Peter III emperor of Russia, is deposed five months after ascending to the throne by a coup d'état led by his wife Catherine who declared herself Empress of Russia, marking the beginning of her 34-year reign where she became known as Catherine the Great. She was later formally crowned in September 1762 in Moscow. The coup took place while Peter was away from the capital and was supported by the Russian military and a faction of nobles. Peter was forced to abdicate and was later assassinated. Catherine, born Sophie von Anhalt-Zerbst, married Peter III (then Karl Ulrich) in 1745. Catherine the Great became the longest-reigning female ruler in Russian history. During her reign, Russia become one of the great powers of Europe, with significant territorial expansion and modernization advancements. More
