Empress Catherine II The Great
(1762-1796)
Catherine II the Great, throughout her long reign, took many lovers, often elevating them to high positions for as long as they held her interest, and then pensioning them off with gifts of serfs and large estates. She always selected a candidate-lover who had the physical beauty and mental skills to hold her interest. Among such there were count Grigory Orlov and Grigory Potemkin.
Some of her lovers admired her in return, and she always showed generosity towards them, even after the affair ended. Some of her lovers were many years her junior. One of them received 50,000 rubles, 5,000 rubles pension, and 4,000 peasants after she dismissed him.
Empress Catherine II The Great
(1762-1796)
Catherine II the Great, during her long reign, had many lovers. She always chose a candidate who was handsome, clever and much younger than her. Grigory Orlov and Grigory Potemkin were also in love with her.
Catherine the Great was very generous with her lovers, she presented them gifts and rich houses. One of them got 50,000 rubles, 5,000 rubles pension, and 4,000 peasants.