What if the most powerful woman in Russian history had to murder her own husband to claim her throne? In this episode, Michael Stevens reveals how Catherine II executed one of history's most ruthless power grabs, overthrowing Peter III in just 12 hours and transforming herself from German princess to Russian Empress. 🎯 What You'll Learn: • How Peter III's 186-day reign became a masterclass in political self-destruction • The exact 6 AM moment that started Catherine's coup and changed Russian history forever • Why the Guards regiments chose a foreign-born woman over their own Emperor • The calculated promises Catherine made to win over nobles, military, and church 👤 Perfect for: history buffs who love political intrigue and anyone fascinated by how power really changes hands when everything's on the line. 📍 Chapters: [00:00] Michael Stevens sets up the ultimate royal betrayal [01:45] Peter III's fatal mistakes that handed Catherine her opening [03:30] July 9, 1762: How a pre-dawn wake-up call became revolution [05:15] The 12-hour power grab that shocked Europe [07:30] Catherine's brilliant propaganda campaign to justify regicide [09:00] Why this coup succeeded when so many others failed [11:00] Key lessons about power, timing, and political survival This isn't just another royal power struggle. Stevens connects Catherine's tactical brilliance to modern political maneuvering, showing how the same psychological principles still determine who wins and who gets buried by history. Peter III thought blood and tradition made him untouchable. Catherine proved that in politics, competence and timing beat birthright every time. 🔔 Never miss an episode: Follow When Rome Burns on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and turn on notifications. New episodes drop daily, your next favorite historical disaster is one tap away. 🔍 Topics: Catherine the Great, Russian Empire, political coups, Peter III, 18th century Russia

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