Catherine The Great

One ofthe most famous queens in history, Catherine The Great ruled Russia from 1762 until her death in 1796. Born Sophie Friederike Auguste of Anhalt-Zerbst-Dornburg, she inherited a country in need of reform and managed to modernize the government, education system, and economy. During her reign, Russia expanded its empire through military conquests and saw the growth of the arts and education.

Catherine The Great was a patron of the arts and education, supporting the Russian Enlightenment and sponsoring many writers, artists, and musicians. She established the first national library in Russia, the Hermitage Museum, and founded several schools and academies. The empress also implemented reforms to the legal system, military, and economy, making Russia one of Europe's largest and most powerful nations.

Her legacy comprises of the dedication to improving the lives of the Russian people - as well as her unwavering commitment to the growth and prosperity of her country. The Queen's intelligence, political acumen, and cultural patronage have secured her place as one of Russia's greatest rulers and a lasting influence on the nation and its people.

Not to mention, the woman was also a prolific letter writer and corresponded with many of the intellectual luminaries of her time, including Voltaire, Diderot, and Grimm. Her correspondences provide valuable insight into her political and personal views, as well as her life at the Russian court.

Age: 1729-1796

Country: Russia

Achievements:

• Modernized the government, education system, and economy of Russia
  
• Established the first national library in Russia, the Hermitage Museum