A forensic facial reconstruction of Marfa Sobakina - Third wife of Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible) and Tzarina of All Russia.
Born 1552 – Died 1571
The beautiful merchant’s daughter was chosen from amongst 12 marriage finalists to become the wife of Ivan the Terrible. Soon after her selection, Marfa was afflicted by a mysterious illness. She became weak and lost weight rapidly. Barely able to stand, Marfa married Ivan in 1571 but died just two weeks later.
Ivan was devastated and Marfa’s death increased his paranoia and mistrust. Suspecting his wife was poisoned, he had several of his loyal subjects executed.
It is believed that the actual cause of Marfa’s death was a potion supplied by her mother to increase her fertility.
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