Worldwide Guide to Women in Leadership
WOMEN IN POWER
1500-2006
Leaders and women in other positions of political authority
of independent states and
self-governing understate entities
1500-ca. 10 Regent Dowager Grand Princess Agrippina Vasilyevna Babicheva of
Ryazan (Riazan) (Russia)
After the death of her husband, Ivan of Riazanj (1467-83-1500) she took over the
government in the name of their son Ivan VI (1496-1500-16-34), the last prince
of the principality which was finally annexed to Moscow after many years of
resitance. Previously it had included parts of what are now the governments of
Kaluga and Moscow. Owing to the fertility of the soil, its Russian, population
rapidly increased, while the Finnish tribes which formerly inhabited it migrated
farther East, or became merged among the Slays. The Mongol invasion of 1239-42
stopped all development.
Ca. 1500-20 Queen Ravadyfohy of Imerina and Alasora (Madagascar)
Also known as Rafohy, she succeeded her father Ratsimisytoazy, and was succeeded
by Queen Rangita. The Merina or Hova Dynasty later became rulers of the United
Kingdom of Madagascar.
Around 1500 Queen Sukda of Mandara (Cameroon)
She was the first ruler of The Mandara (or Wandala) tribe, which is located just
south of Lake Chad in both northern Cameroon and Nigeria in savanna in which
mounds of rocks can be seen high above the plains. The tribe also occupy a
mountainous area where the Gotel and Mandara Mountains meet. This hot, tropical
region has only 30 inches of rainfall each year, and the Mandara are among other
tribes of Sudanic herdsmen who migrate seasonally with their animals, searching
for fresh grazing lands.
1500/24-40 Sovereign Countess Maria d'Albert of Rethel (Belgium)
She succeeded her mother, Charlotte de Bourgogne, as Countess of Rethel -
possibly not until after her father Jean d'Albret's death in 1524. She was
married to Charles of Clèves, Count de Nevers (d. 1521) and succeeded by son,
François de Nevers et Rethel, Duke of de Nevers (d. 1561) who was succeeded by
his daughters Henriette de Clève as Duchess of Nevers-Rethel, Catherine de
Nevers (1548-1633) as Countess d'Eu and Marie de Nevers (1553- -1574) as
Comtesse de Beaufort. Maria lived (1491-1549).
From 1500 Sovereign Countess Anne de Chabannes of Dammartin (France)
Daughter of Jean VII de Chabannes, Count of Dammartin.
Ca. 1500 Sovereign Countess Lucretia Loredani of Ios (Greece)
She governed over the island in the Cyclades located south of Naxos and north of
Thera.
1500-15 Governatrice Dowager Lady Francesca Grimaldi of the Fiefs of Dolceacqua,
Isolabona, Apricale and Perinaldo (Italy)
After the death of her husband, Luca Doria she became regent in his lands. She
was daughter of Lamberto Grimbaldo, Councllor of Antibes and Cagnes, Sovereign
Lord of Monaco and Roccabruna and Patrician of Genova.
1500-23 Hereditary Countess Elisabeth von Hessen-Marburg of Katzenelnbogen and ¼
of the County of Diez (Germany)
After her mother, Anna von Katzenelnbogen died in 1494 the County was in dispute
among her and her sister, Duchess Mathilda of Jülich-Berg (d. 1505), and a
compromise was not reached until 1520. Elisabeth was married to Johann V Count
of Nassau, Vianden, Katzenelnbogen and Diez, Baron of Breda, Stadtholder of
Gelre and Zutphen 1504-1505. She lived (1466-1523).
1500-01 Administrator of the Fief Dowager Burggravine Johanetta von Salm of
Rheineck (Germany)
According to tradition she administered the fief for the remainder of the year
following the death of her husband, Burgrave Jakob von Rheineck. Her son Jakob
II, reached the age of majority in 1508 and Archbispho Hermann of Köln granted
him the fief of Rheineck. As he died without male heirs in 1539, Köln withdrew
the fief, but his niece, Mezza claimed the inheritance, it was not until 1571
after a court process, that her sons Johann and Wilhelm von Warsberg were
declared as rightful heirs. Concequently Archbishop Salentin von Isenburg of
Köln granted the Burgravate as a hereditary fief. Johnanette married Philipp
Beissel von Gymnich in 1501, she was daughter of Wild- und Rheingrafen Johann V.
and Johanna von Salm, and lived (ca. 1465-after 1516).
1500-? Princess-Abbess Agnes II von Paulsdorff of Obermünster in Regensburg
(Germany)
The Fürstäbtissin of the territory became a member of the Geistlischen
Fürstenbank (Lords Spiritual) of the Bayrischer Kreis (Bavarian Circle) when it
was formed in 1495 by Emperor Maximilian I. The function of each Circle was
primarily the administration of Imperial law and the maintenance of order, but
the assemblies also served to assess local opinion and to direct regional
efforts as circumstances dictated. She also had a the right to a seat and vote
in the College of Swabian Prelates in the Imperial Diet (Reichstag), which met
in Regensburg.
15.. Princesss Regnant Nur Begum of Hunza (Pakistan)
The daughter of Girkis Han, she ruled for 12 years of the mountainous region the
Northern Areas of Pakistan adjoining the Sinkiang Autonomous Region of China.
Her family ruled the area of Hunz for more than 900 years and the Hunzakuts are
believed to be the descendents of five wandering soldiers of Alexander the
Great. They speak Brushuski, an aboriginal language. She was succeeded by her
nephew Ayaso I as ruler.
15.. Queen Putri Pinang Masak of Djambi (Indonesia)
She was succeeded by husband, Paduka Berhale, as ruler of the East Sumatran
kingdom.
15.. Queen of Angoche (Moçambique)
The Queen succeeded her brother and was succeeded by husband, Molidi. Today
Angoche is a port-town in the Northern part of the country.
15.... 17th Alii Aimoku Kaikilani of Hawai'i (USA)
Succeeded Queen Kaikilani, who reigned sometime in the 15th century, and she
first married her cousin Kanaloakua'ana, 16th Alii Aimoku of Hawaii and secondly
to Lonoikamakahiki, joint Alii Aimoku of Hawaii, younger son of Keawe-nui Aumi,
16th Alii Aimoku of Hawaii, and succeeded by son, Keakealanikane, 18th Alii
Aimoku of Hawaii.
