# Grigory Orlov > Russian noble (1734-1783) **Wikidata**: [Q540752](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q540752) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grigory_Orlov) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/grigory-orlov ## Summary Grigory Grigoryevich Orlov was a Russian nobleman, military officer, and influential political figure of the 18th century. He is most known for his role in the palace coup that placed Catherine the Great on the throne and for his involvement in the imperial court as both a statesman and military leader. ## Biography - **Born**: October 6, 1734 - **Nationality**: Russian Empire - **Education**: Not specified in provided data - **Known for**: Orchestrating the coup that brought Catherine II to power and serving as a key figure in the Russian imperial court - **Employer(s)**: Russian Empire (military and political service) - **Field(s)**: Politics, Military, Diplomacy, Land ownership ## Contributions Grigory Orlov played a central role in the political upheaval that led to Catherine II's rise to the throne. He was instrumental in the palace coup of 1762, which removed Peter III from power. Orlov also contributed to the administration and military leadership of the Russian Empire, and he was involved in the management of significant palaces such as the Marble Palace and Gatchina Palace. His political and military influence extended through his connections with the Saint Petersburg Academy of Sciences and the Free Economic Society. ## FAQs ### What is Grigory Orlov known for? Grigory Orlov is known for his pivotal role in the 1762 coup that placed Catherine the Great on the Russian throne. He was a key figure in the political and military circles of the empire and was closely associated with Catherine II. ### What were Grigory Orlov's roles in the Russian Empire? Orlov was a military officer, politician, and landowner. He was involved in high-level political maneuvering, including the orchestration of a coup, and was connected to imperial palaces such as the Marble Palace and Gatchina Palace. ### What awards and honors did Grigory Orlov receive? Grigory Orlov received several prestigious orders, including the **Order of St. Andrew**, the **Order of the Black Eagle**, and the **Order of Saint Anna**, recognizing his service and loyalty to the Russian Empire. ### What organizations was Grigory Orlov associated with? Orlov was a member of the **Saint Petersburg Academy of Sciences** and the **Free Economic Society**, both of which were influential in the intellectual and economic development of the empire. ### What properties did Grigory Orlov own or operate? Orlov owned or operated the **Marble Palace** and **Gatchina Palace**, both of which were significant symbols of imperial power and luxury in the Russian Empire. ## Why They Matter Grigory Orlov's influence on Russian imperial politics was profound. His role in the 1762 coup not only changed the course of the Russian monarchy but also established Catherine II's reign, which had long-lasting effects on the empire. His political and military contributions, as well as his stewardship of imperial properties, left a significant mark on the Russian court and society. Without his actions, the transition of power in 1762 may have unfolded differently, potentially altering Russian history. ## Notable For - Orchestrating the 1762 coup that brought Catherine II to power - Ownership of the Marble Palace and Gatchina Palace - Involvement in the Saint Petersburg Academy of Sciences and the Free Economic Society - Military service and leadership in the Russian Empire - Recipient of the Order of St. Andrew, Order of the Black Eagle, and Order of Saint Anna ## Body ### Early Life and Background Grigory Grigoryevich Orlov was born on **October 6, 1734**, and died on **April 13, 1783**. He was a **Russian noble**, military officer, and politician. His contributions to the Russian Empire were both political and military, and he was a key figure in the events leading to Catherine the Great's ascension to the throne. ### Political and Military Career Orlov was instrumental in the **coup against Peter III** in 1762, which elevated Catherine II to the position of Empress. His actions were critical in reshaping the Russian monarchy. He was also involved in the **Battle of Zorndorf** as part of his military service. ### Contributions to the Russian Empire Orlov was a member of the **Saint Petersburg Academy of Sciences** and the **Free Economic Society**, both of which were central to the intellectual and economic development of the empire. His political acumen and military leadership were recognized through his ownership of key imperial properties and his role in the imperial court. ### Awards and Recognition Grigory Orlov was honored with several prestigious awards: - **Order of St. Andrew** – the highest order of the Russian Empire. - **Order of the Black Eagle** – the highest order of chivalry in the Kingdom of Prussia. - **Order of Saint Anna** – a Russian chivalric order. These awards underscored his loyalty and service to the empire. ### Properties Owned or Operated Orlov was associated with two major imperial properties: - **Marble Palace** – a grand building in Saint Petersburg, constructed around 1768. - **Gatchina Palace** – a palace in Gatchina, Leningrad Oblast, Russia, built around 1766. These properties were symbols of his influence and status within the empire. ### Legacy and Influence Grigory Orlov's legacy is tied to his role in the 1762 coup and his subsequent influence in the court of Catherine the Great. His political and personal alliances shaped the direction of the Russian Empire during a transformative period. His contributions to the empire extended beyond the political realm into the cultural and scientific domains through his affiliations with leading institutions of the time. ### Death and Historical Impact Grigory Orlov passed away on **April 13, 1783**, leaving behind a legacy of political intrigue, military service, and cultural influence. His life's work had a lasting impact on Russian imperial history, particularly in the context of Catherine II's reign and the empire's internal and external policies. ## References 1. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978) 2. Czech National Authority Database 3. [Source](http://viaf.org/viaf/data/viaf-20170101-links.txt.gz) 4. Virtual International Authority File 5. Integrated Authority File 6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 7. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line 8. Sejm-Wielki.pl