Introduction
Dmitry Ivanovich Vnuk (the Grandson) (Russian: Дмитрий Иванович Внук) (1483–1509) was Grand Prince of Moscow between 1498 and 1502.
Dmitry's parents were Ivan the Young, crown heir of Moscow, and Elena, daughter of Stephen III of Moldavia. After his father's death in 1490 he became heir presumptive of Muscovy. In February 1498, Ivan III had his grandson, Dmitry, crowned grand prince of Vladimir, Moscow and all Russia.
Even after receiving the title and official position Dmitry Ivanovich did not play any political role in the Grand Duchy. On the other hand, his uncle Vasili received, from Ivan III of Russia, control of Novgorod and Pskov in 1499.
During the next 3 years Moscowy court became a place of conspiracy between supporters of Dmitry represented by his mother Elena and supporters of Ivan's second born son Vasili supported by his mother and Ivan III's second wife Sophia Paleologue.
On 11 April 1502 Ivan III sent Dmitry and his mother Elena to prison. Three days later Ivan made Vasili, autocrat of all Russia. In 1509, Dmitri died in prison.