15...Princess Latutama, Tu'i Tonga Fefine, Tonga
Daughter of Momo, Tu'i Tonga and Nua, Ma'itaki, former wife of Ngongokilitoto,
of Malapo, and daughter of Lo'au, by a woman from Ha'amea. As Tu'i Tonga Fefine
she held higher rank than her father, her mother or her brothers. She was
forbidden from marrying any Tongan mortal, and her eldest daughter was styled
Tamaha, the highest dignity on earth, to whom both her mother and grandfather,
paid homage.
15..Princess Fatafehi, Tu'i Tonga Fefine, Tonga
Daughter of Tu'itatu'i, Tu'i Tonga. She probably held office towards the end of
the century.
1501-24 Sovereign Countess Anne de la Tour of Auvergne (France)
Succeeded father, Jean III. She was unmarried, was succeeded by sister
Madeleine, and lived (ca. 1495-1524).
1501-20 Sovereign Countess Jeanne d'Orléans of Bar-sur-Seine (France)
Daughter of Antoniette de Polignac and the king of France. She was legitimized
by her marriage to Jean Aubin, Seigneur de Malicorne. She secondly married Jean
de Longwy, Baron de Pagny.
1501-05 Princesse-Abbesse Jeanne II d'Anglure de Germainvilliers of Remiremont,
Dame of Saint Pierre and Metz (France)
In the beginning of the sixteenth century discipline was lax and the nuns,
without the pope's consent, declared themselves canonesses. They did not take
the vows and admitted only novices who could give proof of noble descent. She
was Dame de Germainvilliers, and lived (1474-1505).
1502-06 Politically Active Queen Anna de Foix-Candale of Hungary and Bohemia
Active during the reign of her husband Władysław II Jagiellończyk, and after his
death, she fought to secure the Hungarian and Bohemian crown for her son Ludwik.
She lived (1484-1506).
1503-30 Queen Putri Kalunggu of Banja (Indonesia)
She succeeded Pangeran Gangga who reigned for 45 years (1460-1505). The head of
the government was however Patih Mangkubumi Lambung Mangkurat. The Hindu kingdom
was situated in today's South Kalimantan.
Until 1503 Queen Regnant Anacaona of the Maguana (Taino Tribe) in Hispaniola
(Haiti/Dominican Republic)
The sister of the tribal chief Boechio Anacauchoa, king of Xaragua or Jaragua,
she was married to King Caonabo, king . When her husband was taken prisoner,
sent to Spain and died in a sea voyage, she inherited the tribe of the Maguana.
She displayed confidence to maintain unity in the kingdom, fought to maintain
peace and depose belligerence relating to the Christians. It's doubtful that the
obedient tribes, under the authority of the Queen, would make an effort to
please her, but the Spaniards didn't want to comprehend the Taino message of
living together in peace. They took their abnegation, their nobility and
tolerance as a weakness and gratified their cruelty with unusual conniving,
destroying their traditions, and they masacered her soldiers. The survivors fled
from the tragic inferno. The small Taino prince, Guarocuya, was saved by the
tribal leader Tamayo and was delivered by el "Padre de las Casas"( a priest ) to
the Franciscans (catholic monks) of the Verapaz. Higuemota, (Ana de Guevara)
daughter of Anacaona, Mencia, Anacaona's grandaghter tribal leader Hatuey and
tribal leader Guarocuya escaped from the tragedy. Queen Anacaona was accused of
being a traitor. In September of 1503, she was hanged in the province of Xaragua.
1503-04 Hereditary Duchess Elisabeth of Bayern-Landshut (Lower Bavaria in
Germany)
She was daughter of Georg der Reiche of Bavaria-Landshut. She and her two sons
with Pfalzgraf Ruprecht were heirs, but it was opposed by Duke Albrecht of
Bavaria-München and it resulted in a succession war. Both she and her husband
died in 1504 and the result was the reunion of the territory with Upper Bavaria.
But her two sons became Princes of Pfalz-Neuburg. Elisabeth lived (1430-1504).
1503-05 and 1529-43 Sovereign Countess Jeanne de Hochberg of Neuchatel, Marquise
de Rothelin (Rötteln (Switzerland)
Succeeded father, Philippe von Baden-Hachberg-Sausenberg, Margrave of
Badenweiler, Neuenburg and Rotelin, and was married to Louis
d'Orleans-Longueville (d. 1516). She was deposed by the French but was later
reinstated. She introduced reformism in her lands in the 1530s. Their lands were
inherited by their sons. She lived (1480-1543).
1503-22 Sovereign Duchess Suzane de Bourbon of Bourbon, Bourbonnais, Auvergne
and La Dombes (France)
Daughter of Pierre III de Bourbon de Beajeau and the former regent of France,
Anne de France, Viscomtesse de Thouars who was initially regent in Bourbon. Suzane
was married to Charles III de Bourbon-Montpensier, Duke of Bourbonnais, who
claimed the inheritance after her death. This was desputed by her first cousin,
Louise de Savoie, mother of king François I. Charles entered the service of
Emperor Karl V and was declared guilty of leze-majesty, his feudal possessions
forfeited to the crown and his personal estate confiscated, but throught the
intervention of the emperor he was later given his possessions back. She lived
(1491-1522).
1503–ca. 21 De-Facto Ruler Costanza d'Avalos of the Island Ischia, Duchess of
Francavilla and Lady di Pomanico, (Italy)
In 1483 her husband, the governor of the island, Prince Federich del Balzo of
Taranto, died. She had her brother, Inìgo d'Avalos named governor and governed
jointly with him. After her brother's death in 1503, she defended the island
against the French, restoring it to the Aragonian owerlordship. She continued to
rule together with her nephew, Francesco Ferrante, who married the famous poet
Vittoria Colonna, in 1509 and later also together with Alfonso d'Avalos and
Costanza junior, and during her reign the Island became a famous cultural center.
She was (b. 1460).
