On 17 July 1762, Catherine II, later renowned as Catherine the Great ascended to the Russian throne following the dramatic and controversial murder of her husband, Peter III.
This pivotal event marked the beginning of one of Russia's most illustrious reigns, as Catherine transformed the empire with extensive reforms and cultural enrichment.
Despite the scandalous nature of her rise to power, her rule is celebrated for modernising Russia and expanding its territories, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's history.
