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Top Surprising Queens in History
In history, there have been remarkable queens who reshaped popular culture, defying expectations with their extraordinary leadership and governance. This list focuses on surprising queens in history whose ascent to the throne was unexpected. Discover the lesser-known yet extraordinary lives of these influential women.
Throughout history, there have been remarkable queens whose paths to power and lasting impact are truly astonishing. Their stories are unforgettable and have left an indelible mark on history. These incredible women have shaped the world in ways that will be remembered forever.
Furthermore, history is filled with remarkable individuals, including politicians, ordinary people, scientists, leaders, royals, and those seeking change, who have defied the odds to shape the world we know today. They bravely stood up for what they believed in, fought for their truths, and left a lasting impact on our shared history.
In history, there have been remarkable queens who reshaped popular culture, defying expectations with their extraordinary leadership and governance. This list focuses on surprising queens in history whose ascent to the throne was unexpected. Discover the lesser-known yet extraordinary lives of these influential women.
Top Surprising Queens in History
1. Tomyris – 520s BCE
The Most Powerful Queens In History
Tomyris is one of the most surprising queens in history, who stood their ground against invaders and oppression and intimidation from far greater nations who have bigger armies and supplies. Being a widowed wife of the king of the Massagetae, Tomyris became the queen of Massagetae an Iranian Saka people of Central Asia.
Tomyris, the queen of Massagetae, a nomadic people in Central Asia, stood up to Cyrus the Great the king of Persia who had wanted her hand in marriage just so he could gain her land. Cyrus however tricked and captured her son in battle by setting up a fancy banquet with large amounts of wine in the tents of his camp as an ambush and withdrew and after being freed by his captor, he decided to kill himself out of shame. Furious, she challenged Cyrus to another fight and defeated him, resulting in his death. But what shocked everyone was her chilling response: she beheaded Cyrus, crucified his body, and used his skull as a drinking cup. Tomyris was one fierce and gothic queen, way ahead of her time!
2. Hatshepsut – 1479 to 1458 B.C
Surprising Queens in History
Hatshepsut, an extraordinary queen of ancient Egypt, stands out as one of history’s most influential rulers. Unlike her predecessors, she successfully wielded power and oversaw a prosperous era, marked by numerous impressive constructions and projects that still impact our world today. Her remarkable rise to the throne challenged the norms of her time, making her a truly surprising and exceptional figure in history.
Hatshepsut who was a remarkable female ruler of ancient Egypt became queen when her half-brother Thutmose II inherited the throne to whom she is married to. After his death, she acted as regent for her stepson, Thutmose III. Over time, she took on the full role of a pharaoh, adopting a male appearance in official depictions. Hatshepsut focused on peaceful trade rather than war and led a successful expedition to Punt, bringing back valuable goods. She was also known for her extensive building projects, especially in honoring the god Amon-Re.
Toward the end of her reign, she allowed Thutmose III to take on more responsibilities. After her death, he ruled alone for a long time. Attempts were made to erase her memory from history, but later discoveries revealed her significant reign. In short, Hatshepsut was a pioneering female pharaoh who achieved remarkable success during her rule, despite later efforts to diminish her legacy.
3. Elizabeth II – 1952 to 2022 AD
Most Famous Queens In History
Most people in modern times do not know what it means to be a queen anymore, Elizabeth II of England was the closest thing we could see to what or who a queen is actually.
Queen Elizabeth II of Britain holds the record for the longest reign of any British monarch and any female head of state in history, with over 70 years on the throne. Unlike most royal families, the British Royal Family has a tradition of active military service. Even the queen herself served as an army veteran during World War II.
At the age of 18, she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service, where she trained as a truck driver and mechanic. Additionally, she was the last world leader to have served in WWII and the only female member of the House of Windsor with military service before she passed away in the year 2022 after a lengthy reading as a queen. Elizabeth II also contributed to many development and popular culture in our modern world as we know it.
4. Cleopatra – 51 to 30 BC
Powerful African Queens Who Shaped History
Cleopatra stands out as the most renowned queen of Egypt, surpassing all others in fame and prominence. Her legacy has endured through the ages, unlike records of other past rulers and queens. However, historical accounts often portray Cleopatra as a woman with a complex and intriguing personality.
Cleopatra, daughter of King Ptolemy XII Auletes, became the last queen of Egypt’s Macedonian dynasty. She was of Macedonian descent but embraced Egyptian culture. After her father’s death, she ruled with her younger brother Ptolemy XIII.
She later allied with Julius Caesar, becoming his lover and regaining her throne. Following Caesar’s assassination, she aligned with Mark Antony and formed a powerful bond. Together, they had children and hoped to rule the world. However, their defeat at the Battle of Actium led to Antony’s death and Cleopatra’s suicide, marking the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty and the Roman Republic.
