@doncarlin9081]

I highly doubt the Tzar or his family were beloved by the masses, most who were working long working hours and starving. It was the Tzar's refusal to enact any kind of reforms and hide out in his palaces hanging out with Russian nobility partying his life. That said they didn't deserve to be executed and this showed the depravity of Lenin.

[@AnzuBrief]

The children did not deserve it. I believe the Tzar, if not the Queen as well, very much deserved it.

[@jesusislordsavior6343]

Don Carlin The war was still on when Nicholas was deposed, and even his allies did not want him in power any longer. Exile to England, where a close relative was sitting on the throne, was one option. (Most of the European monarchs were closely related.) But the British were afraid of revolution 'from below', Russian style, so it was decided NOT to accommodate cousin Nicky and his family. So if you like, there is a bit of English depravity thrown in. As for German depravity: they were hoping to gain an advantage over the Allies, so they sent Lenin on a long journey from neutral Switzerland, through Germany and neutral Sweden to St. Petersburg, where he began to make trouble. In 1918 Lenin obliged additionally by surrendered huge chunks of Russian territory to the Germans. After that he was free to wage war on the Russian people, when they did not give a majority in the Constituent Assembly. (Romans 3:10) 'There is none righteous, not even one............'

[@andreas-pryce]

The revolution was a case of out of the frying pan into the fire. I don't suppose the masses loved Stalin. There was support for the monarchy amongst the White Russians who fought against the Bolsheviks.

[@Elly3981]

Unfortunately, Tsar Nicholas II did contribute to the downfall of his family, that much is true. The Romanavs lived lives of great luxury while the rest of their people struggled in poverty. Tsar Nicholas doomed his family by showing indifference to the suffering of his people. That being said, his children were still innocent and didn't deserve to die the way they did.

[@nv-wx5rh]

this is my new favourite channel. really informative and very well done.

[@oliviertremblay2076]

Just want to say a big thank you for those nice history capsules that you put on for free, its great to listen to someone passionate about his topic and wanting to share it with others!

[@TheJeffylicious]

They already found the remains of Anastasia and Alexi. There is no more mystery.

[@darcy1874]

Jeff Weinstein it was Alexi and Maria they found. Anastasia was never missing as she was in the first grave discovered in the 70's according to the documentary by the scientist who conducted the DNA testing.

[@roses-of-the-romanovs]

@@darcy1874 Not exactly so. There is still debate over the identity of Skeleton No. 6. Some believe it is too tall and too old to be Anastasia and is Maria, while others believe the skull shows the face to be Anastasia. DNA testing would not help either, as we don't have samples from their lifetimes. DNA testing tells us their relatives, but the girls had the same relatives as they were sisters.

[@shawnhensley4884]

Simon I believe this was one of my favorites. What a beautiful way to look at this story. Well done sir. Well done indeed.

[@De-Dekkers]

I love how kind your words were at the end of the video. You're a great guy.

[@SlashinatorZ]

Stalin should have been the villain of the animated movie

[@MrAlexnastase97]

You mean Lenin?

[@FunBotan]

What role is left for Hitler then lol

[@SlashinatorZ]

@@MrAlexnastase97 Lenin died when she was little. Stalin was in power when she grew up

[@RemyJackson]

Darth Vegeta is referring to the year the animated movie is set, which would be 1926. However Lenin had died 2 years prior to that, and the Russian Premier at the time was Alexei Rykov.

[@matthewfergudon8627]

Atlantis the lost empire althistory Russian a Atlantiean warrior said I'm not going to hurt you be silent we temtement well would be OK them 8 mintue late reply who are you what going do to me with angry more than anything

[@jamiemohan2049]

No, how could they take pity on the youngest two when Alexei was one of the main targets and also shot and killed after his two older sisters. Maria and Anastasia were the two people would of took pity on. Anastasia was likely shot and stabbed in the face and killed. Maria was pistol whipped into passing out. She sat up and screamed while being moved out to the car. She was still alive while being put into the truck and likely died of hr wounds. The guy that claimed to have saved Anastasia, didn't know what she looked like, all members were saturated in blood and it was dark out. He couldn't have identified her. Anna Anderson is the one that made the idea of Anastasia living famous. Anastasia was also 17 when she died, not 16.

