This book is not an encyclopedia or a reference book, although it contains the names of many participants in Russian history. A textbook idea has formed in our minds about the reclusive nature of women’s lives in Ancient Rus', about their legal inferiority in the 18th–19th centuries and, accordingly, about the lack of participation in state and cultural life. But what if we turn to the facts of history? From the first chronicles to documents of Catherine's years. The facts, albeit meager, are expressive enough to give an idea of the power and strength, willfulness and intelligence of the women of the Russian throne: from the Grand Duchess to the Empress.