5. Boudica – 60 to 61 AD
Surprising Queens in History
Boudica was the Queen of the Iceni tribe in Roman Britain. After her husband’s death, she wanted to maintain a peaceful relationship with the Romans. However, they mistreated her and her daughters, by publicly flogging her and raping her daughters an event which angered her greatly.
In a fierce act of revenge, she led her people, along with other tribes, on a determined and fearless uprising. Boudica’s rebellion resulted in the defeat of Roman forces, the destruction of cities, and the loss of thousands of Roman lives. She became a symbol of strength and defiance in history and a symbol of women around the world fighting for their rights especially, through the 20th century.
6. Catherine the Great – 1762 to 1796 AD
Most Famous Queens in History
Catherine the Great was a remarkable figure in 18th-century Russia. Despite being German-born, she embraced her role as Empress and worked to strengthen her adopted country. She disliked her husband, Peter III, and orchestrated his downfall to claim the throne in 1762. As Empress, she ushered in reforms focusing on education, arts, and governance, earning her the title “Enlightened Despot.”
Catherine expanded Russia’s territory through strategic wars and diplomacy, leaving a lasting legacy as a powerful and influential ruler. Her reign brought prosperity, but also social inequalities and serfdom remained unresolved. Nonetheless, her impact on Russia’s growth and culture was profound until her death in 1796.
7. Wu Zetian –Â 665 to 705 AD
Famous Queens in History
Wu Zetian was an extraordinary woman in ancient China, who defied societal norms to become the country’s only female ruler. From a young age, she showcased her intelligence and ambition. As a concubine, she even boasted about taming a wild horse with just an iron whip, hammer, and dagger.
When her husband, the Emperor, passed away, tradition dictated that she become a nun, but Wu refused. Instead, she seduced her stepson, became his wife, and orchestrated a series of manipulative moves to seize power. Throughout her reign, she promoted education, arts, and construction while maintaining a controversial relationship with a Buddhist monk. Wu Zetian’s legacy as a symbol of female empowerment and effective leadership endures in China’s history.
8. Maria Theresa of Austria – 1743 to 1780 AD
Top Surprising Queens in History
Maria Theresa was a remarkable ruler who, just like Wu Zetian in China, ruled over a vast array of territories, including Austria, Hungary, Croatia, and many more. She was the only empress to ascend to such a position, and through marriage, she also became Duchess of Lorraine, Grand Duchess of Tuscany, and Holy Roman Empress. Her reign extended from 1740 until her passing in 1780, leaving a significant impact on the Habsburg dominions.
Maria Theresa of Austria, born in 1717, was destined for greatness, becoming one of the most remarkable queens in history. When her father, Emperor Charles VI, passed away in 1740, she faced enormous challenges as the only female ruler in the male-dominated Habsburg lands. Ignoring the odds stacked against her, Maria Theresa displayed extraordinary determination and skill in securing her claim to the throne. Facing the War of Austrian Succession, she proved her boldness, cleverly navigating the treacherous political landscape, and eventually emerged victorious.
Throughout her reign, Maria Theresa defended her empire against foreign threats, most notably during the Seven Years’ War. She maintained a strong military, ensuring the protection of her realm and safeguarding its territorial integrity. Despite facing immense challenges, Maria Theresa’s reign was characterized by stability, growth, and a lasting legacy of a monarch who truly cared for her people.
9. Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba – 1624 to 1663 AD
Most Powerful Empress in History
Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba, a remarkable African queen of the 17th century, defied the norms of her time to become a powerful ruler. Born into the Mbundu people of modern-day Angola, she displayed her leadership skills at a young age, advocating for her people’s rights and resisting Portuguese colonization.
When her brother, the king, passed away, Nzinga seized the opportunity to ascend the throne. Despite facing opposition from male nobles, she successfully claimed her position as queen, becoming a symbol of strength and determination.
As a queen, Nzinga’s deeds were nothing short of extraordinary. She fiercely resisted Portuguese expansion into her territories, leading her people in numerous battles and negotiations. Nzinga’s cunning diplomatic tactics earned her respect and even a temporary alliance with the Dutch against the Portuguese.
She was a skilled strategist and a relentless defender of her people’s freedom. Nzinga’s legacy as a warrior queen, diplomat, and protector of her land continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the indomitable spirit and leadership of African women in history.
Top Surprising Queens in History
- Tomyris – 520s BCE
- Hatshepsut – 1479 to 1458 B.C
- Elizabeth II – 1952 to 2022 AD
- Cleopatra – 51 to 30 BC
- Boudica – 60 to 61 AD
- Catherine the Great – 1762 to 1796 AD
- Wu Zetian –Â 665 to 705 AD
- Maria Theresa of Austria – 1743 to 1780 AD
- Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba – 1624 to 1663 AD