Original version

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

The Forum

Documentaries

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Discover world history, culture and ideas with today’s leading experts

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

BBC World Service East Asia

The Forum: Catherine the Great of Russia

Discussion & Talk

Erichsen (Ericksen), Vigilius. Equestrian Portrait of Catherine II. Oil on canvas.

19/05/2018 GMT

Catherine the Great of Russia

BBC World Service - The Forum, Catherine the Great of Russia

A woman and a foreigner who usurped her way to the throne in 18th century Russia

How did Catherine the Great, an obscure German princess, rise to become one of Russia’s greatest rulers? Joining Bridget Kendall are Simon Dixon, Andrei Zorin and Victoria Ivleva.

Famous for her lovers and satirised for her colourful personal life, Catherine the Great was in many ways one of Russia’s most progressive and moderate rulers, modernising 18th century Russia, improving educational standards and creating a flourishing arts and literature scene. But she also turned Russia into the biggest Empire on earth since the Roman Empire, which included the annexation of Crimea. So how far has her imperial mind set influenced Russia’s modern rulers, like President Putin? 

Joining Bridget Kendall to discuss the life and legacy of Catherine II of Russia, is Professor Andrei Zorin, cultural historian and Chair of Russian at the University of Oxford, Simon Dixon, Professor of Russian History at University College London and author of the biography “Catherine the Great”’ and Dr Viktoria Ivleva, who specialises in Catherine’s role as a woman ruler and her use of uniform and costume.

Photo: Equestrian Portrait of Catherine II. Oil on canvas by Vigilius Eriksen, Denmark. After 1762 (The State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg)

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Forum

Catherine the Great of Russia

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

About BBC World Service