Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society Royal Sex: Catherine the Great
Jul 18, 2025
Virginia Rounding, an expert on Catherine the Great and author of 'Catherine the Great: Love, Sex and Power', dives into the scandalous life of one of history's most fascinating rulers. The conversation explores the enduring myths about her death, her strategic romantic liaisons, and the double standards women faced in her time. Rounding reveals how Catherine navigated political intrigues while forming powerful alliances, ultimately reshaping Russian society and leaving a legacy that still intrigues today.
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Catherine's Legacy Overshadows Politics
- Catherine the Great's sexual life overshadows her political skills in popular imagination.
- Her relationships with younger lovers into her 60s challenged gender norms of her time.
Wedding Night Awkwardness
- On her wedding night, Peter was too shy and clueless to consummate the marriage and fell asleep.
- Catherine waited bewildered while he was off eating supper, highlighting their awkward beginning.
Marriage Struggles and Awakening
- Peter did not know how to be a husband, requiring a widow's help to learn.
- Catherine experienced her sexual awakening outside her marriage, complicating their relationship.