[@robertmusacchio3088]

Anna Anderson claimed to have been saved by a Red soldier w/a name like Tschaikovsky, not the name Simon used. She said they fled eventually to Bucharest. She claimed also to have borne and lost a child by him. The very existence of this man has never been confirmed.

[@jamiemohan2049]

@@robertmusacchio3088 yep. Though one of the soldiers did claim to have rescued one of the girls that night out of the truck. Obviously wrong, or a cover up by the Russian government.

[@thejackal9834]

"In the dark of the night, terror will find her in the dark of the night, evil will brew soon she will feel, that her nightmares are real in the dark of the night, she'll be through"

[@anastasiamorales982]

My name is anastasia and I always have people asking me “are you related to the princess anastasia?” or “did your parents name you after the princess?”

[@lochness96]

You know I'm happy Anna got to live a life of luxury as well though. She had also gone through traumatic experiences and got to live the life of a rich royal in New York, good for her.

[@irock101402]

My family in my maternal grandmother's side are direct descendants of Czar Nicholas Romanov. My grandmother, when she was alive, made me swear to never mention it to anybody as she was afraid someone would come looking for us and wipe us out, even in the United States so many years later. My family fled Russia to the United States years ago in exile, had their names changed at the border (like so many other immigrants at the time) a hid all proof of our lineage away for many years. My grandfather still has items, property and pictures, that belonged to the Romanov family and came directly from their estate. They are gorgeous and priceless. I, however, will recieve none of them since I am a female. Some of the pictures maybe but things like the royal seal and anything of any real value will go to my make cousin when my grandfather passes away. The only thing I have that hints at my lineage is a Faberge egg that was given to me by my grandmother when I was born. Apparently, Czar Nicholas and his family had an affinity for them and my grandmother did as well. My maternal great grandfather looks just like Nicholas and my cousin is named after him. My mother looked just like Anastasia when she was a girl. I sometimes wonder, when I look at my mom, if I'm looking at a face similar to Anastasia's had she been able to reach adulthood. I have an aunt who is still alive, last I heard, living on a huge estate in a mansion somewhere in Austria. My mom used to spend time there in the summer but once she grew up, internationally cut communication with that side of the family because my dad was American and she didn't want him to feel "disconnected and left out" or feel "bad because she had wealthy foreign family and he didn't have money or property or a family name or title". I'm not sure I will ever forgive my mom for depriving me of that part of my heritage and family. Now, I get to begin the journey of finding them again so my children won't miss out on such a crucial part of who they are, like I did. My children are learning to speak Russian and are learning all about their Russian family and heritage and ancestors. I have little doubt that it's completely safe now lol. I only hope I can reconnect with such a rich part of my culture and heritage.

[@piratesswoop725]

Nicholas II has no living descendants, only his two younger sisters Ksenia and Olga do. Sounds like your family made up some bs and tried to pass it off as true.

[@irock101402]

@@piratesswoop725 Not that I have anything to prove to anyone but, if it makes YOU feel better, I will re-word what I stated before. My family is from the same bloodline as Nicholas. We are related through my maternal grandmother to the Romanov family. Better...? There is plenty of proof. Unfortunately, I am just now gaining access to most of it and only now learning of exactly how we are related since it was kept from me for most of my childhood. What happened to my family was violent and terrifying and my grandmother refused to speak in detail about most of it. She was fearful of the repercussions. Granted, there wouldn't have been any but it didn't matter to her. She had no reason to lie. She wasn't planning on using the information to gain anything. Again, I don't owe you or anyone else any explanations. I felt it was important however to clarify because I don't appreciate anyone calling me grandmother a liar. Again, our shared bloodline is some thing I am proud of that few can claim. It was something that was kept from me due to an irrational fear and I have made the decision to research more into my family tree and learn as much as I can about my very rich family history so I can share the truth with my children and give them the opportunity that I was deprived.

[@larajan8240]

That’s so cool! What percentage of you is Russian?

