Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia, was one of history’s most powerful and fascinating rulers, with a life full of unusual and intriguing moments. 

She Wasn’t Russian: 

Despite becoming one of Russia’s most famous rulers, Catherine the Great was actually born in Prussia (modern-day Poland) as Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst. She moved to Russia at the age of 16 to marry Peter III, the heir to the Russian throne. After mastering the Russian language, converting to Russian Orthodoxy, and ingratiating herself with the Russian people, she transformed herself into “Catherine,” eventually taking the throne in her own right.

Coup d'État Queen: 

Catherine didn’t just inherit the throne; she seized it! After her husband, Peter III, became emperor, his unpopular policies and erratic behavior alienated many in Russia, including Catherine. In 1762, she staged a coup d'état with the help of her allies in the military and nobility, forcing Peter to abdicate. He was later mysteriously assassinated, though Catherine never confirmed any involvement. From there, she ruled for 34 years, making her the longest-ruling female leader in Russian history.

Corresponded with Philosophers

Catherine the Great was a true Enlightenment monarch. She admired philosophers like Voltaire and Diderot and even corresponded with them, exchanging ideas about governance, education, and reform. Voltaire affectionately called her the “Star of the North.” Catherine was dedicated to bringing progressive reforms to Russia, including modernizing its legal system, but she always maintained her absolute power.

Art Collector Extraordinaire

Catherine was a passionate patron of the arts and turned St. Petersburg into a cultural hub. She founded the famous Hermitage Museum, which began as her private art collection. Catherine acquired thousands of works from Europe’s best artists, including Rembrandt, Rubens, and Titian. By the end of her reign, her collection had grown to over 4,000 paintings, forming the core of what is now one of the largest and most impressive art museums in the world.

Potemkin Villages Myth

One of the most enduring legends about Catherine’s reign is the story of the Potemkin villages. Supposedly, her favorite lover and advisor, Grigory Potemkin, built fake, idyllic villages along the Dnieper River to impress her during a tour of newly conquered Crimea. Although historians debate whether these fake villages really existed, the term “Potemkin village” has become synonymous with elaborate façades designed to hide harsh realities. Regardless, Catherine and Potemkin’s relationship was one of deep affection and loyalty.

She Had 12 Lovers (and Rewarded Them Generously!): 

Catherine had a string of lovers throughout her reign, though her relationships were much more than fleeting affairs. Many of her lovers were political advisors and confidants who helped her rule. After each relationship ended, Catherine often rewarded her former lovers generously, giving them titles, estates, and wealth. Grigory Potemkin was perhaps her most famous and influential partner, playing a key role in her military campaigns and reforms.

Modernized Russia’s Healthcare: 

Catherine was ahead of her time when it came to public health. She was one of the first rulers to support the practice of inoculation against smallpox, a revolutionary medical practice at the time. In a bold move to set an example, Catherine had herself inoculated in 1768, becoming the first Russian to do so. Her public endorsement of inoculation led to widespread acceptance of the practice and saved countless lives.

Built the “Smolny Institute” for Women: 

Catherine was a champion of education, especially for women. She established the Smolny Institute for Noble Maidens, Russia’s first state-funded educational institution for girls. Catherine believed that educating women was essential for the progress of society, and her school offered a curriculum that included literature, languages, history, and even etiquette.

Horse Lover (But Not That Story!)

Catherine was a well-known lover of horses, and she spent a great deal of time riding and working with them. Unfortunately, a scandalous (and completely false) rumor started after her death suggesting that she died while attempting to engage in an intimate act with a horse. This is nothing but a myth—in reality, Catherine died peacefully in her bed from a stroke at the age of 67.

Expansionist Empire Builder

Under Catherine’s rule, Russia expanded its territory significantly. She led multiple successful military campaigns, expanding Russian lands to the west, south, and east. Catherine’s reign saw the annexation of Crimea, much of Poland, and large parts of the Black Sea coast, transforming Russia into a European superpower.

Loved to Write (and Wrote a Play)

Catherine was an avid writer and wrote memoirs, essays, and even plays during her time as Empress. One of her best-known works is the play "Oh, These Times!", a satire of 18th-century Russian society. Her writing shows that she had a sharp wit and a sense of humor, despite the serious responsibilities of ruling an empire.