Ida Laura Pfeiffer (1797-1857) The Travelogue Queen Starting her travels at 45 years old, this globetrotter became a worldwide sensation for going boldly where no woman had gone before.
Zelia Nuttall (1857-1933) The Queen of Mexican Archaeology This single mom developed the field of Mexican archaeology, while fiercely protecting it from the sleazy and opportunistic.
Tamar of Georgia (1160-1213) Holy Righteous King of Georgia Saint, sovereign, and fiercely independent woman, she quashed two rebellions from her ex-husband, expanded her nation's borders, and ushered in a golden age.
Masako Hojo (1157-1225) The Nun Shogun When her shogun husband cheated on her, she raised an army and destroyed the other woman's house. Later she deposed her incompetent son to become the first nun to rule Japan.
Ranavalona I (1778-1861) The Female Caligula This brutal sovereign's reign saw her outlaw clapping, pioneer death by feet-kissing, and design giant weaponized scissors - but are we only getting one side of the story...?
Naziq al-Abid (1898-1959) The Sword of Damascus She traded a life of privilege for one spent fighting for justice on both literal and political battlefields so tirelessly that even exiling her five times couldn't keep her down.