Profile of the Day: Catherine the Great

Catherine the Great

On this day in 1729, Russian Empress Catherine the Great was born.

Although she is remembered as one of Russia’s most renowned and longest-ruling female leaders, Catherine was not born in Russia. She was born Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst in Stettin, Pomerania, in the Kingdom of Prussia and was the eldest daughter of a minor Prussian prince. At the age of 15, Catherine married the grandson of Peter the Great and heir to the Russian throne, Peter III.

After the death of his aunt, Empress Elizabeth in 1762, Peter succeeded as Emperor. However, his reign would be short lived. Six months after becoming emperor, Peter was forced to abdicate following a coup d’etat. He was killed just a few days later. Catherine, although not Russian herself, ascended to power as the Empress of Russia.

Catherine’s reign is often referred to as the Golden Age of the Russian Empire and saw Russia become one of great powers of Europe.

Explore Catherine the Great’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re related to the Russian Empress.
 

View Catherine the Great’s Geni Profile

 
Image: Wikimedia Commons