Catherine II of Russia

Reign: 1762 – 1796
Life: 1729–1796

She was known as Catherine the Great. She came to power after a coup d'etat against her husband, Peter III. Her long reign helped Russia thrive under a golden age during the Enlightenment. This renaissance led to the founding of many new cities, universities, and theatres, along with large-scale immigration from the rest of Europe and the recognition of Russia as one of the great powers of Europe. After overthrowing and possibly assassinating her husband, Catherine's subsequent rule of the Russian Empire often maintained close alliances with noble favourites such as Count Grigory Orlov and Grigory Potemkin. She governed at a time when the Russian Empire was expanding rapidly by conquest and diplomacy.

During Catherine II of Russia's reign, George III of Great Britain ruled Great Britain, Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor ruled Holy Roman Empire, and Frederick II of Prussia ruled Prussia.

Want to learn more? Further reading

Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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From the library

Go deeper on Catherine II of Russia

Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman

Robert K. Massie

Massie on the German princess who became Russia's most celebrated empress.

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Catherine the Great
Simon Dixon
Dixon's concise, authoritative life, politics, culture, and the limits of enlightened rule.
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