Women in the Middle Ages had much of their lives dictated by the medieval church and feudal system, but some broke free of these strict societal roles.
Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of the most prominent political figures of the Middle Ages. She took part in the Second Crusade alongside her ladies-in-waiting, and unlike most women of the time, she managed her own estate and finances.
She is most well-known as a patron of the arts and alongside her daughter Marie de Champagne, inspired and popularized many romantic and chivalrous tales of the time.
Literature was mostly written by men, but in 1393, Christine de Pizan became the first professional female writer in European history. Her work discussed the value of equality amongst the sexes and would go on to influence early Renaissance writers.
One of Pizan’s works focused on Joan of Arc, a martyr of the Hundred Years War. After hearing a call from God, Joan of Arc joined the French Army and led them into the battle of Orléans at the age of 15. She was executed by the English government four years later at 19.
Moving east, Theodora became the most powerful woman in Byzantine history. Theodora first worked as an actress before marrying the emperor Justinian. Justinian changed the law to allow nobles to marry actresses, and they ruled jointly until her death in 548 CE.
Just like Cleopatra, she was painted as manipulative and immoral, but most scholars agree she had a major role in producing the golden age of the Byzantine Empire.
Wu Zetian became first and only female emperor of imperial China under the Tang Dynasty in 690 CE. During her reign, she established a direct line between the people and her, leading to many popular education, agriculture and military reforms.
She abdicated her throne in 704 CE after the death of her lovers and died one year later.
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