Catherine the Great was a powerful and influential ruler of Russia from 1762 to 1796. Born in Germany as Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst, she married the future Emperor Peter III and became Empress after his overthrow. Catherine is known for her efforts to modernize Russia, promoting education, culture, and the arts. She expanded the empire significantly, making it one of the largest in the world. Catherine was also a patron of the Enlightenment, embracing ideas from philosophers like Voltaire and Diderot. Her reign is often seen as a golden age for Russia, as she implemented reforms that improved the lives of many citizens. Despite facing challenges, her legacy as a strong female leader endures.