Catherine the Great

German-born empress who ruled Russia for thirty-four years and corresponded with the philosophers.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Came to power in 1762 and modernised Russian law, education and administration.
• Corresponded with Voltaire and Diderot, buying Diderot's library outright.
• Doubled the empire's territory, including the partitions of Poland.

Specifications & Metrics

• ERA: 1729 – 1796