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She married the future Russian emperor from "summary" of Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie
When Princess Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst arrived in Russia in 1744, she was a young German girl of fourteen, chosen to be the bride of the heir to the Russian throne. This was a significant moment in her life, as she left behind her family and home to embark on a new journey in a foreign land. The man she was to marry was the future Russian emperor, Peter III, a grandson of Peter the Great. The union between Sophie and Peter was not based on love or mutual affection, but rather on political strategy and dynastic considerations. Sophie underwent a transformation upon her arrival in Russia, changing her name to Catherine and converting to the Russian Orthodox Church. This was done to assimilate into her new role as the future empress of Russia, a country vastly different from her homeland in terms of culture, language, and customs. Despite the challenges she faced in adapting to her new surroundings, Catherine proved to be a quick learner and a shrewd observer of Russian court politics. The marriage between Catherine and Peter was not a happy one, as Peter showed little interest in his wife and preferred the company of his mistress. Catherine, on the other hand, sought companionship and understanding from others in the court, forming close relationships with influential figures who would later play a crucial role in her rise to power. Despite the difficulties in her marriage, Catherine remained focused on her ultimate goal of becoming empress and securing her place in the Russian court. As Catherine navigated the complexities of court life and political intrigue, she began to lay the groundwork for her future reign as empress. She studied Russian history and governance, familiarizing herself with the intricacies of ruling a vast and diverse empire. Catherine's intelligence, determination, and ambition set her apart from other women of her time, and she soon became a formidable presence in the Russian court. The marriage between Catherine and Peter eventually deteriorated to the point where they lived separate lives, with Catherine focusing on her own political ambitions while Peter indulged in his own pursuits. This rift between the future empress and emperor would have far-reaching consequences for the future of Russia, as Catherine began to plot her path to power and establish herself as a force to be reckoned with in the Russian court.
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