Catherine the Great

Catherine the Great, a celebrated yet controversial monarch, transformed eighteenth-century Russia into a dominant power reminiscent of the Roman Empire. Known for her radical political ideas and a balanced approach to governance, she displayed a blend of ruthlessness and charm. Her social skills shone at private gatherings in the Hermitage, her personal palace, where she entertained guests with humor. To win the affection of her subjects, she engaged in religious practices she did not genuinely believe, showcasing her complex relationship with power and the Russian people.