1504-55 Queen Juana I of Castilla, Des Asturias and Galicia
1516-55 Queen of Castilla, Leon, Granada, Toledo, Galicia, Sevilla, Cordova,
Murcia, Jaen, the Algarves, Algenciras, Gibraltar, the Canary Islands, the
Indias, the Islands and Mainland of the Ocean Sea (Spain)
Her full title was By the Grace of God, Queen of Castilla, Aragon, Leon, Sicily,
Grenada Toledo, Valencia, Galicia, Majorca, Seville, Sardinia, Cordova, Corsica,
Murcia, Jaen, the Algarve, Algeciras, Gibraltar, the Canary Islands, Countess of
Barcelona, Roussillon and Cerdagne, Lady of Biscay and Molina, Duchess of Athens
and Neopatria, Margravine of Oristano and Gocian. She succeeded her mother,
Isabel I in 1505 and father Fernando in 1516. Her father had nominated her as
heir of all his possession with her son as regent, because of her mental
instability, which is why she is known as Juana la Loca. Her husband Felipe I
was king and regent 1504-06 and her son, Carlos I (and V of the Holy Roman
Empire) became king in 1516. Juana lived (1479-1555).
1504-31 Sovereign Princess Hedwig of Münsterberg, Duchess of Sagan (Żagań-Ziębice)
(Poland)
She was daughter of Duke Karl of Münsterberg and married to Margrave Georg the
Pious of Brandenburg-Ansbach in 1525. He then became joint ruler. He had
inherited some lands from his first wife, Beatrix Frankopani (see 1504) and
inherited Oppeln and Ratibor from a relative and later bought Jägerdorf - all
duchies in Schlesia which is now a part of Poland. Hedwig was mother of two
daughters, and lived (1477-1531).
1504-10 Sovereign Lady Beatrix Frankopani of Gyula and Hunyad etc. (Hungary),
Wraschin Krapina, Medved, Rokonok, Lukavec, Urbovec, Seni, Novigrad etc.
(Croatia) and possessions in Austria and Slovonia
The heiress of Vast lands in Croatia she also inherited the lands of her first
husband, Duke Johannes Corvinicus, the son of King Matthias of Hungary. In 1509
she married Margrave Georg the Pious of Brandenburg-Ansbach with the stipulation
that she was to remain in charge of her own lands and did not have to move to
Germany. She probably died in childbed, and her husband inherited some of her
lands. She lived (1480-1510).
1504-26 Regent Dowager Margravine Margherita di Foix of Saluzzo, and the County
of Carmagnola (Italy)
Took over the reins after the death of her husband, Ludovico II di Saluzzo,
Count of Carmagnola from 1475 and Margrave of Saluzzo 1475-87) and (1490-1504),
pretender of the Monferrato Margravate (through his mother Isabella del
Montferrato (1427-75) and Viceroy of Napoli 1503, she was regent for son Michele
Antonio I (1495-1504-28). He was succeeded by his brother Gian Ludovico I, Abbot
in Casanova del Villar San Costanzo, who was deposed the following year and was
succeeded another brother Francesco Ludovico I, who was murdered in 1537 and
succeeded by the fourth brother, Gian Gabriele I, Bishop of Aire, who renounced
his ecclesiastic career and was deposed in 1548. Originally named Marguerite de
Foix, she was daughter of Jean de Foix, Count de Benauges, who was created Earl
of Kendal for services to England, but relinquished the title on opting for
French nationality, and Margaret Kerdeston, Duchess of Suffolk. (d. 1536).
1504-12 Politically Influential Mette Iversdatter Dyre in Sweden
1515-ca. 27 County Sheriff of Hørby Len (Denmark)
Known as Mätta Ivarsdotter in Sweden, she was very influential during the
regency of her third husband was Svante Nilsson Sture, who was Regent of Sweden
for King Hans of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. She was Svante's assistant and
advisor, and an influential power in the national counsel. In important
questions the great men rather went to her than to her husband. In 1507 she
defended Stockholm Castle and in 1510 she was his representative in Finland.
After her husband's death in 1512 she was in dispute with her step-son, Sten
Sture the Younger, about some of her dowry. In 1515 King Christian 2. appointed
Sheriff (Lensmand) of the Bishoply Fief of Hørby near Holbæk and as Chancellor
of the Convent of Saint Agnete in Roskilde. Her first two husbands were the
Norwegian Councillors of the Realm, Anders van Bergen (d. 1491) and Knut Alvsson
(d. 1502). She lived (ca. 1460-ca.1527).
1504-32 Princess-Abbess Elisabeth von Reuss zu Weida of Gernrode (Germany)
In 1519 she send her preacher, Stephan Molitor to Worms, where he heard Martin
Luther, in 1521 she introduced the Evangelican service and in 1523 she
participated in the Reichstag von Worm, which laid the foundation of Protestant
movement and she became the first Abbess of a Chapter of the Realm to join
protestant faith. 1525 the inhabitatns of the Stift revolted against her plans
to raise taxes and revenues, but she prevailed. She was daughter of Heinrich XX
zu Reuss von Weida and Agnes Schenkin von Landaberg. (d. 1532).
1504-20 Princess-Abbess Verena vom Feld of Baindt (Germany)
Many members of her family held high ecclesiastical office throughout the years.
1504-51 Princess-Abbess Gertrud von Regenstein of Gandersheim (Germany)
Her election was confirmed by the Pope with the provision that she had to pay a
yearly pension to the "contra-abbess" Katharina von Hohenstein, but she did not
fulfil this part of her obligation. The ducal castle was expanded in 1528 and
neighbouring hoses torn down to get a free shot at the chapter.
1504-36 "Contra-Abbess" Katharina von Hohnstein of Gandersheim (Germany)
She fought for the position with the officially elected and confirmed holder of
the office and in 1518 Duke Heinrich zu Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel forced a
compromise between the two competitors for the office.
1505-18 Regent Dowager Lady Mechteld van den Bergh of Bronckhorst (The
Netherlands)
After the death of her husband, Frederik van van Bronckhorst en Borculo, she is
regent for their son, Count Joost van Bronckhorst-Borculo, who married Maria van
Hoya, but dies without issue in 1553 leaving the possessions to his niece
Ermgard van Wisch.
1505-37 Princess-Abbess Marguerite de Mérode of Munsterbilzen, Dame of Wellen,
Haccourt, Hallembaye and Kleine-Spouwen (Belgium)
Member of the Mérode-Falckenberg family who used the two names interchangeably.
