Born in
Holland or
Morocco into a
Portuguese Marrano family, d'Acosta worked as a
broker in
Hamburg before settling in
Saint Petersburg. He received an appointment as jester in 1714. D'Acosta is described as having been very clever and witty, well-versed in
Scripture, and a master of numerous
European languages. Tsar Peter reportedly enjoyed discussing philosophical and theological questions with him, which often led to heated arguments. As a reward for his services, the tsar gave him the uninhabited island of
Sammer in the
Gulf of Finland, along with the mock title "King of the
Samoyeds". He retained his position as court jester under Empress
Anne. ==Legacy==