The famous female ruler of the Russian Empire was Catherine the Great, who reigned from 1762 to 1796. Catherine is known for her significant contributions to the expansion and modernization of Russia, as well as her role in promoting Western culture and ideas. She implemented various reforms in governance, education, and the economy, and she expanded Russian territory through successful military campaigns. Under her rule, Russia emerged as a prominent European power. Catherine was also known for her patronage of the arts and her correspondence with Enlightenment philosophers, thereby shaping Russia’s cultural landscape during her reign.