Ruler Archives - Page 25 of 27

Zenobia

Zenobia was a 3rd-century Syrian queen who led a revolt against the Roman Empire.

Yaa Asantewaa

As Queen Mother of Ejisu, Yaa Asantewaa led the Asante in a war against British colonization between 1900 and 1901, known as the War of the Golden Stool or the Yaa Asantewaa War.

Empress Taytu Betul ruled the Ethiopian Empire from 1889 to 1913, and she founded Ethiopia’s capital city, Addis Ababa. Even before she was named empress, she wielded significant political power, leading the conservative faction at court, which resisted the modernists and progressives who wanted to develop Ethiopia along western lines and bring modernity to the country. Her opinon was highly valued by her husband, the often hesitant Emperor Menelik II, and she was a key player in encouraging her countrymen to stand up tp the Italians, of whom she was rightfully suspicious and who wanted to make the kingdom and Italian protectorate. When the Italians invaded, the empress marched north with the Emperor and the Imperial Army, personally commanding a force of cannoneers at the historic Battle of Adwa. The battle resulted in a humiliating defeat for Italy in March 1896, which was the most significant of any African army battling European colonialism.
When her husband’s health began to decline around 1906, Taytu began making decisions on his behalf, angering her rivals by appointing favorites and relatives to most of the positions of power and influence. Due to political maneuvering, she was forced from power in 1910, and a regency under Ras Tessema Nadew took over. After her husband’s death in 1913, Taytu was banished to the old Palace at Entoto, next to the St. Mary’s church she had founded years before, and where her husband had been crowned Emperor.
Many believe Taytu may have played a part in the plot that eventually removed Emperor Iyasu V (Menelik’s grandson from a previous marriage) from the throne in 1916, replacing him with Empress Zauditu. Zauditu, Menelik II’s daughter by yet another previous marriage, had always been close to her stepmother and invited Taytu to live with her. Although Taytu declined, she resumed her role as a political advisor.

Æthelflæd

Æthelflæd was an Anglo-Saxon warrior queen in 9th and 10th century England, who fought to protect her land from Viking invasion.

Begum Samru

Joanna Nobilis Sombre began her career as a Nautch (dancing) girl in 1700s India, and eventually became the ruler of Sardhana, a small principality near Meerut.

Agrippina the Younger

Julia Agrippina was a powerful Roman empress and one of the most prominent and effective women in the Julio-Claudian dynasty.

Shima

Known as a just and wise ruler, Shima was the queen regnant of the 7th-century kingdom of Kalingga on the northern coast of Central Java circa 674 CE.

Lý Chiêu Hoàng

Lý Chiêu Hoàng was the ninth and last sovereign of the Lý dynasty from 1224 to 1225 and the only empress regnant in the history of Vietnam.

Queen Labotsibeni Mdluli

Nicknamed Gwamile for her strength of character, Labotsibeni was Swaziland’s queen mother from 1894 to 1899 and then regent from 1899 to 1921.

Maria Christina of the Two Sicilies

Maria Christina of the Two Sicilies was the queen consort of Spain from 1829 to 1833 and regent of the kingdom on behalf of her daughter Isabella from 1833 to 1840.