Profile of the Day: Catherine II

Russian Empress Catherine II, also known as Catherine the Great, was born on this day in 1729.

Image: Catherine II of Russia / New York Public Library

She was born Sophie Friederike Auguste and was the daughter of a poor German prince. In 1745, she married Peter III, who was the heir to the Russian Empire.

After the death of Empress Elizabeth in 1762, Peter III succeeded the throne as Emperor. However, his reign would last a mere 6 months. Following a coup d’etat, Peter was killed just days after he was forced to abdicate. Despite not being Russian herself, Catherine ascended to power as the Empress of Russia. During her rule, she helped revitalize the empire and transform it into one of the great powers of Europe. She ruled until her death at the age of 67, making her the longest-ruling female leader of Russia. Today, her long reign is often considered to be the Golden Age of the Russian Empire and the Russian nobility.

Explore Catherine II’s family tree on Geni and discover how you’re related to the Empress of Russia.

View Catherine II’s Geni Profile