Catherine I of Russia Biography

Catherine I of Russia was the Empress of Russia from 1724 until her death. She was the second wife of Peter the Great. She came from a very poor family and did not have a pleasant childhood. She worked as a maid for most of her childhood and remained illiterate throughout her life. She was of Polish origin and was originally named Marta Helena Skowronska. She was extremely beautiful in her youth, and enamored by her beauty, Peter the Great took her as his wife. She was made the empress upon her marriage. She was rechristened as “Catherine” after the birth of her first child. She had twelve children, most of who didn’t survive childhood. Catherine’s relationship with Peter was one based on mutual love and respect. She was considered to be an extremely compassionate person and had a calming effect on Peter. She cared for him during his last days and he died in her arms. After Peter’s untimely death, she continued his legacy and ruled the nation with great astuteness. Her difficult life, multiple childbirths, and heavy drinking after her husband’s death took a major toll on her health. She passed away from tuberculosis in 1727.