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Born in 1729, Catherine the Great ruled as Empress of Russia from 1762 until her death in 1796. Originally a German princess, she married into the Russian royal family and ascended to the throne following a coup against her husband, Tsar Peter III. Catherine embraced Enlightenment ideals, implemented numerous reforms, and expanded Russia's territory. She was a patron of the arts, founded the Hermitage Museum, and supported education and culture. Known for her intellect and political savvy, Catherine's reign is considered a golden age in Russian history.