Peter III of Russia

Reign: 1762 – 1762
Life: 1728–1762

He implemented many notable reforms during his reign, though he is criticised for undoing Russian gains in the Seven Years' War by forming an alliance with Prussia. After succeeding to the throne of Holstein-Gottorp following his father’s death, Peter was made heir presumptive to both the Russian and Swedish thrones in 1742. Due to his conversion to Russian Orthodoxy, he was disqualified from becoming King of Sweden. Peter married his paternal second cousin, Princess Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst, who took the Orthodox name of Catherine Alexeievna, in 1745. They had one child who survived to adulthood, Paul Petrovich. After a 186-day reign, Peter III was overthrown by his wife, and soon died under unclear circumstances.

During Peter III of Russia's reign, Frederick II of Prussia ruled Prussia, George III of Great Britain ruled Great Britain, and Louis XV of France ruled France.

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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Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman

Robert K. Massie

Massie on Peter III's disastrous months on the throne and the coup that brought Catherine to power.

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