, Pomerania, Prussia
on as Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst-Dornburg. She was the most renowned and the longest-ruling female leader of Russia, reigning from after a coup d'état and the assassination of her husband, Peter III
(just after the end of the Seven Years' War
) until her death on . Catherine's rule re-vitalized Russia, which grew larger and stronger than ever and became recognized as one of the great power
s of Europe.
In both her accession to power and in rule of her empire, Catherine often relied on her noble favourite
s, most notably Grigory Orlov and Grigory Potemkin.
I like to praise and reward loudly, to blame quietly.
I will live to make myself not feared.
Assuredly men of merit are never lacking at any time, for those are the men who manage affairs, and it is affairs that produce the men. I have never searched, and I have always found under my hand the men who have served me, and for the most part I have been well served.
Your wit makes others witty.
A great wind is blowing, and that gives you either imagination or a headache.
Power without a nation's confidence is nothing.
It is better to be subject to the Laws under one Master, than to be subservient to many.