Potemkin

Potemkin, Gregory Alexandrovitch (1739-91), one of the chief favourites of Catherine II. of Russia, was born in Russia, but came of a noble Polish family. In 1762 he attracted the attention of the Tsarina, after which his rise in favour and station was rapid. For thirteen years he directed the foreign policy of Russia, obtained the annexation of the Crimea in 1783, and was commander-inchief in the Turkish War which began in 1788, though its successes were probably chiefly due to the ability of Suvarof, who served under him.