Catherine II of Russia (Russian: Yekaterina Alekseyevna; 2 May 1729 - 17 November 1796); was the most renowned and the longest-ruling female ruler of Russia; reigning from 1762 until her death in 1796 at the age of 67. Born in Stettin; Pomerania; Prussia as Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst-Dornburg; she came to power following a coup détat when her husband; Peter III; was assassinated. Russia was revitalised under her reign; growing larger and stronger than ever and becoming recognised as one of the great powers of Europe.