1505-07 Princess-Abbess Agnes II de Dommartin of Remiremont (France)
At the time discipline in the chapter was lax and the nuns, without the pope's
consent, declared themselves canonesses. They did not take the vows and admitted
only novices who could give proof of noble descent.
1505-16 Reigning Abbess Walburga Buck of Gutenzell (Germany)
The Chapter was founded 1230 as a free wordly chapter for noble ladies.
1507-15 and 1518-30 General-Stadtholder Margareta von Habsburg of the
Netherlands
Her nephew, Emperor Karl V, appointed her regent of the Netherlands. She was
daughter of Emperor Maximilian and Duchess Marie of Bourgogne. Divorced from her
first husband King Charles VIII of France, her second husband, Juan, the Crown
Prince of Aragón and Castilla, died shortly after their marriage in 1497. In
1501 she married Duke Philiberto II of Savoie, who died three years later. She
was also Countess of Artois, Bourgogne (Franche-Comté), Mâcon, Auxerre and
Charolais, and Dame de Salins from 1493 as Marguerite III. She had no children,
and lived (1480-1530).
1507-16 Regent Dowager Empress Eleni of Ethiopia
Born as Jan-zela, she was one of the widows of Emperor Baeda Maryam I (1468-78),
and was politically influential during the reign of her son, Naod I (1494-1507),
and then became regent for grandson Lebna Dengel (also known as Wanag Sagad or
Dawit II). (1994-1507-16). She She was author of two works on theology and
remained politically influential to her death in 1522.
1507-16 Junior Regent Dowager Empress Noad Mogassa of Ethiopia
After the death of her husband, Naod I, she was junior regent for son Lebna
Dengel jointly with mother-in-law. She was the sister of Dori, the Bahr Negus -
Ruler of Eritrea. (D. after 1527).
1507-? Iyoba Idia of Uselu in Benin (Nigeria)
She was appointed to the position of Queen Mother by her son Oba Ensigie
(1504-50), after she helped pressing the attacking Igala back across the Niger
River. Since then the Queen Mother was one of Benin's most powerful women. As a
senior town chief she was has a voice in palace affairs and rules her own court.
Though she is forbidden to see her son once he is crowned king, the Queen Mother
is expected to support him spiritually. She lived in her own palace outside the
capital. She did not appear in public and did not have an official role in the
political system, but she was always "consulted" by important political
decisions, and her vote was necessary in the political decision process. As
widow of the former king and mother of the present, she was given semi-male
status. She had a "wife" with the title of Amoda, she was surrounded by Amada,
naked boys and has a whole court of officeholders.
1507-53 Sovereign Duchess Luisa Borgia of Valentinos, Countess of Diois, Dame of
La Mothe-Feuilly, Vaires and Neves (France)
1514-53 Dame de Chalus
1535-53 Duchess of Borgia (Navarra)
Also known as Louise, she was daughter of Cecare Borgia and in 1517 married to
Louis II de La Trémoille, vicomte de Thouars, (1476-1525) who fell in battle.
Five years later she married Philippe de Bourbon-Busset, seigneur de Chabannes
and Busset (1499-1557), with whom she had 6 children. She lived (1500-53)
1507-14 (†) Guardian Dowager Duchess Charlotte d'Albret of Valentinos (France)
After the death of her husband, Cecare Borgia, she was regent for her only
child, Luisa Borgia. Charlotte was daughter of Alain d'Albret, Count de Gavre,
de Perigord et de Castres and Françoise de Blois dit de Bretagne, Countess de
Perigord. Her brother Jean, married Catherine de Foix, Queen of Navarra and was
king there (1483-1516). She was Dame de Chalus in her own right, and lived
(1500-53).
1507-18 and 1523-35 County Sheriff Anne Meinstrup of Højstrup Len, Denmark
Also known as Anne Holgers, she was first married to Holger Eriksen Rosenkrantz
and secondly to Jørgen Ahlefeldt, who was killed in battle in 1500. After this
period she took care of herself and her own possessions, inherited from her
parents. In 1507 she took over the fief of Højstrup as security (becoming
Lensmand or County Sheriff) for a major lone she had given to King Hans. Around
1516 she was appointed Hofmesterinde (Mistress of the Court) of Queen Elisabeth
von Habsburg. From the following year until 1522 she stayed in Northern Germany
because she had criticized the relationship of King Christian 2 to Dyveke. After
Christian fled the country, she returned and was re-appointed both Hofmesterinde
and Lensmand. During the civil war, Grevens Fejde (War of the Count), she
supported Count Christoffer, while her son, Holger Holgersen Rosenkrantz,
supported the later Christian 3., but was killed in battle in 1534. Some months
later Count Christoffer had called for a meeting at the "Assembly in Ringsted",
and here she was killed by peasant-soldiers. She lived (ca. 1475-1535).
1508-37 Sovereign Princess Adriana Crispo of Therasia, Nio and Ios (Greek
Island-State)
She succeeded her parents, Marco II and III of Ios and Santhorini and Licretia
Loredani, and co-ruled with her husband, Alessandro Pisani of Anaphi and
Antiparos.
Until ca. 1508 Arumpone We Tenri Gau Daeng Marowa Aru Majang (Makalappi) of Bone
(Indonesia)
Succeeded her father, La Saliwu Karampeluwe Pasodowakkae, and was succeeded by
son La Tenri Sukki Mapajunge who ruled ca. 1508-1535).
1508-10 and 1516-25 Regent Margravine Isabella d'Este of Mantova (Italy)
Before 1508 she reigned when her husband, Federico I Gonzaga, was away from the
state, she was regent during his captivity, afterwards during his illness and
finally for son, Federico II Gonzaga, who was away from the state. She was very
well educated. She was was able to speak Greek and Latin as well as play the
lute, sing, dance and debate. As regent she founded a school for young women
where they had to observe a strict code of morals. She was a patron of the Arts
and she also set artistic fashions and standards. Isabella collected many
paintings and statues. She also wrote over two thousand letters and in these she
commented on everything from politics to war. That was the closest that any
woman at that time ever got to writing history.
