Catherine the Great Last Empress of Russia Picture Photo Poster Print queen
Catherine II(born Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst; 2 May 1729 – 17 November 1796) most commonly known as Catherine the Great, was the last Empress of Russia (1762 to 1796) and the longest-ruling. She came to power following the overthrow of her husband and second cousin, Peter III. Under her long reign, inspired by the ideas of the Enlightenment, Russia experienced a renaissance of culture and sciences, which led to many new cities, universities, and theaters being founded; along with large-scale immigration from the rest of Europe, and the recognition of Russia as one of the great powers of Europe