Catherine the Great

Catherine the Great, also known as Catherine II, was one of the most famous and powerful Russian empresses of all time. Born Princess Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst, she was known for her quick wit, intelligence and love of dogs.

Early Life

Catherine was born in 1729 in what is now Germany. She was betrothed to Grand Duke Peter, the heir to the Russian throne, at a young age. Catherine was not impressed with Peter, who was known for his childish behavior, love of insects, and general lack of interest in anything except military toy soldiers. However, Catherine was determined to become Empress, so she studied Russian language and culture, and converted to Orthodoxy.

Empress of Russia

When Catherine’s husband, Peter the III, took the throne in 1762, he was deeply unpopular, due to his Germanic origins and alliances with European powers opposed to Russia. Catherine seized the opportunity and, with the help of supporters among the nobility, staged a coup, deposing Peter and declaring herself Empress.

Catherine reformed the government, commissioning new legislation and encouraging education, art and culture. She founded the Hermitage Museum, which became one of the largest and most popular museums in the world.

Catherine also liked elaborate celebrations, such as masquerade balls, and was famous for her love of dogs. She had over 100 of them, and even had a custom-built room in one of her palaces, called the “Canine Chamber,” where her dogs were pampered and slept on ornate beds.

Love Life

In addition to her love of dogs, Catherine also had numerous affairs throughout her life. Her most famous lover was Grigory Potemkin, who she met when he was a soldier. Potemkin was renowned for his military and administrative abilities, and Catherine appointed him as her chief advisor. He helped her expand the Russian Empire, and created the myth of the “Potemkin Villages,” fake settlements designed to impress Catherine during her travels.

Potemkin remained Catherine’s closest friend and advisor until his death in 1791, and some sources suggest that they were even secretly married. Catherine was also rumored to have had affairs with several other men and women, including her own son-in-law.

Death and Legacy

Catherine died in 1796 at the age of 67. Although she was highly respected and accomplished, her personal life and love affairs were the subject of much gossip and speculation. Some historians suggest that she was a ruthless politician who manipulated those around her, while others view her as a visionary leader who modernized Russia and brought it into the European mainstream.

Today, Catherine is remembered as one of the most powerful and fascinating women in history, an empress whose passion for dogs was matched only by her passion for power.