Catherine II, known as Catherine the Great, was Empress of Russia from 9 July 1762 until her death in 1796. Before her accession, Catherine had been a royal consort as the wife of Emperor Peter III, whom she overthrew in a coup d'état. Her reign of over 34 years saw an era of prosperity during the Enlightenment in which many new cities, universities and theatres were established; large-scale immigration from the rest of Europe occurred; and the Russian Empire was recognised as a great power of Europe.
- Occupation
- politician, monarch, art collector, aristocrat
- Position held
- Emperor of all the Russias
- Citizenship
- Russian Empire, Kingdom of Prussia, Russia
- Born
