Hatshepsut: Pharaoh in Ancient Egypt
Hatshepsut is considered one of the most powerful women in the ancient world by some people. She was the 5th pharaoh in the 18th dynasty of Egypt. She was married to her half brohter, Thutmose II, and they co-ruled Egypt from 1492 BCE to 1479 BCE. In 1479 Thutmose II died and Hatshepsut continued ruling unti she died in 1458 BCE.
Many historians and egyptologists consider Hatshepsut to be one of Ancient Egypt's most successful monarchs, regardless of sex. She began many building projects and she also reestablished the trade routes that had been broken up by the Hyksos invaders. She led a large scale expedition to the Land of Punt and it is believed that she led successful military campaigns in Syria, Nubia, and the Levant while she was monarch.
Many historians and egyptologists consider Hatshepsut to be one of Ancient Egypt's most successful monarchs, regardless of sex. She began many building projects and she also reestablished the trade routes that had been broken up by the Hyksos invaders. She led a large scale expedition to the Land of Punt and it is believed that she led successful military campaigns in Syria, Nubia, and the Levant while she was monarch.
Wu Zetian: Emperor of China in the Zhou Dynasty
Wu Zetian began her rise to power during the reign of the Tang Dynasty. She was born in a wealthy, noble family and was well educated. At age 13 was sent to the court of Emperor Tai Tsung as a concubine. During that time she became one of his favorites, but also had her eyes set on his son, Kao Tsung. Soon the emperor died and Kao became emperor. Some say that at tha point she was sent by the Empress Wang to be a buddhist nun because Wang feared Wu rising to power. Eventually, Wu became a concubine to Emperor Kao and gave brith to the sons he needed to continue the dynasty. Her power since she was mother of the next emperor. She got rid of Empress Wang by saying that Wang had killed Wu's newborn daughter. She soon married Emperor Kao, however he died within 5 years of their marriage. Empress Wu took control of the administration after her death. She had those who opposed her jailed, jailed, and spied on by her secret police. She got her youngest, weakest, son to become emperor and she essentially ruled through him. In 690 AD, her son gave up his power and she became the Emperor of China, beginning the Zhou Dynasty.
During her rule as Emperor, Wu sought to raise the standing of women in society and fix the government. She had scholars write biographies of important women and she moved the court away from the traditional idea of a male monrach by beginning a new dynasty. Emperor Wu fixed the government by putting in the people she thought would get the job done, not just the people she liked. She also reduced the power of the military by removing military men from the government and replacing them with scholars. Wu also implemented the exams that dictated who was put in what government positions.
During her rule as Emperor, Wu sought to raise the standing of women in society and fix the government. She had scholars write biographies of important women and she moved the court away from the traditional idea of a male monrach by beginning a new dynasty. Emperor Wu fixed the government by putting in the people she thought would get the job done, not just the people she liked. She also reduced the power of the military by removing military men from the government and replacing them with scholars. Wu also implemented the exams that dictated who was put in what government positions.
Theodora: Empress of the Byzantine Empire
Theodora was Empress of the Byzantine Empire from 527 AD to 548 AD. She co-ruled with her husband Justinian I. Theodora had been an entertainer to nobles and was a courtesan to some of the nobles she entertained. Eventually she became a Monophysite Christain and gave up entertainment. Theodora and Justinian got maried in 525 AD and began reigning in 527 AD when Justin I died.
Theodora made many decisions concerning the goverment during her rule. In 532 CE she intervened in the Nika riot over high taxes, religious controversy, and corruption in the government and managed keep her husband in the city. She also made Constantinople a more sophisticated city by building bridges, aqueducts and chruches. One of the most famous buildings she had built was the Hagia Sophia which is still considered an architectural feat. She also passed laws that prohibited forced prostitution and that closed brothels. She gave women more rights in divorce and property ownership. For example, mother's were granted guardianship of their children. She also put in a death penalty for rape and forabde killing a wife who commited adultery. Theodora died of cancer in 548 CE and is considered a saint by the East Orthdox Church.
Theodora made many decisions concerning the goverment during her rule. In 532 CE she intervened in the Nika riot over high taxes, religious controversy, and corruption in the government and managed keep her husband in the city. She also made Constantinople a more sophisticated city by building bridges, aqueducts and chruches. One of the most famous buildings she had built was the Hagia Sophia which is still considered an architectural feat. She also passed laws that prohibited forced prostitution and that closed brothels. She gave women more rights in divorce and property ownership. For example, mother's were granted guardianship of their children. She also put in a death penalty for rape and forabde killing a wife who commited adultery. Theodora died of cancer in 548 CE and is considered a saint by the East Orthdox Church.