Empire

76. The Empress & The General

Aug 31, 2023

In this engaging discussion, historian Simon Sebag Montefiore shares insights on Catherine the Great and her lover Grigory Potemkin, detailing their powerful partnership during a tumultuous era. The conversation dives into their ambitious territorial expansions, including the annexation of Crimea and building of Kherson. Montefiore connects their legacy to contemporary politics, exploring how Potemkin's influence echoes in today's geopolitical landscape. Listeners will also discover the complex dynamics of love and power that defined imperial Russia.

52:20

Episode guests

Simon Sebag Montefiore

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Catherine the Great and Grigory Potemkin formed one of history's greatest partnerships, consolidating her rule and expanding the Russian Empire.

Catherine the Great's reign set the stage for future Russian expansion and shaped the empire's ambitions in the 19th century, leading to conflicts with other European powers.

Deep dives

Legacy of Catherine the Great

Catherine the Great's reign was a golden age for Russia, marked by territorial expansion, military achievements, and administrative reforms. She left a lasting legacy as one of Russia's most influential rulers, known for her intellect, diplomacy, and cultural patronage. However, her legacy also includes controversial policies, such as the partition of Poland and the betrayal of Georgian allies. Catherine's reign set the stage for future Russian expansion and shaped the empire's ambitions in the 19th century, leading to conflicts with other European powers and the emergence of the Great Game in Central Asia.

Intro

4min

Love and Politics in Imperial Russia

7min

Secrets, Diamonds, and Political Intrigue

14min

Historic Echoes: Putin and Potemkin

6min

The Tumultuous Legacy of Potemkin and Catherine the Great

14min

Power Struggles and Imperial Ambitions in Russian History

7min

With her reign in peril in three separate arenas, Catherine begins to turn her attention to a young soldier, Grigory Potemkin. What follows is one of the great partnerships (and love affairs) of history. Together, they consolidate her rule then rapidly expand; seizing vast parts of modern Ukraine, annexing Crimea, building Kherson and Sevastopol, and taking the Russian Empire to its apogee. Listen as William and Anita are joined by Simon Sebag Montefiore for the final time as they tell the tale of the Russian Empire’s finest moment.

Twitter: @Empirepoduk

Email: empirepoduk@gmail.com

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Producer: Callum Hill

Exec Producer: Jack Davenport + Neil Fearn

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