Posted in Web Biography of Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia October 1, 2019 Catherine the Great (May 2, 1729–Nov. 17, 1796) was empress of Russia from 1762 to 1796, the longest reign of any female Russian leader. She expanded Russia’s borders to the Black Sea and into central Europe during her reign. https://www.thoughtco.com/catherine-the-great-p2-3528624