Catherine the Great (Radio Edit)

Early Life

Catherine the Great, originally named Princess Sofia Augusta Frederica, was born in 1729 in Pomerania, a region in present-day Poland. Her early life was marked by a rigorous education in religion, history, and geography, overseen by a Lutheran priest. Despite a severe illness at age seven that left her with a curvature of the spine, she was subjected to unconventional treatments, including the use of a harness and folk remedies supervised by a local hangman 1. This upbringing may have fostered a lifelong skepticism towards traditional medicine.

Her spine was realigned with the use of a harness and some other folk remedies.

--- Julia Leikin

At 14, she was sent to Russia with her mother to be considered as a bride for Peter, the heir to the Russian throne, who was also her cousin 2.

   

Education & Health

Catherine's education was described as precocious, laying a foundation for her future role as a ruler. Her health challenges, including a violent cough and spinal issues, were addressed with peculiar remedies that reflected the medical practices of the time 1. These experiences likely influenced her views on health and medicine throughout her life.

Her spine was realigned with the use of a harness and some other folk remedies.

--- Julia Leikin

Her journey to Russia marked the beginning of a new chapter, where she was groomed to marry Peter, a man described as immature and more interested in childish pursuits than statecraft 2.