Mighty Monarchs XI (Powerful Women)

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. She led the last significant Celtic revolt against Roman rule in Britain (60-61 AD). Who was it? Boudicca Zenobia Cartimandua Dido

2. During the reigns of four successive young emperors (211-235 AD) the Roman Empire was virtually ruled by three Syrian women who were all named Julia. The two eldest were sisters and the youngest was one of their daughters. As the mothers and grandmothers of the emperors they held tremendous influence in the affairs of state. Now the tricky part - the youngest Julia had a sister (also named Julia and also the mother of one of the young emperors) but she was completely dominated by her mother. Which of the following was the powerless Julia? Julia Domna Julia Maesa Julia Soaemias Julia Mamaea

3. Sometimes known as the "Queen of the East" this powerful woman had her husband (Odaenathus) killed in 267 AD and ruled in the name of their son Vaballathus till her defeat in 273 AD by the Roman Emperor Aurelian. Who was it? Makeda Cleopatra Zenobia Mavia

4. She was the older sister of Theodosius II, Emperor of the Roman East, and wielded considerable influence over her brother throughout his long reign (408-450 AD). She married his successor (Marcian) and reigned as his empress til her death in 453 AD. Who was it? Eudocia Pulcheria Euphemia Athenais

5. In c. 493 AD this Catholic princess from the Kingdom of the Burgundians married Clovis, the pagan king of the Franks. She proved to be instrumental in her husband's conversion to Catholicism (c. 496 AD). Who was it? Brunhilde Fredegund Galswintha Clotilda

6. This powerful Byzantine empress died of cancer on Jun 28, 548 AD. Who was it? Theodora Eudoxia Zoe Sophia

7. On Aug 15, 797 AD this dowager-empress dethroned her own son and had him blinded and seized the throne of Byzantium for herself. Who was it? Theodora Irene Zoe Theophano

8. This powerful Senatrix of Rome and her mother, Theodora, virtually controlled the Papacy (and the city of Rome) from c. 900-932 AD (sometimes referred to as the "Pornocracy"). Between them they made or broke a total of nine popes. At the age of 15 she herself became the mistress of one pope with whom she had a child that himself later become pope! Who was it? Matilda of Tuscany Theophano Adelaide Marozia Theophylact

9. She was the warrior wife of Robert Guiscard, Duke of Apulia, and was renowned for her ferocity in battle. At the Battle of Durazzo (Oct 18, 1081 AD) she reportedly fought like one of the legendary Valkyrie. Who was it? Brunhilde Sichelgaita Sibylla Adelaide

10. In 1138 AD this ex-empress of the Holy Roman Empire announced her rightful claim to the throne of England. This started a dynastic war with her cousin, Stephen, King of England, which lasted till 1154 AD. In 1141 AD she was proclaimed 'Lady of England' but never attained the crown for herself. Her son Henry became king in 1154 AD. Who was it? Eleanor Matilda Joanna Isabella

11. Resume: Birth (1122 AD) and Death (Apr 1, 1204 AD). Duchess of Aquitaine (1137-1204 AD), Queen of France (1137-1152 AD), crusader to the Holy Land (1147-1149 AD), Queen of England (1154-1189 AD), imprisoned wife (1174-1189 AD), and regent of England (1189-1199 AD). Who was it? Matilda Adelaide Alice Eleanor

12. She and her lover engineered the overthrow of her husband, Edward II, King of England, in Jan 1327 AD. Who was it? Elizabeth Mary Margaret Isabelle

13. She was the first consort of Adam. Which legendary woman was it? Magdalene Eve Lilith Sophia

14. She was the legendary founder of Carthage (c. 820 BC) and the daughter of the king of Tyre. Which legendary woman was it? Dido Cartimandua Nefretti Helen of Troy

15. Legend: This female pope (disguised as a man) reigned from 855-858 AD and was only detected when she went into labor during a papal procession through the streets of Rome. Which legendary woman was it? Marozia Joan Theodora Sophia