Catherine the Great: life of the week

Janet Hartley details the extraordinary life and reign of one of history's most powerful rulers – from her origins as an obscure German princess to her transformation of Russia into one of Europe's great powers

Published: December 31, 2024 at 7:30 AM

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Catherine the Great stands out from the rulers of Imperial Russia – a 'philosopher empress' whose wit, political savvy, and unyielding ambition transformed her empire into a European powerhouse. Seizing the throne through an audacious coup against her own husband, Catherine wielded her authority with an iron grip, balancing the volatile ambitions of her court while nurturing her vision of enlightened rule. Historian Janet Hartley speaks to Danny Bird about how Catherine corresponded with the era's leading philosophers, navigated scandalous love affairs and earned her glittering but contentious reputation — not just as an innovator but as the architect of Russia’s might.

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Authors

Danny BirdContent producer

Danny Bird is a content producer at HistoryExtra

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