Welcome to Russian History Retold.

Episode 304 Princess I Katerina Dashkova, Part 1.

Last time, we discussed the events in Vladimir Lenin's life that shaped the man he would become.

Today we go further back in time to discuss the life of one of the most remarkable women

to ever live.

Princess I Katerina Romanovna,

Vorunsova, Dashkova.

I'm unsure how many episodes this series will need, but her life story is so fascinating

that I wanted to ensure I cover the topic thoroughly.

My primary source of information about the princess is her own writing.

Initially written in French, the memoirs of Princess Deshkova was translated into English in 1958.

It is truly a fantastic read and I highly recommend it.

It showcases her incredible education and provides powerful insight

into what was going on in Russia and Europe in the late 18th century. So aside from facts and thoughts, this episode will focus on

Dashkova's personal recollections about her incredible life.

Born on March 28th, 1743 to Roman Varensov and Marfa Ivanovna Sermina,

I Katerina would be one of the most famous members of the House of Ronsov, an old and renowned

branch of the Vial Aminov family of Muscovite Boyars, which claimed male-line descendants from a Varangian nobleman named Simon.

Unfortunately for I-Katerina, her mother, Marfa, would pass away when she was just two years old.

Roman Vronsov would turn out to be an absentee father, shipping his many children to different relatives.

I Katerina, along with her three sisters, would be sent to his brother Mikhail to live at the lavish Varunsoff palace. Her uncle spared no expense in caring for his

nieces, including the finest education money could buy. As I mentioned earlier, her memoir reflects that.

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