Grigory Potemkin

Statesman

October 11, 1739 Chizhovo, Russian Empire

October 16, 1791 Jassy, Principality of Moldavia

Catherine II of Russia

Grigory Potemkin was a Russian statesman, military leader and nobleman best known for being a lover of the Russian Empress Catherine the Great. Born and raised in a noble Russian family, his future was already decided, as was the case with most children born in the noble families that he had to serve the Russian royalty. He was good in academics and turned out to be a sharp young man. Towards his late teen years, he joined the Horse Guards Regiment in 1755 and was involved in a coup that instated Catherine II as the Empress of Russia. Overtime, due to his wit and charms, he became Empress’ favourite and also began a roaring love affair with her. The Empress appointed him in high positions in the court and gifted lots of money and lands to him. He also earned the title of Prince of the Holy Roman Empire owing to Catherine. He was given high positions in the military during both Russo-Turkish Wars. In 1775, he was made the governor general of Russia’s newly formed southern provinces and he performed the tasks given to him impeccably. He passed away in 1791, due to complications arising from malaria.