1508-10 Regent Dowager Duchess Kunigunde von Habsburg of Bavaria-Munich
(Germany)
She married Albrecht IV of Bayern-München (1467-1508) against the will of her
own father, Emperor Friedrich III, and joint regent for son Wilhelm IV
(1493-1508-50). She later joined the Convent of Pütrich which she favoured. In
spite of the resignation from the court she tried to influence the politics of
the state as she acted in favour of the rights of her younger sons. She was in
close contact with her brother, Emperor Maximilian I von Habsburg, and with
other rulers and relatives in Europe. She was a political player in her own
right and not only a "instrument" of her family. She lived (1465-1520).
1508-34 Princess-Abbess Anna IV von Falkenstein of Säckingen (Germany)
Duing the Peasent's War, the inhabitants of the towns of Säckingen and
Laufenburg occupied the Chapter in 1525.
1508-09 and 1514-18 Regent Dowager Landgravine Anna von Mecklenburg-Schwerin of
Hessen (Germany)
1510-25 Reigning Dowager Lady of Geissen, Grünberg, Borken, Felsberg, Wildeck
and Rotenburg (from 1511)
Took over the regency for her Wilhelm II, who was unable to govern because of
syphilis, but after his death she was removed, as regent by the Estates in spite
of his will, which named her guardian and regent. The Estates named their own
regents, on the pretext that she was below the age of 25, but the real reason
was the fight for power among the different groups in the society. She continued
her fight to become regent for Philipp (1504-25). She spoke her case before the
Estates; in 1510 she claimed her right to a seat and vote at the Diet of the
Realm as the rightful guardian. The emperor sympathised with her, but did not
back her, but she also presented her case here. Later that year she withdrew to
her dowry, but because of internal disputes in the regency college, she managed
to be named regent. She called and chaired a Local Diet (Landtag) and an
agreement was made. She named her own regency government and promised to report
to the Estates once a year, but reigned independently. In 1518 she had emperor
Maximilian I declare her 13 year old son of age, but the nobility continued the
fight for power until it was finally defeated in 1523. She was daughter of
Magnus II von Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Sophie von Pommern, also mother of a
daughter, and lived (1485-1525).
1509-15 Princess-Abbess Anna III Kobold of Heggbach (Germany)
Perhaps also known as Kobodin, she was born as daughter of a citizen of Ulm.
1509 Princess-Abbess Marguerite III de Neufchatel of Remiremont (France)
Her election was never confirmed. Her sister, Bonne succeeded their brother,
Thibaut XI, as Dame de Neufchatel in 1500/04 and lived until 1515. Her younger
sister, Elizabeth de Neufchatel was Dame de Chatel-sur-Moselle, etc, They were
children of Claude, Lord de Neufchatel, etc, Vicomte de Baume, Governor of
Luxembourg and Burgundy, Marshall of Burgundy, etc. and Bonne van Bolchen
Marguerite lived (Ca. 1480-1549).
1509-20 Princesse-Abbesse Aleidis de Choiseul of Remiremont (France)
She resigned.
1510-52 Governor Sayyida al-Hurra of Tetouán (Morocco)
Also known as Sayida Al Horra Bent Ali Ar Rachid, she was first confirmed as
prefect and then appointed governor of the city state of Tetouán ("Hakima Tatwan").
She was the undisputed leader of the pirates in the western Mediterranean, and
in 1520 captured the Governors wife and caused great damage to the Porugese
colonial shipping. She was married to Sultan Al-Mandri and after his death she
married Ahmad al-Wattasi, who reigned (1524-49). After her first husband's
death, she gained the title al-hurra (Sovereign Lady). She was member of the
Andalusian noble family, Banu Rashid, who immigrated to Morocco after the
Christian conquest of Muslim Spain. She was deposed in 1552.
1511 (†) Regent Dowager Princess Elena Salviati of Elba and Piombino (Italy)
Widow of Iacopo IV, who had regained control of the territory after it had been
occupied by Cecare Borgia, she acted as regent for her son Iacopo V, but died
shortly after taking office. The position of regent was taken over by another
relative.
1511-39 Sovereign Duchess Maria of Jülich-Berg-Ravensberg-Heinsberg (Germany)
Succeeded her father, Wilhelm IV. She married Johann III von Marck-Kleve and
their duchies were united. She was a very devout catholic and was sceptic
towards the liberal reforms of both her father and husband. One of her
daughters, Anne of Kleve, married Henry the VIII of England. Maria lived
(1491-1543).
1511-15 Princess-Abbess Magdalena von Anhalt of Quedlinburg (Germany)
Daughter of Fürst Albrecht IV and Countess Elisabeth von Mansfeld. She probably
resigned and died later the same year.
1511-13 Reigning Abbess Emerita Lutschern of Königsfelden (Switzerland)
The Chapter acquired many possessions in Argau, Swabia and Alsace, but did
apparently not have the dignity of Princess of the Empire (Reichsfürstin).
1512-16 Sovereign Duchess Germaine de Foix of Nemours, Countess of Foix-Béarn
(France)
1526-37 Vice-reine and Lieutenant General of Valencia (Spain)
Known in Spain as Germana, she was the daughter of Count Jean de Foix, d'Etampes
and Vicomte de Narbonne and Marie d'Orleans, she succeeded her brother, Gaston.
She was married to Fernando II the Catholic of Aragón as his second wife after
the death of Queen Isabel I. They engaged in a power struggle over her lands
until his death in 1516. Three years later she married Johan von Brandenburg-Ansbach
(d. 1525) one year after his death she married Fernando d'Aragon, Duca di
Calabria (d. 1550) and they were appointed Virreina and Virrey of Valencia. She
did not have any children, and lived (1490-1537).
1512-15 Sovereign Duchess Françoise of Longueville, Countess of Montgomery and
Tancarville (France)
Natural daughter of Daughter of king François II of France, and married to the
Viscount de Melun, who died 1512.
