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History as we know it may often be dominated by the names of kings, but some remarkable women have existed whose crowns have gleamed just as brightly, if not more so. From the courts of ancient Egypt to the corridors of Renaissance Europe, the stories of these queens are proof of the power that most monarchs can only wish to wield.
Intrigued? Click through this gallery as we look at some of the most powerful queens that have ever lived.
Cleopatra was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt until 30 BCE. She is famed for her intelligence and charisma. She famously aligned herself with Roman leaders Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, exerting significant political influence.
Cleopatra was not only a skilled diplomat, but could also converse fluently in several languages, which meant that she had a major political advantage during her reign. Sadly, she perished at the age of 39 after Roman forces invaded Egypt.
The daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I ruled England during a period of significant cultural and political expansion, known as the Elizabethan era (1558–1603). Her reign saw England establish itself as a major world power, marked by the defeat of the Spanish Armada.
Elizabeth's reign has been highlighted as a period in which arts, literature, and exploration flourished. The queen’s leadership during the Spanish Armada crisis in 1588 solidified her status as a formidable ruler and a symbol of English nationalism.
One of Russia's most renowned monarchs is Catherine II, who expanded the Russian Empire through conquest and diplomacy. During her reign from 1762 to 1796, she implemented significant reforms, particularly in education and administration, and fostered culture throughout Russia.
During Catherine's reign, Russia’s territory expanded considerably, including Crimea and parts of Poland. Catherine often corresponded with Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire, and implemented legal reforms that were inspired by their ideals.
Victoria's reign, known famously as the Victorian era, was distinguished by major evolution in the United Kingdom, across the industrial, scientific, cultural, and military fields. Indeed, Victoria’s reign paved the way for what would become the largest empire in history.
After her husband, Prince Albert, died in 1861, Victoria plunged into a period of mourning that saw her avoiding public appearances. Although her power declined briefly because of this, she quickly rose to prominence once again and reigned for more than 63 years. She is pictured here with her eldest daughter.
Cixi was a powerful figure in the Qing dynasty of China (1644–1911), exerting influence over the throne for several decades. She played a significant role in resisting Western influence and modernizing China.
Cixi's influence over the Qing court was remarkable, as she effectively ruled China for nearly half a century as regent for her son and then her nephew. She adamantly supported traditional Chinese institutions during her time, but she wasn’t always positively regarded by her subjects.
Isabella I, along with her husband Ferdinand II of Aragon, unified Spain and sponsored the voyages of Christopher Columbus, which led to the European colonization of the Americas.
Isabella and Ferdinand are known as the Catholic Monarchs, a title granted to them by the Spanish Pope Alexander VI. Isabella’s reign is vividly marked by her reorganization of the governmental system and the reduction of debt that the previous monarch (her half brother) had left behind.
Wu Zetian was the only female emperor in Chinese history. She rose from being a concubine to becoming the effective ruler of China during the Tang dynasty, implementing numerous reforms and promoting Buddhism.
Wu Zetian was an ingeniously capable administrator and an active promoter of women's rights within the imperial court. Unfortunately, her reign also saw political intrigue and ruthlessness, and her power ended after a coup in 704 CE.
Nefertiti was an Egyptian queen who lived between 1320 and 1330 BCE. She was the "great royal wife" of Akhenaten, an influential pharaoh of the 18th dynasty. She is renowned for her beauty and her role in the religious changes implemented along with her husband.
Nefertiti, who was known by many different names during her reign, most notably promoted the earliest form of monotheism. It is argued that Nefertiti and her husband (pictured) ruled during what was the wealthiest period of ancient Egyptian history.
Mary I ruled England for a short but incredibly tumultuous period from 1553 to 1558. Her reign was dominated by her attempts to reverse the English Reformation and restore Catholicism to England.
Mary's attempts to restore Catholicism were met with major resistance, which lead the queen to persecute Protestants. This ultimately lead to her being given the nickname "Bloody Mary." Her marriage to Philip II of Spain aimed to strengthen Catholic ties, but ultimately fueled English anti-Spanish sentiment.
Anne was the last monarch of the House of Stuart and the first monarch of the Kingdom of Great Britain, once Scotland and England were merged due to the signing of the Acts of Union.
Anne faced many challenges during her seven-year reign, such as the War of the Spanish Succession, and she struggled with poor health throughout her life. In fact, she had 17 pregnancies over two decades, with none of her children surviving to adulthood.
Hatshepsut was one of the most successful pharaohs of ancient Egypt from c. 1479 to 1458 BCE. She ruled as regent for her stepson, but eventually declared herself pharaoh and commissioned numerous impressive building projects.
Hatshepsut's reign was marked by unprecedented prosperity and artistic achievement. Aside from her ambitious building projects, which included the famous mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari, she also established trade networks that brought wealth to Egypt. She is pictured here presenting an offering to the Egyptian god Horus.
Christina was known for her intellectual pursuits and patronage of the arts and sciences, which made her one of the most prominent figures of the 17th-century European Enlightenment. She abdicated the throne in 1654 to convert to Catholicism, which sparked controversy and forced her to spend much of her later life in exile.
Christina is considered to be one of the most cultured rulers of the 17th century. Indeed, her fondness for literature, artistry, and science helped her draw many scholars to Stockholm, which she wanted to become the “Athens of the North.”
Eleanor was one of the wealthiest and most powerful women in medieval Europe. She was queen consort of both France and England and played a significant role in the politics and culture of her time.
Eleanor was known for her political acumen and her ability to influence the affairs of both England and France. Her sons included King Richard the Lionheart and King John of England, and her descendants ruled over much of Europe.
Maria Theresa was one of the most influential rulers of the Habsburg monarchy. During her reign from 1740 to 1780, she implemented many administrative, economic, and military reforms that aided in the expansion of Austria’s territory.
Maria Theresa's 40-year reign saw the promotion of commerce and the development of agriculture, all of which strengthened Austria’s international standing. She was a devoted mother and ruler, and successfully navigated the challenges of 18th-century European politics.
Catherine de' Medici was a powerful queen consort and regent of France between 1547 and 1559. She played a central role in the French Wars of Religion (a series of civil wars between French Catholics and Protestants) and the shaping of French politics during the Renaissance.
Catherine's role in her nation’s politics was often fraught with controversy, especially since she was an Italian noblewoman ruling France. But despite such controversy, she was known for her political maneuvering and her efforts to maintain stability in a deeply divided kingdom.
Sources: (Explore the Archive) (New York Post) (Refinery29)
See also: Legendary rulers who died in battle
The most powerful and influential queens in history
These iconic rulers gained unparalleled success
LIFESTYLE Royalty
History as we know it may often be dominated by the names of kings, but some remarkable women have existed whose crowns have gleamed just as brightly, if not more so. From the courts of ancient Egypt to the corridors of Renaissance Europe, the stories of these queens are proof of the power that most monarchs can only wish to wield.
Intrigued? Click through this gallery as we look at some of the most powerful queens that have ever lived.