About this episode

This episode debunks the myth surrounding Catherine the Great and explores the historical context of gendered character assassinations of powerful women.

Discover the truth behind history's most persistent and monstrous sexual slur. Think you know how Russia’s greatest empress met her end? If you are still repeating the infamous stallion myth, you have fallen hook, line, and sinker for 18th-century wartime propaganda. In this special episode of History Rage , host Paul Bavill sits down with the brilliant Professor Kate Williams to completely dismantle the pervasive, malicious lies built to tear down powerful women in history. From Cleopatra being branded a mere "seductress" to Marie Antoinette's alleged scandals, powerful women have always faced intensely gendered character assassinations. But Catherine the Great took the brunt of it. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The Cold Hard Truth: Exactly how Catherine the Great actually died (peacefully in her bed at age 67 from a stroke!). The Origin of the Lie: How her British, French, and Polish enemies weaponized satirical gossip to reduce a massive global superpower to a monstrous joke. The Real Legacy: Why Catherine was actually a groundbreaking vaccine pioneer, a champion of state education, and a builder of public health infrastructure. Despot vs. Democrat: The fascinating…

People in this episode

Host: Paul Bavill

Guest: Kate Williams

Topics covered

• Catherine the Great
• historical myths
• gendered character assassinations
• historical truth
• women in history
• political legacy

Keywords

• Catherine the Great
• historical myths
• gender bias
• political history
• women in power
• historical propaganda

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Russia, British, French, Polish

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