Catherine II of Russia (1729-1796) was one of history's most unlikely rulers. After marrying into Russia's Romanov family, she found herself part of a coup to unseat her husband and place her on the throne. The achievements of her reign, which lasted for 34 years, have often been overshadowed by her personal life, one of the most scandalous of her—or any—era. However, behind the rumor and gossip lay one of the most astute and skillful rulers in Russia's long, turbulent history. Now, 250 years after she first assumed power on July 9, 1762, here are some facts you may not know about Catherine the Great.