Full Name: Yekaterina Alexeevna
Profession: Empress of Russia
Biography: The most renowned and the longest-ruling female leader of Russia, reigning from 1762 until 1796. Her reign is known as Russia's golden age.
Born in Prussia as Princess Sophie von Anhalt-Zerbst, Catherine married her second cousin Peter, later Peter III, in 1745 aged 16. In 1762 Catherine overthrew Peter and forced him to abdicate. Eight days later he was murdered and Catherine assumed full control as Empress Regent for her son Paul I.
Russia was revitalized under her reign, growing larger and stronger than ever and became recognized as one of the great powers of Europe.
Born: April 21, 1729
Birthplace: Stettin, Prussia
Star Sign: Taurus
Died: November 6, 1796 (aged 67)
Cause of Death: Stroke
Articles and Photos
Catherine the Great Builds a New Russia
Catherine the Great, who died on this day, dragged Russia into the modern era while leading a life filled with political drama, sexual intrigue – and murder.
November 6, 1796Tsar Goes a Step Too Far
For over 300 years Russia’s famous Romanov family possessed fabulous wealth and power, but it wasn’t enough to keep them out of reach of assassins.
March 23, 1801
Married Life
- 1745-08-21 Future Russian Tsar Peter III marries Ekaterina Alexeievna later Catherine II (Catherine the Great)
- 1762-06-29 Russian Tsar Peter III divorces his wife Catherine II
Historical Events
- 1762-06-28 Russian Tsarina Catherine II seizes power, declaring herself sovereign ruler of Russia
- 1762-07-17 Catherine II becomes Tsarina of Russia following the murder of Peter III
- 1763-09-01 Catherine II of Russia endorses Ivan Betskoy's plans for a Foundling Home in Moscow
- 1772-04-06 Catherine the Great Empress of Russia, ends tax on men with beards, enacted by Tsar Peter the Great in 1698
- 1783-04-08 Catherine II of Russia annexes the Crimea
- 1785-04-21 Catherine II of Russia confers on the nobility the "Charter to the Nobility", increasing further the power of the landed oligarchs
- 1794-06-23 Russian Empress Catherine II (Catherine the Great) grants Jews permission to settle in Kiev
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