Monument to the Russian Empress, Odessa, Russia (photo)
{"Image ImageDescription": "2630719 Monument to the Russian Empress, Odessa, Russia (photo); (add.info.: Yekaterina Alexeyevna or Catherine II, also known as Catherine the Great (1729\u20131796), was the most renowned and the longest-ruling female leader of Russia, reigning from 9 July 1762 until her death in 1796 at the age of 67. Her reign was called Russia's golden age. She was born in Stettin, Pomerania, Prussia as Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst-Dornburg, and came to power following a coup d'\u00e9tat, at the end of the Seven Years' War, shortly after which her husband, Peter III, was assassinated.Russia was revitalized under her reign, growing larger and stronger than ever and becoming recognized as one of the great powers of Europe.); Sputnik; .", "Image Copyright": "Sputnik / Bridgeman Images"}