text: Catherine the Great of Russia was known as a "despot" leader.  She took power by conspiring to have her husband, the reigning emperor, killed; although it was never exactly proven.  She expanded her empire to rule 1/7th of the world, perhaps the most powerful female ruler of history.  She rose to complete rule in Russia and she was not Russian... but Prussian.\n\nLook up what a despot is.  She was cunning and ruthless, maintaining total control. I had the pleasure of seeing the museum exhibit on her, in Dallas, many years ago and it was quite remarkable.\n\nSue