Who are the 7 most powerful women in world history?

As women living in troubled times, they have proven that women are not just vases to be admired.

1. Queen Olga, Russia

Queen Olga was one of the first female rulers of Russia and one of the most powerful women in the world.

In 945, King Igor was murdered, their son was only 3 years old at that time, Olga became regent in his place. An attractive, beautiful, intelligent but also very cruel woman, Queen Olga was ready to eliminate those who wanted to take away her power.

After her husband died, she planned to avenge him, defeating those who wanted to overthrow her and the country. During her nearly 20-year reign, she gradually established new tax reforms, asked people to convert to Christianity without using force, and worked to improve infrastructure across the country.

She also established trade routes with powerful surrounding empires such as the Byzantines and the Holy Roman Empire. Under her rule, Russia became a European power until the 20th century.

2. Queen Cleopatra, Egypt

As a stunningly beautiful woman of Egypt over 2,000 years ago, Cleopatra became queen at the age of 18 but she successfully ruled the country of Egypt. Not only beautiful, Cleopatra also had a great intelligence, profound knowledge and unique ability to persuade.

With a love triangle with two heroes of ancient Rome: Hulius Caesar - the Roman General (100-44 BC) and Antony - one of the three consuls of Rome in the years 82-30 BC, Cleopatra not only protected the interests of Egypt but also prevented the Romans from conquering the Mediterranean.

3. Queen Wu Zetian, China

She was the daughter of a county governor during the reign of Emperor Gaozu of Tang. As a beautiful girl, she was favored by both Emperor Taizong of Tang and Emperor Gaozong of Tang and became the Empress of Emperor Gaozong of Tang.

In both Chinese history and legend, Wu Zetian was an intelligent woman with many strategies and cruelty.

After 20 years of ruling, on September 9, 690, Wu Zetian ascended the throne as Emperor, changing the country's name to Zhou. Since becoming the first female emperor of China, she had a series of progressive policies in using talented people, intellectuals, gathering intelligence to organize exams, encouraging the development of agriculture, irrigation, military development.

During her 50-year reign, she transformed China into a developed economy, stable society, and growing population.

4. Catherine the Great, Russia

Catherine the Great was the most powerful woman of the 18th century and the longest-reigning female leader of the Russian Empire. Under her reign, the Russian Empire was revived and recognized as one of the greatest powers in Europe at that time. Empress Catherine was intelligent and ambitious, and she helped the Russian Empire expand strongly through both conquest and diplomacy.

She advocated political, social, economic reforms and modernized the country. Her reign from 1762 to 1796 is known as the Catherine Era, which was also the golden age of the Russian Empire.

5. Empress Theodora, Türkiye

Theodora was the Byzantine Empress and one of the most powerful women in the Byzantine Empire. She was also regent for her son Michael III from the death of Theophilos in 842 to 855.

She was a strong and powerful woman, running the government with an iron and cautious hand, even removing Pope Silverius after he refused to follow her orders. In addition, she undertook a number of infrastructure projects, turning Constantinople into one of the most advanced cities of its time, and also promoted women's rights throughout the country.

6. Queen Elizabeth I, United Kingdom

Elizabeth I was one of the most powerful queens to come from the United Kingdom, she is also known as the Virgin Queen. We all know that Queen Victoria is more famous and ruled over a very large territory, but it was Queen Elizabeth who established the power and position of Queen Victoria.

The English victory over the Spanish Armada is associated with the Queen's name and is often considered one of the most glorious victories in English history.

During her 45 years on the throne, the Queen has brought a period of valuable stability to the United Kingdom and has been instrumental in shaping the British people's sense of national identity.

7. Empress Dowager Cixi, China

Empress Dowager Cixi was one of the most powerful people of the Qing Dynasty in particular and China in general. She was one of the people who made great contributions to turning China into the world power it is today, even though many Chinese historians have described her as a "tyrant".

Empress Dowager Cixi controlled the Qing dynasty for 47 years from 1861 to 1908, of which she was in complete power for 27 years (1881 - 1908) due to the death of Empress Dowager Ci'an.

She was a supporter of the self-strengthening movement, playing a major role in military reforms and technological advancements. In addition, Empress Dowager Cixi actively carried out many other reforms, such as freeing Chinese women from foot binding.