Women's History

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Women's History

Ancient Women Rulers

Queens, Empresses, Pharaohs, Other Women Rulers of the Ancient & Classical World

By Jone Johnson Lewis, About.com

See More About:

Series:

Though most rulers in the ancient (and classical) world were men, some women wielded power and influence. Some ruled in their own name, some influenced their world as royal consorts. Here are some of the most powerful women in the ancient world, listed alphabetically below:

Olympias

Olympias was the wife of Philip II of Macedonia, and the mother of Alexander the Great. She had a reputation both as sacred (a snake handler in a mystery cult) and violent. After Alexander's death, she seized power as regent for Alexander's posthumous son, and had many of her enemies killed. But she didn't rule long.
More Info

Semiramis - Sammu-Ramat

Legendary warrior queen of Assyria, Semiramis is credited with building a new Babylon as well as conquest of neighboring states.
More Info

Zenobia

Image of Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra.From a third century coin.
Zenobia, who claimed Cleopatra as ancestor, defied the Romans, and rode into battle against them, but was eventually defeated and taken prisoner.
More Info

Explore Women's History

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

Women's History

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Women's History
  4. Politicians, Queens, Laws
  5. Rulers/Queens/State Heads
  6. Ancient Queens
  7. Queens, Empresses, Pharaohs and Other Women Rulers of the Ancient and Classical World>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.