Catherine was 16 years old when she married Karl Ulrich, who later became known as Peter III.
The Marriage of Catherine and Peter III
Catherine, born Sophie von Anhalt-Zerbst, entered into matrimony with Karl Ulrich, the heir to the throne of Russia, at the age of sixteen. This union was a pivotal moment in her life, marking her official introduction into the imperial court and setting the stage for her future as Catherine the Great.
Key Details of Catherine's Marriage
The marriage brought together two prominent figures who would eventually play crucial roles in Russian history. Here are some pertinent details about the event:
- Bride's Age: Catherine was precisely 16 years old at the time of her marriage.
- Groom's Identity: She married Karl Ulrich, who later ascended to the Russian throne as Emperor Peter III.
- Bride's Birth Name: Born a Prussian princess, her given name was Sophie von Anhalt-Zerbst.
- Bride's Background: She was the daughter of Christian August von Anhalt-Zerbst, a Prussian prince.
This marriage, while initially a personal union, had profound implications for the future of the Russian Empire, leading to one of its most transformative periods under Catherine's reign.
