Marie II (born Princess Marie Augusta Frederica von Anhalt-Zerbst; 1 May 1728 – 19 November 1799), most commonly known as Marie the Great, was the reigning Queen Reagent of France from 1762 to 1796. She came to power after overthrowing her husband, Henri VI. Under her long reign, inspired by the ideas of the Enlightenment, France experienced a renaissance of culture and sciences, which led to the founding of many new cities, universities, and theatres.