[@rosa578]

Christi Meyer how is your grandma related to Nicholas II when he has no descendants?? Just curious

[@alexferg13]

Very cool!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@janicetrent9694]

Thanks again Simon for another great video. This is such a sad story. Nickolas wasn't a great leader but the kids didn't deserve what they got. Ann Anderson's story was also sad, but she in the beginning wasn't claiming to be Anastasia. Like you said though Ann's life gave people hope. Glad that she was given a second chance. Great video. Keep up the good work.

[@hpyles30241]

Thank you for what you said at the end and with the videos I've watched tonight. You really try to make sure that people of today really understand the thoughts and view points of history. Anastasia was a free spirited even if an imp of a child who would have been proud to inspire hope. This woman was not a con but a lost confused hopeless woman who had others put this possibility into motion. She had lost everything.

[@TheMarionick]

The Romanovs' story is my favorite historical event. The tragedy of it really intrigues me, as well as everything regarding Rasputin.

[@fcv4616]

Listening to the real life story of Anastasia Romanov makes me appreciate how well did the creators of the animated 1997 movie “Anastasia” did their job. Sure, it’s a fantasy movie, a faerie tale-esque historical fiction: but I like how they took snippets of real history that echo through the fantasy, such as Anastasia’s tomboyish personality, the legend of the boy that saved Anastasia and her brother, the trauma-induced amnesia, the “reunion” with the dowager empress, and Rasputin’s alleged magical abilities.

[@kaylew108]

Anastasia, as well as the rest of the royal family spoke French as their first language though. She wouldn't have had a Russian accent

[@anotheraccount2052]

Kay Lew but she was more exposed to Russian on a daily basis so her Russian would be stronger

[@vasilykovalenko697]

^this Plus the fact, that her german teacher would probably communicate with her on Russian

[@elsakristina2689]

No. She spoke Russian with her father and siblings and they all spoke English with the Empress. They only started learning French when Pierre Gilliard was assigned to Alexei as his tutor and then he started teaching the girls too.

[@jamiemohan2049]

English was their first language followed by French. French was the official language of the court. Their tutor said their French accents weren't great only Anastasia's and they struggled to write in French. The eldest two Romanov daughters had a strange accent that sounded Irish at times or completely due to their governess or nanny being from County Limerick in Ireland. The Empress tried to get rid of the accents but wasn't entirely successful. Alexandra had English people come to try and correct their accents, she was successful with the three younger kids. Alexandra, Maria, Anastasia and Alexei likely had accents very similar to a posh English person. Alexandra was raised simply by English nannies and wanted her kids to be raised like her. But in saying that many remarked Maria never gave off vibes that she was posh.

[@jamiemohan2049]

+Another Account they actually weren't exposed to much Russian. The official language of the court was French but the children were primarily raised by English speaking people. They also weren't exposed much to the outside world. English was their main language. Same with Alexandra, though German she was raised by English nannies and surrounded by everything English.

[@rev.jesseabelchristianlife6693]

Very sad! My Great Grandmother's Father was a Russian Duke and fled Russia in 1918 along with many other Russian nobles. He couldn't speak of it without crying, the revolution took everything from him, his estate and assets were confiscated. Before the revolution he was also an imperial court portrait painter to the crown.

[@enkiimuto1041]

how did he survive?

[@rev.jesseabelchristianlife6693]

He escaped because he managed to get to the coast where ships could get them out. Once out of Russia he worked as a goldsmith in New York.

[@marso8781]

Cool!

[@DianeOBCD]

Of course it was really nice to be a Duke. My great grandmother's father was extremely poor factory worker, his daughter (my great grandmother, who was born in 1927 and died last year) survived the hunger, but her other siblings did not. Of course, the Revolution was messy and bloody, that's why it is called the Red Revolution. But revolutions don't just start out of nowhere, people were suffering. Idk, just the idea of the former Duke, who had to work hard and was crying about it, ALTHOUGH EVERYBODY IN THE WHOLE EMPIRE had to work just as hard, makes me think of karma. It's not about your grandfather, I am sure he was a nice man.

[@robertmusacchio3088]

Yes I've heard this view of the Russian Revolution put more or less the same way. To go further, it's terrible that Lenin ordered the brutal murder of all the Romanov royal children (and many of their extended Family as well), but countless families, children included, were murdered throughout the Romanov Empire for centuries. It's a simple fact that Nicholas II is known for unleashing many vicious pograms against the Jews.

