When Women Ruled, And Empires Thrived

Ancient Empires: Cleopatra, a docu-drama that invites viewers to rethink the legacy of one of history’s most misunderstood figures is what we need right now in world where conflict and unrest dominate headlines. Cleopatra VII, often remembered through the lens of romance and allure, is reintroduced as a political visionary—multilingual, tactically sharp, and fiercely protective of her people and kingdom. Now on discovery+, the series strips away centuries of myth to reveal a ruler who wielded intelligence, diplomacy, and strategic foresight in a world overwhelmingly dominated by men.

Inspired by this reimagining, let’s look beyond Cleopatra to spotlight women across civilizations who, like her, built, defended, and transformed empires. From Queen Elizabeth I in England to Rani Lakshmibai in India, Queen Nzinga in Angola, and Catherine the Great in Russia, these women navigated complex political terrain, often achieving more stability, progress, and reform than many of their male counterparts.

What made them so effective? Their leadership was often marked not by brute force, but by empathy, strategic patience, and long-term vision. These women were not driven by conquest for conquest’s sake; instead, they prioritized diplomacy, education, internal reform, and cultural enrichment—qualities increasingly recognized today as markers of effective, future-forward governance.

Elizabeth I

In England, Elizabeth I’s reign brought not only military victories but also a flowering of the arts and the expansion of international trade. She balanced power blocs at home and abroad, refusing to marry simply to appease patriarchal expectations—a decision that strengthened her independence and legacy.

Catherine The Great

In Russia, Catherine the Great absorbed ‘Enlightenment ideals’ and reformed the legal system, expanded education, and fostered intellectual exchange, steering her empire through an era of immense transformation. Unlike many male rulers of the time, her strength lay in her adaptability and openness to change.

Queen Nzinga

In Angola, Queen Nzinga resisted colonization with not just military resilience but also clever negotiation and alliance-building—tools of soft power that rivalled the hard power tactics of the Portuguese. Her approach preserved the autonomy of her people far longer than expected.

Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi

Closer to home, Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi wasn’t born into power—she rose through it, commanding armies on horseback during India’s First War of Independence. She defied both colonial rule and gender norms, embodying a leadership style fuelled by both grit and grace.

These women didn’t just lead—they outperformed. In many cases, they ushered in eras of unprecedented cultural, social, or military growth, often in stark contrast to the more destructive or ego-driven reigns of their male peers. While history has long celebrated male conquerors, it is women like Cleopatra, Elizabeth, and Nzinga whose legacies reflect the enduring power of nuanced, human-centered governance.

As Ancient Empires: Cleopatra brings this vital story to life, it also offers a timely reminder: history’s most powerful leaders weren’t always the loudest, the most aggressive, or the most celebrated in their time. Some ruled with intellect over intimidation, vision over vanity—and their impact still resonates today.

Perhaps what we need now, more than ever, is to recognize that leadership shaped by empathy, wisdom, and resilience is not a novelty—it’s a proven blueprint, forged by powerful female leaders who led empires not just into battle, but into history.