Catherine the Great, also known as Katharina II, was an influential and powerful empress of Russia. She was born on April 21, 1729 in Stettin, Prussia as Sophia Augusta Frederica of Anhalt-Zerbst. Her father was Prince Christian Augustus of Anhalt-Zerbst and her mother was Princess Johanna Elisabeth of Holstein-Gottorp.
Sophia was chosen by Empress Elizabeth of Russia to marry her nephew and heir, Peter III. In order to marry Peter, Sophia converted to Russian Orthodoxy and changed her name to Catherine. Catherine's marriage to Peter III was an unhappy one, and she grew increasingly disillusioned with him.
In 1762, Catherine and a group of supporters staged a coup and overthrew Peter III. Catherine was then crowned Empress of Russia on September 22, 1762. As Empress, Catherine oversaw significant territorial expansion of the Russian Empire, including the annexation of Crimea and the partition of Poland.
Catherine was a successful ruler and a patron of the arts and sciences. She established the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg and invited Enlightenment philosophers and thinkers to her court. Catherine was also known for her intellect, love of literature and culture, and diplomatic skills. She corresponded with Voltaire and other leading thinkers of the Enlightenment, and worked to modernize Russia and improve the lives of her subjects.
In addition, Catherine implemented a series of reforms, including the establishment of a system of local government and the abolition of torture and capital punishment. Catherine the Great died on November 17, 1796 in St. Petersburg. Her legacy as one of the most powerful and influential rulers in Russian history continues to endure.