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or you can get all of History Daily plus other fantastic history podcasts at into History.com. It's early morning on July 9th, 1762 in St. Petersburg, the capital of Russia.

A carriage speeds through the deserted streets of the city.

Inside sits Catherine Alexevna, wife of Peter the third, Emperor of Russia.

Peter only ascended to the throne seven months ago, but for most of that time

Catherine has been plotting to overthrow him and take the crown for herself.

Sitting beside Catherine is a handsome hulking soldier and Gregory Orlov.

Gregari is Catherine's secret lover and closest confidant.

Through months of backroom dealing with Russia's most powerful generals,

he has laid the groundwork for today's coup.

Apprehensively, Catherine and Grigari speed through the capital.

They head directly for the city's largest barracks.

Grigari already has summoned the most important members of the Imperial Army there.

Catherine's carriage comes to a halt outside the barracks

and an entire regiment of Russian soldiers stands to attention in the square in front of the building.

Bigori leaps out of the carriage and then holding out his hand, guides Catherine down the steps.

She gazes nervously over the crowds of thousands of men,

wondering whether they'll join her rebellion.

Only Grigori's closest allies could be trusted with advanced knowledge of the coup,

and so these foot soldiers have no idea what's about to happen.

...