Economic Activities of the Women of Batangas Province by Tarcila Malabanan

"In Batangas the 'idle lady' does not exist" opened Tarcila Malabanan's essay written in 1916 that became part of the Beyer Collection. It celebrated the industrious women in Batangas, Philippines enumerating the role they play in education and business. How some women charted their path even besting their "good-for-nothing husbands."

10 Things to Know About Queen Isabella II of Spain

Queen Isabella II reigned in a tumultuous century for both Europe and Spain. Thrusted into politics as a toddler, she grew up to controversial monarch. Here are 10 things to know about Queen Isabella II of Spain.

Spain's Controversial Queen Isbella II

While Queen Victoria enjoyed a nation riding high in imperial glory, her contemporary in Spain found her nation in disarray, plagued by political instability. Thrust into the position at a young age, others ruled on her behalf. She  must find her position and role in the country or face dire consequences.

10 Things to Know about Queen Isabella of Castille

A woman that towered over a patriarchal society and period. Isabella of Castille transformed her Kingdom from a divided society into a great power in Europe. Her reign saw the establishment of an Empire where the sun never sets.

Isabella of Castile - the Iron Queen of Spain

Isabella gazed upon the foreign navigator in his presence pondering on the cost and rewards of this person’s proposal, crew and ships for an expedition to China, the Spice Islands and India through a journey via west. Her defined the faith of her beloved kingdom of Castille and its newly formed union with the Kingdom of Aragon.

Empress Irene: the Woman that Built the Holy Roman Empire

In 800, Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne as Imperator Romanus – Emperor of Rome. Leo’s decision to crown a new Roman Emperor despite one already existing in Constantinople stemmed from the fact that the holder of this title in the east was a woman – Irene of Athens. But who was this female Emperor who ruled one of the most powerful and prestigious Empires in the Middle Ages?

Woodcut Illustration of Empress Irene (in the left) and Charlemagne (in the right), from Penn Provenance Project, CC by 2.0

Who was the Empress Dowager Cixi? - Part 2

With another 5-year old Emperor in the throne, Cixi once again played the role of regent. With the 1st regency running from 1875 – 1879, while the 2nd regency saw its course from 1898 – 1908. Her regency during the reign of the Guangxu Emperor earned her the notoriety her name became synonymous with.

Who was the Empress Dowager Cixi? - Part 1

Documentaries, books, and articles have depicted the Empress Dowager Cixi as the malignant force filled with vanity and naivety that held China back from reforming. A powerful concubine who rose up as the most powerful figure in China, so much so she appointed 2 of China’s Emperor.

Ranavalona III: The Last Sovereign of Merina

Ranavalona III

The desire of the French for Madagascar erupted in last month of 1883. Months into the middle of the war, the Queen, Ranavalona II, became ill and died. Upon her death, his husband, the real power in Kingdom, and Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony looked for another Queen. He found it in form of a niece of Ranavalona II who became to be known as Ranavalona III. Her reigned would be the last of the Merina Dynasty and its Kingdom.

Rasoherina: The Decline of a Monarchy

Rasoherina

Two tumultuous monarch had ruled Merina after the death of King Radama I. His successor and wife brought the nation into a bloodbath. Meanwhile, his supposedly son ruled too openly to the influences of the foreigners leading eventually to his downfall. Next to rule was widow, either forced or in fear, she began a period of tolerance and shift on the power to rule the Merina Kingdom. These was the reign of Queen Rasoherina.

Ranavalona I: Bloody Queen

Ranavalona I

In the 19th century, European influence in the African coast grew tremendously. It was to engage in the lucrative trade of slaves, initially, gold, spices, and salt. In the biggest island of Africa, Madagascar, a Queen rose against the foreigners in the defense of local traditions and customs. Her methods, however, displayed high level of cruelty. This was the Merina Queen Ranavalona I.

The Real Dido

Aeneas tells Dido the misfortunes of the Trojan city by Pierre-Narcisse Guerin

In modern day Tunisia, once a powerful city stands. The city of Carthage was a Mediterranean superpower before it was eclipse by the glory of Rome. The Carthaginian Empire was a maritime nation, founded by the legacy of its ancestors - Phoenician. According to legend the city of Carthage was founded by a Phoenician princess named Elissa, but she is more popularly known as Dido.

Wu Zetian: Only Woman Emperor of China

Empress Wu Zetian

Today, many countries accepts the role of women in ruling a country. Several nations elected a woman to the position of either President or Prime Minister. Names like Angela Merkel of Germany, Christina Kirchner of Argentina, Dilma Rousseff of Brazil takes the everyday affairs of their respective countries. It shows the changes in time and in the mindset of the people. In East Asia, however, it is difficult to attain such level. It was lucky that President Park Geun-Hye managed to win in Korea. It is because of strong Confucian thinking and ideals that made it difficult for women to attain the highest office in their countries. In China, the home of Confucian, one such woman in the past defied the social norms and became the Emperor of all China.