Catherine II the Great, also known as Sophia Augusta Frederick of Anhalt-Zerbst, was born on April 21, 1729, in Prussia. Her father, Christian Augustus of Anhalt-Zerbst, served in the Prussian army and was a commandant, later becoming the governor of Stettin. Catherine's mother, Johanna Elisabeth, came from the House of Holstein-Gottorp and was a relative of Peter III.

Despite her noble lineage, the family lived modestly, but her parents tried to provide their daughter with a good education. As a child, Catherine was an active girl and helped her mother with her younger sister Augusta. In her youth, she was affectionately called Fike. She was fluent in English, Italian, and French, danced well, sang, and had extensive knowledge of the sciences.

At the age of 15, Catherine was chosen as a bride for the heir Peter III, and she secretly arrived in Russia with her mother under the name Countess Reineck. Soon, she began to study the Russian language and culture, as well as the basics of Orthodoxy, into which she later converted. After that, she was given the name Catherine Alexeyevna and became engaged to Peter Fyodorovich, her second cousin.

In her unhappy marriage to Peter III, Catherine continued to study philosophy and jurisprudence. Nine years later, she gave birth to a son, Paul, but he was taken from her. Hurt, Catherine plotted to overthrow her husband, which she succeeded in thanks to the support of the Orlov brothers, adjutant Khitrov, and Grigory Potemkin. In 1762, upon arriving in Petersburg, she gained the support of the guards, and Peter III abdicated the throne. He later died under mysterious circumstances, and Catherine was crowned in Moscow.

Catherine the Great implemented numerous reforms aimed at improving Russia's situation. She nationalized church lands, which helped increase the treasury and pay off debts. She also developed market relations and increased state revenues. Catherine's domestic reforms included the establishment of elective courts and local self-government bodies, as well as the exemption of nobles from taxes and compulsory service.

Catherine founded orphanages and educational institutions, including institutes for noble maidens, and promoted agricultural development. She also initiated vaccination against smallpox.

During her reign, Catherine experienced six wars, expanding Russia's territory. Her personal life was vibrant: she had many lovers, including Grigory Orlov, Stanislav Poniatowski, and Grigory Potemkin. Catherine had three children: Paul Petrovich, Alexey Bobrinsky, and Anna Petrovna.

In her later years, she focused on raising her grandchildren, wishing to see Alexander on the throne instead of Paul. Catherine II died on November 6, 1796, from a stroke at the age of 67 and was buried in the Peter and Paul Cathedral in St. Petersburg. During her reign, she significantly strengthened Russia and brought it to a new level of development.