EPISODE · Jun 14, 2026 · 16 MIN
The Wet Nurse Who Toppled an Empire
from The Rest of History · host Podcaster
In 1762, a peasant woman named Matrena saved the life of a sickly infant who would grow up to be Catherine the Great. But what if she hadn't? The remarkable story of how a mother's milk, a palace coup, and one woman's split-second decision to defy orders shaped the destiny of Russia—and changed the course of European history. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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In 1762, a peasant woman named Matrena saved the life of a sickly infant who would grow up to be Catherine the Great. But what if she hadn't? The remarkable story of how a mother's milk, a palace coup, and one woman's split-second decision to defy orders shaped the destiny of Russia—and changed the course of European history.
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The Wet Nurse Who Toppled an Empire
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