Yes, actually. Warrior queens to be specific. Despite widespread discrimination against women during the Classical period of the world, queens often ruled the African kingdom of Nubia, and powerful warrior queens at that. History notes ten women rulers of Nubia, and an additional six who significantly impacted the nation while their husbands ruled.
One ruler, Queen Amanirenas, even lead armies into battle. She defeated the Romans in one clash, but was defeated when they regrouped. Because they feared her power, the Romans negotiated a treaty, but the queen broke it a few years later. It is said that she became even more courageous after losing an eye in battle. Nubian women were a force to be reckoned with, certainly.
In addition to their unique status as rulers in a world of patriarchy, Nubian granted their queens another role denied to Classical women in other civilizations: priest. Pictures often showed Queens giving birth to the children of gods and playing an active role in immortal events.
The cult surrounding the goddess Isis is a main reason behind the queens' power. Isis was the Egyptian queen of all gods and goddesses, and one of a trinity formed with Osiris and Set. Nubia worshiped Isis more than Egypt did, and she often adorns their royal crowns. Pictures often associate this magic and powerful goddess with the queens of the kingdom, something not usually seen in other cultures of the time.
Because of the importance of the queen mother and goddess Isis to Nubian culture, Nubian women were incredibly powerful compared to women of other civilizations of the period. Nubian cultures today reflect their history of powerful women in their matriarchal structure.
Source: Role of Women in Nubia by Tara L. Kneller
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That is awesome that women were so important, you do not find that often in history!
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