Anna Petrovna was born on 27 January 1708, in Moscow. She was the elder daughter of Emperor Peter I of Russia and Empress Catherine I of Russia. Anna was born out of wedlock, although her parents were married in 1712 and she was later legitimised. However, her early illegitimacy would pose challenges when time came for her to marry. Anna grew up in the houses of her aunt (on her father's side), Natalia, and Prince Alexander Menshikov. Although born illegitimate, Anna and her younger sister, Elizabeth, were awarded the titles of Princess ( tsarevna ) on 6 March 1711, and Crown Princess ( tsesarevna ) on 23 December 1721. Peter had planned to marry his daughters to foreign princes in order to gain allies for the Russian Empire. Anna and Elizabeth were educated with this in mind, learning literature, writing, embroidery, dancing, and etiquette. Anna would grow to become an intelligent and well-read girl who spoke four languages: French, German, Italian and Swedish. Foreign visi...