Queen Dowager Zhao – The scandalous mother of the first Qin Emperor
Queen Dowager Zhao’s life was full of turbulence and scandal. She lived during the Warring States period. The Warring States period was a time when […]
Queen regent
Kunigunda of Slavonia – A dowager Queen who took a lover
Most medieval dowager Queens were expected to live quietly and retire to a chaste and religious life after their husband’s death. Sometimes, if they were […]
Helena of Serbia – The executioner
For the most part, very few medieval Hungarian queens played a role in politics. One exception is Helena of Serbia, also known as Helena of […]
Elizabeth of Bosnia – A Queen in a tough situation (Part 2)
In my previous article, I discussed the early years of Elizabeth of Bosnia’s life, her life as queen consort, and her early regency. This second […]
Kosem Sultan – The dynamic regent of the Ottoman Empire
Kosem Sultan was one of the most powerful women in the Ottoman Empire. She governed the empire for nearly 30 years. She lived through six […]
Empress Lu Zhi of Han – China’s first reigning Empress
While Lu Zhi never proclaimed herself Empress, many historians recognise her as the first reigning Empress of China.[1] She was the empress consort to Gaozu, the […]