Elizabeth of Russia, also known as Elizaveta Petrovna, was the Empress of Russia from 1741 to 1762. She was a powerful and popular monarch who led the country into two major European conflicts—the War of Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War. Born as one of the daughters of Peter the Great and Catherine I, Elizabeth was known for her beauty, intelligence, and charm. As one of only two daughters of her parents who survived to adulthood, she was doted on by both her parents and received a loving upbringing. Despite not receiving a formal education, she was fluent in Italian, German, and French and was a talented dancer and horse rider. Upon her father's death, her cousin Anna ascended to the throne, and following Empress Anna’s death, the Russian Supreme Council chose the infant Ivan VI as emperor, with his mother, Anna Leopoldovna, serving as regent. Disillusioned by this decision, Elizabeth staged a coup with the help of the Preobrazhensky Regiment and seized power, becoming Empress of Russia. She proved to be a beloved and popular ruler. Not only was she an able political leader, but she was also a patron of the arts and played a key role in founding Russia’s first university.