7. Catherine the Great
Catherine the Great is often celebrated as an enlightened despot who advanced the arts and culture in Russia. However, historians now take a closer look at the contradictions in her rule. While she promoted intellectual and territorial expansion, her reign was marked by autocratic control and harsh suppression of revolts. Scholars emphasize how Catherine’s reforms were often tempered by her desire to maintain absolute power. This nuanced perspective reveals a leader who navigated a delicate balance between progressive ideas and pragmatic governance. Read more at History Extra
