gannibal's education was completed by 1723, and he was due to return to russia. after the death of peter in 1725, prince menshikov gained power in russia due to his good standing with peter. however, menshikov was not fond of gannibal and was suspicious of his foreign origins and superior education. gannibal was exiled to siberia in 1727, some 4,000 miles to the east of saint petersburg. he was pardoned in 1730 due to his technical skills, and completed his service in siberia in 1733. during this time he built a fortress and led several construction projects, where he became a master engineer.