The Most Important Queens in History

For many years, one figure managed to condense all the power of an empire: The king. We are used to talking about different important kings, such as Louis XIV, Philip II, or Charlemagne. However, the reality is that many women occupied this role for several years.

The following is a historical review of the women who achieved important reigns for humanity, in one way or another. 

Isabella I of Castile

There are several Isabella in this list, but let's start with the one who was the queen of Castile from 1474 to 1504. She was queen consort of Sicily from 1469 and of Aragon from 1479, thanks to her marriage to Ferdinand of Aragon. From that time on, royal couples in Spain are known as "Catholic Monarchs."

Isabella seized the throne after a long struggle against King Henry IV, besides being in the War of the Castilian Succession. There they confronted the supporters of the other pretender to the throne, known as Juana. She generated reforms in society, reducing the debt of her predecessors. She ruled 330 years as queen of Castile and 26 as queen consort of Aragon. She lived 53 years. 

Elizabeth I of England

Let's move on to England. Known as the Virgin Queen, she was Queen of England and Ireland from November 17, 1558, until the day of her death on March 24, 1603. In case you didn't know, she was the fifth and last monarch of the Tudor dynasty. This was one of the most powerful families in England!

She was the daughter of the popular Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, his second wife, executed two years after the birth of Elizabeth. She was characterized by being more moderate than her family, avoiding the persecution of the infidels. Elizabeth I had to face Spain in the war of the mid-1580s, where they were victorious. That war victory is associated with her as one of the best military strategists in the history of England. 

Marie Antoinette

She was a queen from Austria, who served as archduchess princess of Austria and queen consort of France and Navarre. She was the fifteenth and penultimate daughter of Franz I of the Holy Roman Empire, who was born on November 2, 1755. Now, the important thing is that she became a popular figure.

After the flight from Varennes, Louis XVI was deposed. This decision abolished the monarchy on September 21, 1792. Consequently, the people imprisoned the royal family and they were guillotined for treason. Her behavior was responsible for the French Revolution, but some believe that she was not merciless. Undoubtedly, she is one of the most relevant women in history, who directly influenced a historic revolution. 

Also read: WOMEN HISTORIANS WHO LEFT A MARK FOR HUMANITY

Alexandra Feodorovna

She was the queen consort of the last emperor Nicholas II of Russia. Feodorovna is remembered for being the last empress of Russia. In addition, she had one of the most famous surnames in Russia! This woman was born on June 6, 1872, and died on July 17, 1918, after having autocratic control over the country.

Feodorovna is remembered for having a great friendship with the Russian mystic Rasputin, whom she considered "essential" in her life. She was not accepted by the Russian people, as she was seen as a cold queen who did not attend to the needs of the population. She played a prominent role at the beginning of the First World War. Her surname is one of the most important in history and her reign is one of the most controversial in Russia. 

Elizabeth II of England

Finally, we have a queen who continues to this day. She is the current British monarch born on April 21, 1926. Elizabeth is sovereign of fifteen independent states. In this way, she remains one of the leading political figures of this century and the last. Elizabeth was the first queen to have a televised crown ceremony, in 1953. 

During 1956 and 2021, half of her kingdoms, such as South Africa, Jamaica, and Pakistan, gained their independence and became republics. She is the first woman to reach her 70th year of reign and was noted for having had approaches with all the ministers of England and the presidents of the United States. If you are interested in her life, you can watch the series "The Crown," where more details about her career are explored. Now you know the most relevant queens in history.