The 18th century began with the reforms of Peter the Great, and ended with the reforms of Catherine II, also called the Great by her contemporaries. Peter I died without leaving a will. With the support of the guards, the throne was taken by Ekaterina Alekseevna, crowned with the imperial crown. After her death, the throne was inherited by the grandson of Peter I, Peter II. The willful and stubborn child king died three years later from smallpox. Then came the dark decade. The Supreme Privy Council called Peter's niece Anna Ioannovna to reign. She was replaced by her daughter Petra Elizaveta Petrovna. Elizabeth was succeeded by her nephew (Peter's grandson) Peter III. It marked the end of the era of the heirs of Peter the Great. The era of Catherine the Great began.