Shoulders Of Giants

Hey Folks, We are talking about Catherine the Great, also known as Catherine II, or even Princess Sophia of Anhalt-Zerbst. Topics include Catherine's Early Life, her ascent to the throne, her "favorites", the Russo-Turkish Wars, the Pugachev Rebellion, The Nakaz, and entertaining stories along the way! Like us on Also we have a if you're interested.  Shownotes below: Born princess Sophia in spring of 1729 Mother Johanna of Holstein Ambitions and prone to wanton desire for courtly life and dissatisfied with her marriage Emotionally abused neglected her daughter Father Christian August one of several princes of Anhalt-Zerbst Had two younger brothers First was favorited until he died in 1742 His death opened up Johanna to the possibility of using Sophia to get into the Prussian court Second was 10yrs younger and considered insignificant Met future husband Peter Ulrich of Holstein who was her second cousin and then heir to Sweden   Summoned by Tsarina Elizabeth who had adopted her nephew Pe