1513-14 Regent Dowager Queen Margaret Tudor of Scotland (United Kingdom of Great
Britain)
After her husband, James IV of Scotland, was killed, she became regent for her
infant son, James V, but her marriage in 1514 to Archibald Douglas, 6th earl of
Angus, led to the loss of the regency to John Stuart, duke of Albany, who soon
obtained custody of the king, and Margaret fled to England. She returned in
1517, during Albany’s absence, and shortly thereafter she became estranged from
Angus. James was proclaimed king in 1524 but was for several years virtually a
prisoner of Angus. In 1527, Margaret obtained a divorce from Angus and soon
married Henry Stuart, later Lord Methven. The following year James escaped from
Angus and joined his mother and Methven, and they were for a time his chief
advisers. A plan of Margaret’s for a meeting between her brother Henry VIII of
England and her son led James to accuse her of betrayal in 1534. They were
further estranged by James’s refusal to allow her to divorce Methven. She lived
(1489–1541).
1513 Governor of the Realm and Captain General of the King's Forces Queen
Catherine of Aragón of England, Wales and Ireland (United Kingdom)
Following the death of her first husband, Prince Arthur of England, she married
his brother Henry VIII. When he went to France on warfare she was appointed
regent and led the English troops against the invading Scots at the Battle of
Flodden (in Northumberland) and, afterwards, sent over to her husband, in
Flanders, a grim reminder of her achievements there: the blood-stained tunic of
dead James IV of Scots. In 1520, however, the she went to France alongside Henry
and was present at the great meeting of the 'Field of the Cloth of Gold'. Of her
four children only the later Queen Mary I survived. In 1533 Henry divorced her
and broke with the Catholic church, she was deprived of her titles as Queen of
England and was forced to revert to 'Princess Dowager of Wales'. She was kept in
confinement but never remained long in one place, for she enjoyed great
popularity throughout a Country and there were fears of an uprising in her
favour. She was daughter of Queen Isabel I of Castilla and Ferdinand of Aragón
and initially heir to her father, but her sister, Juana La Loca, inherited both
Countries. Catherine lived (1485-1536).
1513-29 Joint Ruler Queen Burecca of The Maldive Islands
Also known as Buraki Rani, she was educated in the martial arts and out-shone
her younger brother and sister. She had expected to succeed her grandfather to
the throne. However several years after Siri Bavana Sooja died, it was her
brother who came to the throne as King Siri Ananda Sultan Ali V (1512 -13) after
several other reigns in between. She quarreled with her brother, fled the
Maldives, and traveled east to the Kingdom of Aceh (known to the Maldivians as
Asey Cara) on the island of Sumatra. There she completed her education and
perfected her martial arts before returning home to depose her brother. Her
fleet entered Malé harbour in the dead of night. She fought a duel with her
brother on the square inside the royal palace complex, several hours before dawn
that morning. She slew her brother and ascended the throne to rule jointly with
her husband King Siri Dhammaru Bavana (Sultan Mohamed the Black). It was his
third accession to the throne. In spite of her ambitions, and unlike several
other women who occupied the throne, she did not take the title of Rehendi or
Sultana. Instead she took the title of Ranin or Queen Consort.
Until 1513 Sovereign Countess Claudine de Brosse of Penthièvre (France)
Also known as Claude, she succeeded Jean II de Brosse, Seigneur de Boussac, de
Sainte-Severe, Count of Penthièvre by the right of his wife, Nicole de Chatillon
de Blois, Comtesse de Penthievre, Vicomtesse de Limoges (d. after 1479) and
married Philippe I, Duke of Savoie 1496-1497, Comte de Bresse. (d. 1513-).
1513-50 County Sheriff Else Pederdatter Tot of Sundsherred Len, Denmark
1521-47 County Sheriff of Nørvangsherred and Hønberg Len
She was first married to Claus Krummedige and secondly to Thomas Nilsson
(Lange). Today the family spells the name Thott.
Until 1513 Princess-Abbess Elisabeth zu Dhaun-Kyburg of Elten (Germany)
Daughter of Johann IV, Wild- und Rheingraf zu Dhaun und Kyrburg and Elisabeth
von Hanau.
1514-15 (or 1515-20) Acting Governor Maria Alvarez de Toledo of Hispaniola/Las
Isla Espanola (Dominican Republic and Haïti), Acting Vicereine of of las Indias
Occidentales (West Indies)
Her husband, Diogo Colóm, was Vice-roy 1509-14 and 1520-23, and she also held
the title of Vicereine of the West Indies. She was stand-in for her husband when
he was in Spain 1515-20, and remained in close contact with the Queen of Spain,
Isabel de Portugal, and her husband Emperor Charles V (1516-56). She was member
of an ancient noble family in Spain and mother of 5 children. Her youngest,
Isabel Colóm was married to don Jorge de Portugal, Count de Gelves y Mayor de
los alcázares de Sevilla.
1514-20 Regent Dowager Despina Helena of Serbia
Her first husband was Jovan Brankovic, despot of Sebia in 1493–1502. After his
dead she was married to Croatian nobleman Ivanis Berislavic who then became the
Serbian despot. After his death, she conducted the affairs of state in place of
her minor son, Stjepan Berislavic (1514 – 35).
1514-24 Sovereign Duchess Claude de France of Bretagne, Countess d'Étampes
1514-17 Sovereign Duchess of Berry (France)
The eldest daughter of King Louis XII of France, she succeeded her mother Anne,
as Duchess of Brittany. The same year she married her cousin, who because of the
French salic law succeeded her father as king François I. In 1532 the personal
union of France with Brittany was made definitive. Their oldest son became duke
and was succeeded by his brother, François in 1536. Her life was spent in an
endless round of annual pregnancies. Her husband had many mistresses but was
usually relatively discreet. She imposed a strict moral code on her household,
which only a few like her lady-in-waiting Mary Boleyn chose to flout. Another
lady-in-waiting was Anne Boleyn, who later married Henry VIII of England. Claude
was short in stature and afflicted with scoliosis that gave her a small hunched
back. She was mother of 7 children, among other King Henri III, Duchess
Marguerite de Valois de Berry, and Queen Madeleine of Scotland, and lived
(1499-1524).
