Meet Fyodor Andreyevich Makhnov — the tallest man in the Russian Empire!
Born on 19th (O.S.6) June 1878, near the village of Kostyuki, he grew to a height of 8 feet 3 inches, earning him the nickname of «The Russian Giant.» [* some sources claim that Makhnov’s height was 9 feet 3 inches]
As a young man in his twenties he toured Europe to exhibit his great height. During his visit to London in 1905, he joined the Hippodrome accompanied by his wife and young child. He then toured the United States in 1906 where he met President Teddy Roosevelt.
He then returned to Russia, where he died on 28th August 1912, at the age of 34, due to pneumonia, and likely complications of acromegaly. He was buried in a churchyard outside the village of Gorbachi. In 1939, his remains were exhumed for scientific research.
Makhnov was survived by his wife and four sons.