[@hanc724]

Young Anastasia was a chaotic neutral, thank you for coming to my TED talk

[@virginagobetz4756]

Thank you Simon for your intelligent and compassionate narration of this very tragic episode.That being said,I noticed in the comments people referring to A movie(singular) there were at least two films about the murder of the Romanovs."Anastasia"starring Ingrid Bergman and "Nicholas & Alexandra"I can only hope people dd not accept as history something produced by the Walt Disney animation department.

[@SincerelyJez]

Simon, you have taught me so much in the last few years. Your videos are so well done and so informative. Thank you for all your hard work.

[@fuccckckkkkckkck]

There are a lot of historical inaccuracies in his videos 😅

[@danniellefenton-johnston8123]

in russain anastasia is Ah-nah-stah-si(see)-yah

[@Cissy2cute]

Right. I asked a woman from St. Petersburg how to properly pronounce her name and it is exactly as you wrote. Beautiful name.

[@kknives36]

Ho Chi Minh: The man of many names.

[@spankyx813]

Biographics is definitely my favorite 😬

[@andrewhoyle1521]

I read about this in 1991. I NEVER EVER believed she was Anastasia

[@perfectstudents8361]

I'm not a fan of Mao Zedong in China. But unlike Lenin, Mao spared the lives of the last Chinese Emperor Puyi and his royal family when the Qing Empire was overthrown. Even after Puyi staged a second comeback as a Manchukuo Emperor, he was only imprisoned for a short time and allowed to live until his natural death.

[@dioni5580]

@SunsetStranger i think the children allowed to live

[@seanwalsh3198]

Nothing of what you said is true, watch his video on Puyi where he is sent to a labor camp by mao.

[@Edmonton-of2ec]

Mao only did that to make himself look better than Soviet communists. Something tells me if it was somehow politically beneficial, he would have had no qualms executing the former Emperor

[@thelittleredhairedgirlfrom6527]

Sean Walsh I think that’s what OP meant by “imprisoned”.

[@annorakanon]

I remember how my mom sometimes told and retold some stories and myths about her...

[@bibiinspades1953]

I remember watching the movie as a kid Rest in peace Anna and family

[@YokoshimaSTAR]

7:11 The way they're sitting... what a beautiful rare photo....

[@lalalalalalwlla]

It is not rare photo. It is their official portrait of 1913.

[@btetschner]

I have always thought that these two stories were great, but this video just made them even better. Fantastic video (I might just be accidentally watching the very best ones). Thank you for the video.

[@stephenlane9168]

Another fantastic video Simon 👌

[@ThomasHarding1990]

I'm going to be a condescending git lol She and her sisters were Grand Duchesses of Russia, a "Princess of Russia was a male line great-granddaughter of a Tsar/Emperor. The were an Imperial family as opposed to a Royal one. And her "name" was Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova. Now I'll pipe down lol.

[@gusbart5856]

Nice to have this, before going into lostbelt. Preperation is key 🌚

[@irock101402]

The name Alexi is pronounced more like Alex-say not Alex-ee.

[@AA-np5tj]

Christi Meyer okay hermione

[@vanessastmv9336]

@@AA-np5tj so funny 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣

[@haneenhugaz5142]

Christi Meyer no it wasn’t

[@taebundy658]

Almost forgot........ your pronunciation of the different languages is spot on! You do a wonderful job.

[@kevinnejat6991]

Love your videos, story telling if very important to keep audience engaged. Very clear recording, clear sound, right to the point. Well done , keep it up

[@Edmonton-of2ec]

Guys, when they refer to the hundred year reign over Russia, they are referring to the House of Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov, the House whose first monarchy was Paul I, who became Emperor in 1796, with the monarchy ended in 1917, give or take close to century. This because the House of Mikhail Romanov is not the House of Nicholas II because matrilineal successions (the one in question being that of Paul’s mother, Catherine II [the Great]) always changes the name of the dynasty. So it was both a century and 3 centuries. You are all both right and wrong

[@jesusislordsavior6343]

CanadianPrince If you are what you claim to be, and are so knowledgeable about the principles of royal succession; if we have Governors-General who are such lousy employers, what are we doing, still dallying with those Brits after more than 150 years? Is Liz to be followed inexorably by William and Kate? (Psalm 146:3) 'Do not trust in princes, in mortal man, in whom there is no salvation.' But there IS salvation in the King of Kings.

