Catherine the Great was a Russian Empress who came to power after her husband Peter III was overthrown. It was under her reign that Russia grew stronger and larger and later recognized as one of the great powers of Europe and was the longest reigning female leader of the country. She reigned from 1762-1796. She was born Princess Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst on May 2nd 1729. She was around 33 years old when she took her throne and died at age 67.
