Catherine the Great

Date of Birth: May 2, 1729

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: November 17, 1796

Biography

Catherine the Great, born Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst-Dornburg, was one of the most prominent and longest-ruling female leaders of Russia. She was born on May 2, 1729, in Stettin, Prussia (now Szczecin, Poland). Catherine came to power after the overthrow of her husband, Peter III, and ruled from 1762 until her death in 1796. During her reign, Catherine expanded the Russian Empire, improved its administration, and vigorously pursued the policy of Westernization and modernization. She is also known for her significant contributions to the arts, education, and culture, which helped to establish Russia as one of the great powers of Europe.

5 Interesting Facts about Catherine the Great

1. Catherine the Great corresponded with many of the leading intellectuals of her time, including Voltaire and Diderot, and even invited Diderot to live at her court.

2. She was an avid art collector and her acquisitions laid the foundation for the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, one of the largest and most prestigious museums in the world.

3. Catherine implemented significant reforms in Russian law and government, including the creation of the Nakaz, a legal document that outlined her vision for Russian law.

4. Despite her German origins, Catherine embraced Russian culture and Orthodox Christianity, which helped to solidify her position as Empress.

5. Catherine had numerous lovers throughout her life, many of whom were significantly younger than her, and she often rewarded them with titles and estates.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Catherine the Great

1. “I am one of the people who love the why of things.”

2. “Power without a nation’s confidence is nothing.”

3. “The more a man knows, the more he forgives.”

4. “A great wind is blowing, and that gives you either imagination or a headache.”

5. “In politics, a capable ruler must be guided by circumstances, conjectures and conjunctions.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Catherine the Great’s highest net worth is difficult to ascertain in modern terms, but it is estimated that her wealth and the assets of the Russian Empire she controlled would be equivalent to billions of dollars today.

Children

Catherine the Great had four children: 1. Paul I of Russia (1754–1801) – He succeeded Catherine as Emperor of Russia. 2. Anna Petrovna (1757) – She died in infancy. 3. Alexei Grigorievich Bobrinsky (1762–1813) – He was Catherine’s illegitimate son by Grigory Orlov. 4. Elizabeth Grigoryevna Temkina (1775–1854) – She was rumored to be Catherine’s daughter by Grigory Potemkin, although this remains unconfirmed.