[@Edmonton-of2ec]

@@jesusislordsavior6343 Drop the pretension and preach elsewhere. It isn’t the Queen, nor is it even the Prime Ministers fault that Payette was a bad person. It was the Prime Ministers fault for fronting someone so obviously unqualified though

[@jesusislordsavior6343]

@@Edmonton-of2ec Just fishing. I never said that it was the PM's fault, only that it is a strange system. Of course they have more important things to think about, with the pandemic! However, if I have exposed a raw nerve on account of Jesus, I'm glad I wrote. I wish you only the best, and thanks for responding.

[@Edmonton-of2ec]

@@jesusislordsavior6343 I have no tolerance for unnecessary proselytizing, especially in such a condescending manner

[@noaha.b.8197]

Could you please make an episode about Augusto Pinochet?

[@marcalexfleury9112]

I agree. An episode of Augusto Pinochet must be made please.

[@georgia8865]

whos that?

[@DeannaBaileytheRavensFan]

I'd like to see a Biographics episode on George Carlin.

[@John-mf6ky]

Aye, good recommendation!

[@christineparis5607]

Yes!!!!

[@JoeySocko]

I would also.

[@erocket4490]

Dude was the coolest damn alien ever recorded! Behind jimi Hendrix

[@jessiehermit9503]

Me, too.

[@oscaribarra6227]

Closing statement made be teary eyed.

[@Seraphimgirl1]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@princekrazie]

Remember, she would be about 117 years old today. She could be still alive! Somebody find her!

[@wp4866]

i did. she is living with elvis in narvik, norway.

[@spunchbob360]

Ikr it's hard to believe this wasn't long ago

[@barbarachase5824]

Thank you for this informative video...

[@MegaTuber86]

Just finished The Last Czars on Netflix, really well told version of the Romanovs story.

[@tarotlondon]

I saw a documentary about how they died in that small room and were all shot in front of each other, it chilled me to my core, terrible! Thank you for all your bios! I just discovered your channel and I'm hooked!!

[@highlandoutsider]

Man, I don't quite understand why, but hearing how it really turned out was a real gut punch, my heart sank when you got to that part.

[@--Paws--]

I remember they were distant relatives of the House of Winsor, and to the current Queen of England. In a documentary it shows how they would sometimes visit a summer cottage in England. However, when the Romanov's needed them most, they were not allowed to visit or were turned away. The rest is history as they say...

[@trawlins396]

That's not true. The King wanted them to come but they couldn't travel because the girls had chicken pox. By the time they were able to travel the King couldn't get permission from Parliament. And Queen Elizabeth isn't a "distant" relative. Her grandfather was a FIRST cousin to Tsar Nicholas. They look like twins.

[@--Paws--]

@@trawlins396 Ah, that's right they're cousins. The chicken pox detail is not the one many of the videos did not include.

[@trawlins396]

@@--Paws-- He probably didn't have time to include it. There's tons he left out.

[@winliestephanielangi9391]

I feel bad for the family and for the little princess. People were crazy back then. I guess things never change.

[@chadmorgan6942]

The parents were scary they were nasty👀😬

[@joansmith3296]

I have read extensively about the Romanovs nut this is the first I've heard about drug use by Nicholas. I realize that is illegal and harmful now was not so in those days. But I did read in several places that Alexis, who suffered from hemophilia, would undergo excruciatingly painful episodes of internal bleeding for months at a time, which explains why Rasputin became so important to the family. He exhibited some kind of powerful ability to relieve the boy's suffering, as his parents refused to administer morphine because it was so addicting. I find it hard to believe Nicholas took cocaine.

[@jordan321able]

Ive been binge watching these biographical but this one was amazing in it's story and I loved it.

