Catherine II of Russia

Catherine II (1729 – 1796), commonly known as Catherine the Great, was the Empress of Russia from 1762 until her death. She was Russia's longest-ruling female leader, and the country was revitalised during her reign, becoming recognised as one of the great powers of Europe.

Catherine came to power following a coup d'état after her husband, Tsar Peter III, was assassinated, possibly by the Assassin Brotherhood.