Catherine II of Russia

Catherine II, also known as Catherine the Great, was the Empress of Russia from 1762 until 1796. A remarkable leader, she expanded the Russian Empire significantly, modernizing the country and promoting Westernization, education, and the arts. Catherine is often remembered for her diplomatic skills, savvy governance, and contributions to the cultural landscape of Russia, which included the establishment of the Smolny Institute, the first state-financed higher education institution for women in Europe. Her reign is often considered the Golden Age of the Russian Empire.