[@eliasdanaskos139]

Simon they need to put you and your show on the history channel, the sky is the limit for you I love your history telling

[@ScorpionFlower95]

I remember reading that it was Maria's body that was never found and not Anastasia's

[@lorie76yt]

Scorpion Flower I thought so too, that it was Maria and Alexis whose bodies were found in the separate grave. In the 20’s and 30’s there were just as many rumours that it was Maria who had survived and also rumours that Alexis had survived as well. I don’t remember his name now, but there was a man who claimed to be Alexis for a very long time and even had some supporters. I’m really enjoying these mini bio docs and I understand how much research has to be done, but I wish whoever sources the images would try a little harder to verify that they are actually the person they are saying they are. It seems like in every one of these, there are images that don’t match the subject person and it hurts my ‘history lover’ heart a little every time :0 :) ps I’ve read a ton of stuff about the Romanovs over the years, written by historians and by people who knew them personally and closely and I have never read anything about Nicholas being a drug addict or that Anastasia had any hard feelings toward him, all of that came totally out of left field and I agree with the person who said it sounded more like sensationalized gossip than fact

[@ejaubel]

Depends on if you ask American or Russian scientists.

[@chonk_fox89]

The most media covered American scientist said Anastasia, others and the Russians have always said Maria

[@lorie76yt]

@@chonk_fox89 Ah! That's really interesting :)

[@fragmentarygirl]

I know this is very late, but a documentary that I watched claimed that all of their bodies had been found. I’m not sure if this is true though.

[@oliver297]

Far away, long ago, glowing dim as an ember, things my heart used to know, once upon a December. If you've seen the animated movie you should know what this is.

[@salma4193]

That’s heartbreaking, I just imagine the family in their last moments. All knowing death awaited, even Aleksi. And then they line them up and murder them. So many people have been executed in fear of them regaining power.

[@kylemohs8728]

They didn't know. They were only told seconds before they were shot. It was inconceivable that they might kill the kids, even lenin knew it would be a public relations disaster which is why so many myths arose about their possible survival afterwards. The Soviet state went out of its way to bury the story, even after they admitted to executing the Czar the fait of the children was surrounded in legend until their bodies were found. If you have the heart for it I recommend watching The Last Czars on Netflix, it is a very dark but fascinating look at the history of it.

[@marcinbelka1868]

It is very good that these degenerates and their spoiled brats have been murdered. There really is no one to cry here.

[@multienthusiast1843]

@@marcinbelka1868 Oh my God, they weren't spoiled !

[@Alexander-zt9kz]

@@marcinbelka1868 They weren't spoiled. They were naive, sweet children who outside of royalty, were raised like any other children, in a loving close-knit family.

[@emilybaumgardner2601]

@@marcinbelka1868 except they weren’t spoiled at all. They didn’t sleep on fine beds; they were made to sleep on hard and uncomfortable cots without pillows (unless they were ill). They were expected to clean instead of having servants do it for them, and they even had to do needlework to sell at charity events. Dear god, what a life of luxury 🙄

[@halieyjones1819]

Learned a lot more than what I did know about Anastasia. Thanks! New subscriber!

[@retrovideoquest]

Very insightful... I knew that Anna Anderson had been disproved as the "real " Anastasia, but didn't know the full story. Interesting how Anastasia's tragedy became another woman's salvation.

[@libertygiveme1987]

I was ALWAYS FASCINATED by the 'Romanov Family'!!! They were so BEAUTIFUL, and Anastasia and her brother's story were even SADDER!!!! Thank-You Simon and Staff for this story!!!!

[@trawlins396]

Everyone is fascinated by the Romanovs.

[@gavinvonwillingh8156]

Hey Biographics ! Nice video on Anastasia. How about one on her dad, Tsar Nicholas II, the last emperor of Russia please ? Would be nice to focus on how they changed from the Russian Empire to the Soviet union and what lead to the House of Romanovs downfall in 1917 after 300 long years.

[@trawlins396]

I agree. The fable of Anastasia is interesting but enough already. I'd rather hear about Tsar Nicholas.

[@nadiasanz3779]

A series of the Romanov Dynasty would be even better and more interesting. In adittion to Peter and Catherine thee great and Anastasia, the other memebers.

[@lindze8075]

I love how I watch these for fun and my school has me watch them for history also lol 😂

[@scottmitchell358]

I love Biographics. Thank you all.

[@philinaweddington4077]

Your channels are so wonderful. I appreciate the countless hours you must put into such interesting, enjoyed, and visually interesting content.