Women rulers became more common in the 17th and first half of the 18th centuries, the Early Modern period. Here are some of the more prominent women rulers -- queens, empresses -- of that period.
Sophia von Hanover
1630 - 1714Electress of Hanover, married to Friedrich V, she was the nearest Protestant successor to the British throne and thus Heir Presumptive. She died before her cousin Queen Anne did.
Ulrika Eleanora the Older
1656 - 1693Queen of Karl XII of Sweden and mother of their seven children, she was appointed regent at his death.
Ulrika Eleanora the Younger
1688 - 1741Daughter of Ulrika Eleanora the Older and Karl XII, she reigned as queen after succeeding her brother Karl in 1682, until her husband became king; she served as a regent for her husband as well.
