Dmitry I was the son of Grand Prince Alexander Nevsky of Russia, but came to the throne on the death of his uncle Vasily in 1276. He had been briefly prince of Novgorod before becoming Grand Prince, and during his reign became prince of Novgorod again in addition to his other title. In 1281, his younger brother Andrei III managed to supplant him in both positions. Dmitry went to the Khan of the Mongol overlords of Russia and received their support, and was able to take back the Grand Prince's throne in 1283. He held that post for 11 years before Andrei was able to gain Mongol support again and oust him again; Dmitry died shortly after being thrown out a second time and Andrei III was the undisputed ruler of Russia.