The 25 Most Powerful Women in History

Women have had to fight for their position in society, but never the less there have been many assertive women throughout the ages that have had the upper hand.

From politics to medical advances to fashion, we have the following women to thank for giving today’s women a voice.

Cleopatra

Cleopatra reigned as Pharaoh of Egypt for 21 years and was responsible for the alliance of the ancient world’s superpowers, Egypt and Rome when she dated Romans Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony.

She was responsible for bringing the teachings of a solar cycle calendar to Rome and the rest of the world which we still use today.

Joan of Arc

At age 18, Joan of Arc was the ultimate boss woman who led the French army to victory over the English in 1430.

The teenager cropped her hair and wore men’s clothes but didn’t hide her gender from the authorities, who gave her the go ahead to lead the army.

After her victory she was charged with heresy and dressing like a man and was burned at the stake in front of 10,000 onlookers.

Boudicca

Boudicca was a Celtic British Queen who took the Roman Empire by surprise when she led an uprising against them in 60 A.D. in which her army destroyed the capital of Roman Britain.

Her revenge came after she and her daughters were raped by Roman soldiers. 2,000 years later the future Queen of England, Victoria would be named after her as the name Boudicca translates to “victory.”

Eva Peron

The former First Lady of Argentina was a compassionate leader and a voice for second class citizens. Reaching out to the sick and poor, Peron was just as involved in her country’s people as her husband.

A woman’s woman, Peron was heavily involved in advocating for women’s suffrage and her influence changed the law in 1946, making it legal for women to vote in Argentina.