Catherine II of Russia or Catherine the Great (Екатерина II Алексеевна [Yekaterína II Alekséyevna] (21 April 1729 {2 May O.S.} – 6 November 1796 {17 November O.S.}) reigned as Empress of Russia for more than three decades; born Sophie Augusta Fredericka of Anhalt-Zerbst. She was the daughter of Christian August, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst, and Joanna Elisabeth of Golstein-Gottorp.