March: Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the women who shaped history. In ancient times, four remarkable figures—Nefertiti, Hatshepsut, Cleopatra, and Hypatia—made a lasting impact. These women broke barriers, led nations, and advanced knowledge with their intelligence and strength.

Nefertiti: A powerful queen and icon of ancient Egypt, reigned 1353–1336 BCE.

Nefertiti was famous for religious transformation and influence in governance. She was the co-ruler of Egypt and the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten.

The Amarna Period, during which Nefertiti ruled, saw a radical shift in Egyptian art. The traditional rigid and idealized forms gave way to more naturalistic and intimate depictions of the royal family, with Nefertiti frequently shown in prominent positions.

Nefertiti remains a symbol of female power, beauty, and leadership. She challenged traditional roles, helped reshape an empire, and left a legacy that continues to captivate historians, artists, and feminists alike.

Hatshepsut: Egypt’s first great female pharaoh, reigned 1479–1458 BCE (18th Dynasty).

Hatshepsut is famous for expanding Egypt’s wealth, monumental building projects, and ruling as a king. Her reign was marked by stability and economic growth. Hatshepsut undertook ambitious building projects. The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is one of the most stunning temples in Egypt. At Karnak, Hatshepsut commissioned some of the tallest obelisks ever built, one of which still stands today.

Hatshepsut was a visionary leader who defied gender norms, proved that women could rule as effectively as men, and left an indelible mark on Egypt through her policies, trade expansion, and architectural wonders.

Cleopatra VII: The Last Pharaoh of Egypt Reign: 51–30 BCE, Ptolemaic Dynasty.

Cleopatra is famous for political strategy, diplomacy, and preserving Egypt’s independence. When Cleopatra took the throne, Egypt was in economic decline. She reformed the tax system, stabilized currency, and boosted trade to revive Egypt’s wealth.

A master strategist in international politics, she formed powerful alliances with Julius Caesar and later Mark Antony, which helped her maintain Egypt’s sovereignty against Rome’s expansion. She built up Egypt’s navy and military, personally led troops, and was deeply involved in military strategies. After her defeat at the Battle of Actium (31 BCE), Cleopatra chose to die rather than be paraded as a captive in Rome.

With her death, Egypt fell under Roman rule, ending the era of the pharaohs.

Cleopatra was a brilliant, politically savvy, and fearless leader. She used intelligence and diplomacy to navigate the power struggles of her time, leaving a legacy as one of history’s most influential female rulers.

Hypatia: c. 350–415 CE, Alexandria, Egypt, is famous for advancing mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy in the ancient world.

Hypatia is considered one of the first recorded female mathematicians and was a leading thinker in Neoplatonism, a school of philosophy that combined logic, mathematics, and metaphysics.

Hypatia was head of the Library & School of Alexandria. As the head of the Platonist school, she taught mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy, attracting students from across the Mediterranean.

Hypatia’s open-minded teachings and commitment to logic and science made her a respected figure but also a target in a time of rising political and religious tensions. Her brutal death by a Christian mob marked a turning point in Alexandria, symbolizing the decline of classical learning in the face of religious extremism.

Hypatia remains a symbol of intellectual courage, scientific inquiry, and women’s contributions to STEM fields. She defied societal norms, pursued knowledge fearlessly, and paved the way for future generations of women in science and philosophy.

This March, during Women’s History Month, we honour and celebrate these four extraordinary, history-making women. Their legacies inspire us and remind us of our limitless potential.

Courage Drifter