Formidable Queens Who Ruled With an Iron Fist

The history books you read as a kid were filled with stories of legendary leaders, many of whom were men. But as we know, history is not just about men. Powerful and shrewd women have had a significant impact on many major world events. Unfortunately, their stories are often overlooked in textbooks and history classes. So let’s take a look at five fascinating stories of powerful women who had a reputation for being terrible.  

1. Wu Zetian  Wu Zetian was a key figure during the Tang Dynasty in China during the late 7th and early 8th centuries. She initially was a concubine to the prior emperor and used her position to her advantage. Zetain gave birth to several sons and accused the emperor's wife of plotting to end her own daughter. This led to disorder, and Wu eventually became empress. When her husband suffered a stroke, Wu seized power and created a secret police organization to spy on political leaders and eliminate dissent. She even eliminated the previous empress. Wu ruled behind the scenes through her son, who eventually abdicated in her favor. Wu's rule was conventional, but her reign was characterized by improving the status of women and a period of cultural flourishing in China.

 2. Amanitore  Meroe was an ancient city in the Nubian kingdom of Kush, and its ruling queens held the title of Kandake. Amanitore was one of the most famous warrior queens who ruled Meroe from before Jesus' birth until AD 20. She had significant power within Kush and could depose male leaders who challenged her. She oversaw the construction and restoration of over 200 pyramids, earning her the title of the last of the great builders of the Kush empire. She is also believed to have fought a five-year battle against the Romans and is mentioned by name in the Book of Acts in the New Testament.

 3. Fredegund  Fredegund of Neustria was a slave in the early 500s who rose to become the queen of Francia by using ruthless tactics. Fredegund disposed of court members who stood in her way as she was determined to keep her husband, Chilperic, on the throne. She also took steps to pave the way for her son to succeed him. Fredegund used brutal methods to eliminate her enemies, including poisoning and putting out hits on them. She was known for her cunning and ambition in securing power for herself and her family.

 4. Isabella of France Isabella of France, married to Edward II of England at 12, had a tumultuous marriage due to Edward's favoritism towards Hugh Despenser the Younger. In 1324, Edward declared war on Isabella's brother, Charles IV of France, and confiscated her lands. Isabella negotiated peace between Edward and Charles, but upon her return to England, she led a successful invasion, had Edward II abdicate the throne, and had Despenser executed. She ruled behind the scenes with her son, Edward III, but was eventually overthrown by him in 1330. She spent the rest of her life as a dowager queen. 

5. Lakshmi Bai Lakshmi Bai, born in the 1830s in northern India, was raised with her brothers where she learned traditionally masculine skills. When she got older, she married the Maharaja of Jhansi, but when he died suddenly without an heir, British colonial officials tried to annex the region. Lakshmi refused to surrender and led a mutiny in 1857, becoming the Rani of Jhansi. She fought against British forces, capturing forts and leading successful battles. However, she passed away in battle but remained a symbol of Indian resistance against British colonial rule.