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Catherine the Great was born in Germany from "summary" of Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie
Catherine the Great, a name synonymous with power and intrigue, began her life far from the opulent palaces of Russia. She was born in Stettin, a small Prussian town that is now part of Poland. Her birth name was Sophia Augusta Frederica, and she belonged to the German noble family of Anhalt-Zerbst. Growing up in the German countryside, Catherine received a thorough education that would later serve her well in her role as Empress of Russia. Her father, Christian Augustus, was a prince of modest means, but he made sure that his daughter was well-educated in literature, music, and languages. It was in Stettin that Catherine's destiny began to take shape. At the age of 14, she was summoned to Russia by Empress Elizabeth, the childless daughter of Peter the Great. Elizabeth had chosen Sophia Augusta Frederica as a potential bride for her nephew and heir, Peter III. The...
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