Character Catalog

Russia's first university open to commoners, established at the initiative of Mikhail Lomonosov and supported by Elizabeth. It stands as the defining intellectual legacy of her reign and remains a leading institution to this day.

Commissioned from architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, this masterpiece of Russian Baroque would later house the Hermitage Museum. Elizabeth personally oversaw the construction but died before its completion.

The imperial summer residence completely redesigned by Rastrelli under Elizabeth's direction, including the legendary Amber Room gifted by Frederick William I of Prussia. A defining symbol of Elizabethan Baroque splendor.

An institution established to train Russian artists to European standards, reflecting Elizabeth's ambition to cultivate a national culture. It helped give rise to a distinctly Russian school of painting and sculpture.

A decree abolishing executions in Russia, making Elizabeth one of the first monarchs in Europe to adopt such a measure. Not a single execution took place during her twenty-year reign.

Elizabeth joined the Diplomatic Revolution of 1756 and committed Russia to the anti-Prussian coalition. Russian victories at Gross-Jägersdorf, Kunersdorf, and the capture of Berlin established Russia as a major military power.

We, Elizabeth, daughter of Peter the Great, have deigned to ascend the throne of Russia, as the rightful heir of our beloved father, for the salvation and prosperity of our Empire.

A university is hereby established in Moscow comprising three faculties — law, medicine, and philosophy — to educate learned subjects in the service of the Russian state, without distinction of birth.

Empress Elizabeth ruled with a natural majesty that few sovereigns possess. Her court rivaled Versailles in splendor, and no one could contest her place as the most commanding presence in any room.

Princess Elizabeth presented herself to the grenadiers in uniform, declaring that she had come to claim her father's throne. The soldiers acclaimed her unanimously, and the matter was settled before dawn.

The death of Empress Elizabeth saves me from certain ruin. Her armies had brought me to my knees; Providence alone has changed the course of this war.

Elisabeth's main residence, rebuilt by Bartolomeo Rastrelli in the Elizabethan Baroque style between 1754 and 1762. This monumental palace, now home to the world-famous Hermitage Museum, is the enduring symbol of her magnificent reign.

The imperial summer residence expanded by Elisabeth, adorned with the famous Amber Room. This Baroque palace embodied Elisabeth's ambition to establish Russia as a major European cultural power.

Founded by Elisabeth in 1755 at the suggestion of the scholar Lomonosov, it was the first Russian university open to all social classes. It remains one of the most prestigious universities in the country to this day.

Elisabeth's birthplace in 1709, a former summer residence of the tsars on the outskirts of Moscow. It was here that Peter the Great received news of the victory at Poltava, the very year his daughter was born.

Site of the decisive Russo-Austrian victory on August 12, 1759 against Frederick II of Prussia during the Seven Years' War. This battle stands as a testament to Russia's military strength under Elisabeth.