July 1762 – 17 November 1796 -longest-ruling female leader
of Russia & one of the country’s most influential rulers. The Catherine Era was known as the Golden Age of the Russian Empire.She was born in Prussia & came to power following the abdication and assassination of her husband.
Spouse: Peter III of Russia. BUT she had 3 illegitimate children, fathered by 2 different lovers:
Anna Petrovna- the future King Stanislaus II of Poland
Elizabeth Alexandrovna Grigory & Count Alexei Grigorievich Bobrinsky- Grigoryevich Orlov