The Epoch of Palace Coups

After Peter’s death in 1725 four monarchs ruled the country: Catherine I (1725- 1727,) Peter’s widow; his grandson Peter II (1727 – 1730); his niece Anna of Russia (1730 – 1740); her grand-nephew infant Ivan (1740 – 1741), after whom the throne was passed to Peter’s daughter – Elizaveta (Elizabeth of Russia) (1741 – 1761). That period from Russian history is called the epoch of palace coups.

Peter III, Elizabeth’s nephew, didn’t last long on the throne after the death of his aunt: in 1762 after yet another coup the military officers overthrew him and enthroned Catherine II, his wife (1762 – 1796).