Catherine the Great

Catherine II (born Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst; May the 2nd 1729-- November the 17th 1796, typically called Catherine the Great, ruled as Empress of Russia from 1762 to 1796, making her the nation's longest-serving female ruler. Following the assassination of her spouse and 2nd cousin, Peter III, she rose to power. Russia grew bigger, its civilization was rejuvenated, and it was acknowledged as one of Europe's great powers during her reign.
Catherine used her honorable favorites, most significan...