Shi Shi as Empress Wang in the 2014 Chinese television series, The Empress of China
China

Empress Wang – Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty’s forgotten, childless deposed Empress

Empress Wang of the Tang Dynasty was the first empress to Emperor Gaozong. However, she has largely been forgotten and overshadowed by her successor, Empress Wu Zetian (who later ruled in her own right as the Empress of China).[1] Empress Wang has often been seen as a victim of Empress Wu’s political machinations.[2] However, the truth seems [read more]

Empress Xiaoyuanjing as portrayed by Gina Jin in the 2016 Chinese television series, The Imperial Doctress
China

Empress Xiaoyuanjing – The Jingtai Emperor’s deposed Empress who was greatly loved by her people

Empress Xiaoyuanjing was the first empress to Emperor Daizong (also known as the Jingtai Emperor) of the Ming Dynasty. She was a devoted empress.[1] However, she opposed Emperor Daizong’s proposal to remove the Crown Prince.[2] Because of her opposition, she was deposed and banished to the cold palace.[3] After Emperor Daizong’s death, Empress Xiaoyuanjing was given many [read more]

Queen Phaedymia Shahbanu - The Persian Queen who used her feminine wiles and sex appeal to overthrow a king of the Achaemenid Empire
Amestris Shahbanu

Queen Phaedymia Shahbanu – The Persian Queen who used her feminine wiles and sex appeal to overthrow a king of the Achaemenid Empire

Queen Phaedymia Shahbanu was queen consort to three Persian Kings of the Achaemenid Empire.[1] They were King Cambyses II, the False Smerdis, and King Darius the Great. She was also the niece of King Cyrus the Great.[2] Queen Phaedymia Shahbanu was known for her involvement in overthrowing the False Smerdis.[3] She also helped enthrone King [read more]