Sibiryakov graduated from the
Zurich polytechnic institute in
Switzerland. Later in life, he financed the
polar expeditions of
Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld (see
Vega Expedition) and A.V. Grigoriev. He also sponsored the publication of works on Siberia's history. In 1880, he made an attempt to enter the
Yenisei estuary through the
Kara Sea on a
schooner. In 1884, Sibiryakov reached the
Pechora estuary on the "Nordenskjöld"
steamer and proceeded up the river. He then crossed the
Urals using
reindeers and reached
Tobolsk by the
Tobol River. Sibiryakov contributed significantly to Siberia's economic development. After the Russian revolution in 1917, Sibiryakov left Russia and spent the rest of his life in exile. He died in Nice, France, in poverty, aged 84. His funeral was paid for by Swedish government, as a sign of gratitude for Sibiryakov's friendly relations with Sweden. The news reports at the time stated that only the consul of Sweden and two other members of the Swedish diplomatic mission in France attended Sibiryakov's funeral. ==Legacy==