Ten Powerful and Fearsome Women of the Ancient World

A quick perusal of the Forbes ‘World’s Most Powerful Women list for 2017, will reveal female politicians, heads of industry and billionaire philanthopists at the top of the list. The likes of Angela Merkel, Theresa May and Melinda Gates top the list for the influence their actions have on the modern world. However, when it comes to the Forbes 2018 Worlds Most Powerful People list, there are only 3 women in the top 50 positions. In a similar vein, in most civilizations of the past, it was mainly the men who were engaged in the bloody business of winning power through war… but not always. There have been female figures throughout history who held powerful roles or played significantly influencial parts too. Throughout history there have been many powerful women who have led nations or guided armies into war, renowned not only as fearsome fighters, but also as cunning strategists and inspirational leaders. There were others who made a name for themselves in a domain traditionally held by men and whose stories, carried forward over the centuries, continue to be told today. 

Hell hath no fury like the Trung Sister freedom fighters

Throughout history, Vietnamese women have been instrumental in resisting foreign domination. The most well-known of these heroines are the Trung sisters, who led the first national uprising against their Chinese conquerors in 40 AD.