From time to time, one comes across the concept of a “Potemkin village” while reading. Today, this expression refers to something that looks impressive on the surface but is hollow underneath, a façade hiding emptiness. Its origins, however, trace back to late 18th-century Russia, amid imperial journeys, political rivalries, and a touch of legend.

The central figure of this story is Grigory Aleksandrovich Potemkin, a powerful statesman and favorite of Empress Catherine II of Russia. After the annexation of Crimea in 1783 and southern Ukraine, Potemkin was tasked with administering and developing those vast but poor and sparsely populated lands. In 1787, Catherine decided to embark on a journey along the Dnieper River to inspect the newly incorporated regions and to showcase the greatness of her empire to the rest of Europe. The event was practically a diplomatic tour, accompanied by ambassadors, nobles, and even Emperor Joseph II of Austria.

According to the most famous version of events, Potemkin, eager to impress the empress, supposedly built entire fake villages along the route: painted façades, well-dressed peasants “borrowed” from other towns, and livestock arranged neatly for display. As the imperial entourage passed by, everything appeared prosperous and orderly; once they moved on, the “village” was dismantled and reconstructed further down the river. The image is striking, a theatrical performance staged on a national scale.

But how much of this is true? Many modern historians suspect the tale was exaggerated by Potemkin’s rivals, who sought to discredit him. It is certain that he beautified the areas visited and arranged impressive displays for the guests, but there is no definitive evidence that entire fake towns were transported along the river. More likely, Potemkin showcased the regions that were genuinely more developed, enhanced with some theatrical embellishments.

Nevertheless, the legend endured far longer than the reality. Today, “Potemkin village” is an international idiom, used in politics, economics, and even sports, to describe situations where appearances are deceiving.