

Catherine the Great
Jan 5, 2024
Dr Julia Leikin and comedian David Mitchell join Greg Jenner to discuss the life of Catherine II of Russia, exploring her contradictions as a German princess who became empress of Russia, her belief in Enlightenment philosophy despite imperial expansion, and her sexual openness in the patriarchal eighteenth century. They delve into her rise to power, her reign and legacy, and the controversies surrounding her policies in Ukraine.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Introduction
00:00 • 2min
Catherine the Great: Introduction and Background
02:13 • 5min
Medical Treatments and Marriages
07:18 • 7min
Exploring the Character of Peter and Catherine's Dissatisfaction
13:55 • 14min
Catherine the Great's Rise to Power
27:51 • 20min
Catherine the Great's Reign and Legacy
47:48 • 9min
Reflections on Catherine the Great and Recommendations for Other Episodes
56:26 • 3min