1515-75 Sovereign Duchess Renée de France of Chartres, Countess of Gisoirs et de
Montargis (France)
Also known as Renata di Francia. Her mother, Duchess Anne of Bretagne, who had
always fought fiercely to keep the state independent of the French crown, tried
to will the duchy to Renée, but her father King Louis XII ignored this and
instead granted Brittany to his successor, the husband of her sister, Francis I,
King of France. In return for renouncing her claims to the duchy of Brittany,
she was granted the duchy of Chartres. She was married in 1528 to Ercole II
d'Este, Duke of Ferrara who ruled 1534-59. After his death she returned to
France because she was on bad terms with her son Alfonso II and settled in
Montargis. She was mother of 4 children, and lived (1510-74).
1515-50 Sovereign Princess Isabelle-Louise de Bourbon of Carency (France)
Her brother, Betrand died in 1515 as the last male of the line. The following
year she married François de Perusse d'Escars, seigneur de La Vauguyon. Their
son Jean de Perusse d'Escars (d. 1595), knight of the Saint-Esprit in 1578, made
comte de La Vauguyon in 1586, continued the use the title Prince de Carency.
1515-24 Sovereign Duchess Philiberta di Savoia of Nemours (France)
She and her husband, Giuliano de Medici, had been created joint holders of the
duchy. In 1524 Queen Louise de Savoie was created Duchess. She lived
(1498-1524).
1515-19 De Facto Governor Alfonsina Orsini of The Republic of Firenze (Italy)
As mother of the de facto ruler of Florence, Lorenzo II de' Medici, she was able
to govern during his absence. She was involved in the strategic planning of
Florence's war with the French and the plans for making a treaty as well as her
oversight of Pope Leo's entry into Florence in November 1515. Her governorship
was indicative of the increasingly signora nature of the Medici regime and that
she had far more power, influence and authority than the previous generation of
Medici women. She was the daughter of Roberto Orsini, Conte Tagliacozzo and
Catherine San Severino and married to Piero "il Unfortunato" de' Medici, who
lived 1503. Apart from Lorenzo, she was mother of Clarissa de' Medici, and
lived (1472-1520).
1515-26 Princess-Abbess Barbara I Ellenbog of Heggbach (Germany)
In 1525 Heggbach was raided by the peasent's war (Bauernkrieg) which covered
parts of Germany at the time. A daughter of a citizen of Augsburg, she entered
the chapter in 1487 and some of her brothers were also clerics.
1515-74 Princess-Abbess Anna II von Stolberg-Weiningsrode of Quedlinburg
(Germany)
Anna, who had been elected to the office when she was scarcely thirteen years
old, introduced Lutheranism in all the houses under her jurisdiction. The choir
service in the abbey church was abandoned, and the Catholic religion wholly
abrogated. The monastic offices were reduced to four, but the ancient official
titles retained. Thereafter the institution continued as a Lutheran sisterhood
till the secularization of the abbey in 1803. Anna II was daughter of Botho III
von Stolberg and Countess Anna von Eppenstein, and lived (1504-74).
1516-20 Sovereign Duchess Jeanne d'Orléans of Valois (France)
Granddaughter of Louis d'Orléans (1392-1407) the son of King Charles V of
France. She succeeded her relative, king François of France, and married to
Charles de Coëtivy, Count de Tailleburg, and lived (1462-1520).
1516-49 Sovereign Duchess Marguerite d'Orléans-Angoulême of Berry
1525-49 Duchess of Alençon and Rodez, Comtesse d'Armagnac, du Perche, Pezenac,
de L'Isle-Jourdain, Porhoët, Pardiac, Viscomtesse Fezenzaguet, Brulhois,
d'Auvillars, Baroness de Castelnau, Caussade, Montmiral and Dame de La Flêche
and Baugé (France)
She was sister of Francis I of France, and first married the Duke of Alençon (d.1525)
and in 1527, Henry d'Albret (titular king of Navarra). With a strong interest in
Renaissance learning, she was much influenced by Erasmus and the religious
reformers of the Meaux circle, who looked to her for patronage and protection.
She encouraged agriculture, learning, and the arts, and her court was the most
intellectual in Europe. The patron of men of letters, including the heretical
poet Clément Marot, she was a prolific writer of long devotional poems, dramas,
secular poems, and the celebrated Heptaméron, a collection of stories on the
theme of love. She lived (1492-1549).
1516-22 Regent Dowager Duchess Margaretha von Münsterberg of Anhalt-Dessau
(Germany)
Widow of Ernst and regent for Johannes II (1504-16-51). She was a respected
ruler, and corresponded with Martin Luther, but remained a devout Catholic and
refused to accept the reformation, but after her death, her sons jointed the
Protestant movement. She lived (1473-1530).
1516 Rani Regnant of Quilon (India)
Quilon or Kollam in Kerala is an old sea port town on the Arabian coast. The
state had a sustained commercial reputation from the days of the Phoenicians and
the Romans. The port of was frequented by the Chinese, Arabs and the Nestorian
Christians, from Alexandria, it was regarded by the Arab author, Ibn Batuta, as
one of the major five ports, which he had seen in the course of his travels
during a period of twenty four years, in the 14th century. The rulers of Kollam
(Desinganadu) and China, exchange embassies and there was flourishing Chinese
settlement at Kollam.
1516-67 Ruler Puteri di Dalam Petung of Pasir (Indonesia)
She was the oldest daughter of a mythical woman, who married a Prince of Grisee
- a priest-principality on Java. Puteri di Dalam married Abu Mansyur Indra Jaya,
who introduced islam in Pasir. She was succeeded by her son Aji Mas Pati Indra
as ruler of the principality in East-Borneo/Kalimantan
1516-28 Reigning-Abbess Katherina von Waldburg of Königsfelden (Switzerland)
The last reigning Abbess of the Ecclesiastical Territories of Königsfelden,
which had vast possessions in Aargau, Swabia and Alsace. As a result of the
reformation the Chapter was secularized and its possessions in Aargau were
annexed to Bern and the possessions in Swabia and Alsace were sold in 1528.
1516-26 Princess-Abbess Walburga Buck of Gutenzell (Germany)
Since 1521, the Ladies of the Sift charged the Hofmeister with the task of
taking part in the Schwäbian Circle of the Imperial Diet in their name. At the
time, the Stift ruled over eight settlements with 1.189 inhabitants.
1517 Sovereign Lady Dorothea Papinga of Jever (Germany)
Daughter of the Frisian chief, Edo Wiemken of West-Friesland, she and her two
sisters succeeded their brother, Junker Christoph. Count Enno II of Friesland
tried to incorporate Jever into his domain, he occupied the territory, and held
the three sisters imprisoned in the castle, where Dorothea died shortly after.
