Ada Lovelace (1815-1852) The Enchantress of Numbers History’s first computer programmer, who invented algorithms for the first computer – which didn’t even exist during her lifetime, so she had to do it all in her head.
Wallada bint al-Mustakfi (c.1000-1091) Andalusian Slam Poet Spirited poetry-spouting princess who lived an audacious life and put her cheating lover on blast with her expert slam poetry.
Theodora (c.497-548) The Concubine Who Conquered Constantinople Sex worker who became empress of the Byzantine Empire, and used her political power to safeguard her interests, and her husband’s reputation.
The Valiant Ladies of Potosi (17th century) Teen Vigilantes of the 1600s Eustaquia de Souza and Ana Lezama de Urinza, two sword-and-gun-toting lesbian teen vigilantes – 17th century Bolivia’s answer to Batman.
Moll Cutpurse (1582-1659) London's Queen of Thieves Cross-dressing Queen of Thieves who flouted social norms and had plays written about her.