Stefan Zanovich Albanian adventurer. Pretender. Claimed to be Emperor Peter III, an Albanian prince. Date of Birth: 25.05.1752 Country: Albania

1. The Albanian Adventurer
2. Early Travels and Misadventures
3. Venice and France
4. Appearance in Potsdam
5. Holland and the Dutch War
6. Pretensions in Montenegro and Berlin
7. Poland and Literary Pursuits
8. The Duchess of Kingston
9. The Zanović Brothers in Shklov
10. Amsterdam and the Dutch Revolt
11. Imprisonment and Death

The Albanian Adventurer

Stefan Zanović, an Albanian adventurer and self-proclaimed pretender to the Russian throne, was a master of deception and a cunning manipulator. Born in Albania, he became infamous for his audacious schemes and his ability to swindle and charm his way into the hearts and pockets of the elite.

Early Travels and Misadventures

In 1770, Zanović and his brother embarked on a journey through Italy, where they encountered a young Englishman and swindled him out of 90,000 pounds in a game of cards. Their actions caused a scandal, leading to their expulsion from Tuscany and a criminal investigation.

Venice and France

Undeterred, Zanović continued his travels, visiting France and England. In Venice, he managed to escape prison after committing a major fraud, leaving the Venetian government to publicly hang his portrait instead.

Appearance in Potsdam

In Potsdam, Zanović adopted the title of "Albanian Prince" and captivated the Prussian prince and his wife with tales of his vast wealth and army. However, his reputation as a con artist soon preceded him, and he was forced to flee.

Holland and the Dutch War

In Holland, Zanović presented a letter of recommendation from the Venetian ambassador in Naples. Using this endorsement, he gained access to banks and wealthy individuals, swindling more than 300,000 guilders from them before disappearing. When the banks discovered the fraud, they demanded compensation from the Venetian ambassador, who denied any responsibility. The Dutch government intervened, prompting Venice to respond that they would not pay for someone they had publicly hanged. The conflict escalated into a war between Holland and Venice, which was eventually resolved through the mediation of Emperor Joseph II.

Pretensions in Montenegro and Berlin

Zanović then appeared in Montenegro, claiming to be the recently assassinated Stepan Mali. He later traveled to Berlin, presenting himself to Frederick II as Stepan Mali, who had previously impersonated Peter III. In a letter, he boasted of his supposed exploits against the Turks and his ability to manipulate the credulous people of Montenegro.

Poland and Literary Pursuits

In Poland, Zanović established relationships with magnates and engaged in literary activities, publishing a book about Stepan Mali in 1784. He also continued to use the surname "Warte," which coincided with that of the English Duchess of Kingston, whom he had met in Rome and who had been infatuated with him.

The Duchess of Kingston

Zanović had a significant influence on the Duchess of Kingston, who believed him to be a descendant of Albanian princes. She fell deeply in love with him and even planned to marry him. Zanović played a role in the duchess's attempts to gain favor with the Russian empress, Catherine II, and to establish herself as a political adventurer.

The Zanović Brothers in Shklov

Around 1781, brothers claiming to be related to Stefan Zanović settled in Shklov, where they involved themselves in dubious financial dealings. Accused of counterfeiting, they were imprisoned by Catherine II.

Amsterdam and the Dutch Revolt

In 1783, Stefan Zanović resurfaced in Amsterdam under the name "Tsarabaladas" but was imprisoned for debts. He was later ransomed by Polish supporters and became active in the Dutch revolt against Emperor Joseph II. However, he was soon arrested and charged with fraud.

Imprisonment and Death

In May 1785, Stefan Zanović was found dead in his prison cell, having apparently committed suicide by severing a vein in his arm. According to the Duchess of Kingston, he had taken poison concealed in a ring. As a suicide, he was buried without Christian rites or a formal funeral.

Stefan Zanović, a man of many aliases and grand schemes, left a legacy of deception and intrigue. His life, marked by audacious adventures and tragic end, serves as a cautionary tale of the allure and dangers of self-invention.