The Russian doll, that iconic, and rather kitsch, piece of classic folk art, expresses a profound vision of Russian life. The political ones, offering a sly joke about the continuity of a country that also prides itself on revolutionary change, are almost all men, yet women have played their part in Russian history too.

Vanora Bennett chooses five influential women in Russia's history, starting with one of the greatest and longest-lasting rulers of the European Enlightenment who is remembered as reigning Russia in its golden age: Catherine the Great.

Producer Mark Rickards. Show less