The real figure and story of Catherine the Great and Peter the Third has been overlaid by gilt and varnish much like the church mural paintings of old. Some of the true story would be uncovered, while other fragments of it would remain hidden beneath the surface never to be revealed. The allegory of Catherine, and the mysteriously convenient death of Peter III, is one that has been pondered over for decades. With very little evidence to go by the events that occurred on June 28, 1762 are very mysterious and highly susceptible to exaggeration and bias. An examination of the memoirs of Catherine II as well as other key members of the Russian military and royalty will show that Catherine the Great was not individually responsible for the death of Peter III.

Catherine the Great was an exceptionally bright and cunning woman, and she cared deeply for the well...