Women today are – pardon the slang – killing it. From running global businesses to heading countries, powerful women occupy important positions all around the world. But history too, has its female stars, still remembered today for holding their own against formidable men who surrounded them.
Click start to play today’s Spell It, where “women” is one of the words you can create with the letters provided.
Here are three famous women of antiquity who were incredibly significant:
1. Cleopatra
No woman from ancient times is probably as well-known to us as Cleopatra. She was the last of the Ptolemaic Dynasty of Egypt, and secured her position as well as her kingdom’s independence through her sharp intellect and influence over Roman leaders Julius Caesar and Mark Antony – two of the most powerful men in the West at the time.
2. Zenobia
It took guts and gumption to stand up to the formidable Roman Empire, and that’s what Zenobia – the ruler of the short-lived Palmyrene Empire (in Syria) – managed to do. She managed to bring a massive part of Rome’s domains in the east under her rule, including Egypt. To do so in an age and world dominated by men speaks volumes about her military and political acumen.
3. Hatshepsut
Another famous Egyptian ruler, Hatshepsut (pictured above) managed to overcome limitations surrounding her gender and ruled Egypt as a pharaoh in her own right. And she was wildly successful – the kingdom flourished under her rule. She was a master of public relations, and contributed greatly to Egypt’s architectural development – her funeral temple, even today, is one of the most imposing architectural marvels of the country.
4. Enheduanna
In the ancient Mesopotamian city-states of Sumer, Enheduanna was a princess who became high priestess of Ur – one of Sumer’s most powerful cities. Many of her poems and prayers have survived, cementing her place as an influential literary and political figure, and one of the first known poets with a recorded name.
Did you know about these powerful women of antiquity? Play today’s Spell It and tell us at games@gulfnews.com.
