A Murderer?
Peter III’s demise on July 17, 1762, just eight days after being forcibly removed from power by Catherine, remains shrouded in mystery. While the official autopsy report attributed his death to a stroke and severe colic, persistent rumors suggested a more deliberate act. Many historians today entertain the notion that Peter may have been aided in his demise, with courtier Alexey Orlov emerging as a likely suspect. Whether acting alone or under Catherine’s instruction, the outcome was the same – Peter III was dead, and Catherine the Great became the Empress of Russia.
The unresolved questions surrounding Peter’s death contribute to the enigmatic legacy of Catherine, leaving a lingering air of intrigue and suspicion that colors perceptions of her reign.
