A lecture from the series on the role of personality in the history of 18th century Russia is dedicated to Catherine II - the enlightened empress. The Catherine era is one of the brightest and most controversial periods in Russian history. Over 34 years, the country experienced significant transformations, expanded cultural ties with Europe, and integrated Enlightenment ideas into the court and noble society. The lecture will discuss the ruler who sought to appear as a philosopher on the throne, corresponded with Voltaire, Diderot, and other European thinkers, supported new intellectual movements, all within the strict framework of autocratic power. Listeners will learn how Catherine's ideas about enlightened absolutism were embodied in real decisions, why culture became an important tool of governance, and how the ideas of European philosophers reached the Russian nobility. A separate part of the lecture is dedicated to the family and favorites of the empress, as well as how Catherine II's personal life influenced politics. The lecture is conducted by Elena Kononova - Deputy Director of the Library-Reading Room for Library and Information Services. Participation is by tickets, with prices ranging from 200 to 400 rubles. Find other events in Moscow on KUDAGO.