Middle Eastern Descent Archives

Youtab Aryobarzan

Youtab fell defending the Persian Gates against the invading force of Alexander the Great in the 300s BCE

Cassandane Shahbanu

Cassandane was the wife of Cyrus the Great (r. c. 550-530 BCE), founder of the Achaemenid Empire (c. 550-330 BCE).

Apranik

Apranik was the commander of the Sassanian army against the invading Arab-Muslim forces during the reign of Yazdegerd III (632-651 CE).

Artunis

A Lieutenant Commander of the army under Cyrus the Great.

Pantea Arteshbod served as a military commander under Cyrus the Great and played a pivotal role in the Battle of Opis in 539 BCE (later assisting her husband in the formation of the 10,000 Persian Immortals)

Azadokht Shahbanu

Diplomat for the Sassanian Empire under Shapur I, his primary consort and wife, and a skilled swordswoman and a guiding force in his reign and the one responsible for establishing the great intellectual, cultural, and medical center of Gundeshapur.

Irdabama

The best-known and wealthiest businesswoman attested to in the records of the Achaemenid Empire at Persepolis.

Mavia

Mavia (r. c. 375-c. 425 CE) was a warrior-queen of the semi-nomadic Tanukhid Arab tribe of Syria and Jordan who led a successful insurrection against Rome in 378 CE.

Fatima bint Muhammad

The youngest daughter of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad and his first wife Khadija. Taking up after her father, Fatimah became highly spiritual and devoted to Islam.

Kubaba

Kubaba, according to the Sumerian King List (circa 2112 – circa 2004 BCE), was a tavern keeper (alewife) before becoming Queen of Kish.