1517-36 Sovereign Lady Anna Papinga of Jever (Germany)
Joint heiress of Jever with her two sisters. In 1531 the Lord Boring von
Oldersum sided with the two sisters and secured the land for them.
1517-75 Sovereign Lady Maria of Jever, Rüstringen, Östringen and Wangerland
(Germany)
After the death of her two sisters, and the removal of the West-Frisians, she
became sole ruler of the area, with the title of Erbherrin. Also known as
Fräulein or Miss Maria, she concentrated on the consolidation and expansion of
the Jever-territory and with support from the Emperor she maintained her demands
in the Ostfrisean lands and the Frisian village developed into a modern
territorial state. She never married and after her death the territory was
inherited by her mother's family; the counts of Oldenburg. She lived (1500-75).
1518-56 Politically influential Queen Bona Sforza of Poland and Lithuania
1524-57 Sovereign Princess of Bari, Rossano, Crottaglie, Ostuni and Monteserico
(Italy)
Her mother, Isabella de Aragon, had provided Bona with an excellent education.
She read classic masterpieces and studied law and history and was fluent in
Spanish and Latin. Bona married the 51-year old recently widowed King Sigmund I
of Poland. It did not take long before she got involved in politics and
economics, and she spent a lot of energy on recovering royal properties that had
been in the hands of creditors. She increased the revenues and raised taxes, and
remained familiar with the current affairs of Bari and Rosano that legally
remained in her hands. Emperor Felipe II was putting a great deal of pressure on
Bona to pass her properties in Apulia and Calabria to Spain. In 1556 she
returned to lItaly and was warmly welcomed by her people, but one of her
favourite advisors, Gian Baptista Pappacoda, was a Spanish spy. In November 1557
she turned very ill and she could not return to Poland as planned. Pappacoda
tricked the Queen to change her will in favour of Felipe II. When her health
improved, she tried to change the will, but she was poisoned by Pappacode, and
everything she had owned was stolen and no will could be imposed. She lived
(1494-1557).
1518-30 Regent Dowager Margravine Anne d'Alençon of Monferrato
1533-36 Possible Regent of Monferrato (Italy)
After the death of her husband, Guglielmo IX Secondo Lazzaro (1494-1818), she
was ruled in the name of her son, Bonifacio IV (1512-18-30), who was succeeded
by uncle, the former Bishop Giangiorgio Sebastiano, (1488-1530-33). After her
oldest daughter, Maria, had been divorced from Federico II Gonzaga, Anne
arranged the marriage between Federico and her second daughter Margherita, who
transmitted the claims of the Margravte to her husband, who was appointed
Marchese of Monferrato in 1536. Anne might have acted as regent in the remaining
period. She was also Dame de La Guerche and lived (1492-1562).
1518-23 De-facto In charge of the Customs Sigbrit Villoms in Denmark
1519-23 "Second in Command" in Denmark
1522-23 De-facto Leader of the Treasury
Generally known as Mor Sigbrit, she was a Dutch tradeswoman who moved Norway and
managed a trading company in Bergen of a substantial size. Her daughter, Dyveke, became
mistress of the later Christian 2 of Denmark around 1509. When became king in
1513 they moved with him to Copenhagen and Sigbrit's influence grew. Dyveke died
suddenly in 1517 - rumoured to have been poisoned. Queen Elisabeth von Habsburg
appointed her as her Chief of Court and she also acted as midwife of the king's
children. Her brother was a pharmacist and she was knowledgeable about medicine.
She was also left in charge of the government when Christian was abroad. 1522
she was given a so-called "General receipt" (generalkvittering), that made her
de-facto a kind of Minister of Finance. When the king was deposed in 1523 for
his dictatorial rule, she went with the family to the Netherlands where they
tried to gain support for the king's return. One of the conditions was that
Christian had to part with her. From then on, nothing is heard of her, though
the story of an old woman in prison accused of heresy or witchcraft sounds like
it could have been her. Sigbrit Willoms also wrote her surname as Villumsdatter
and she (d. ca. 1532).
1518-20 Pretender Fiorenza Sommaripa of Paros (Greece)
1520 Princess Regnant
The island was under Venezia rule during various periods. The modern name of the
island is Paros.
1519-56 Sovereign Margravine Riccairda Malaspina of Massa e Carrara, Lady of
Massa dei Malpasina, Sovereign Lady of Carrara, Avenza e Moneta, (Italy)
Inherited the possessions of her father, Alberico II Malapasina. After the death
of her sister, Eleonora, she got papal dispensation to marry her close relative,
Count Scipione Fieschi. After his death in 1520 she married Lorenzo Cybo - the
nephew of Pope Leon X. 1525 Emperor Karl V formally invested her with the fief
of Massa e Carrara and the Malaspinan territories in 1529. She preferred to
reside in Rome and Firenze, and in her abcence Cardinale Innocenzo Cybo was in
charge of the government. Succeeded by son Giulio Cybo-Malaspina, and lived
(1497-1556).
Ca. 1520-40 Queen Rangita of Hova (Madagascar)
Succeeded mother, Queen Ravadyfohy, and was succeeded by king Andriamponga.
1520-? Sovereign Countess Magdalena of Montfort-Tettnang (Germany)
She was daughter of Count Ulrich VII and Magalena von Oettingen, who married
secondly to Johann I von Montfort-Rothenfels-Wasserburg. Magdalena was the only
reigning Countess in the history of Tettnang. In 1521 Emperor Karl V gave her
Blutbann as a fief, in 1525 she was faced with a peasant-uprising and in 1541
the county was hit by plague.
1520 Rebellion Leader Kristina Gyllenstierna in Sweden
The daughter of Nils Eriksson Gyllenstierna (member of the Swedish national
counsel) she married Sten Sture in 1511 and Sten Sture was elected regent the
following year. From the age of 21 she took part in the national counsel and
showed a remarkable knowledge and maturity . In 1520 her husband died of the
damages he had got at the battle of Bogesund, and in may the same year she
manned the Stockholm and defended the city, with success, against the Danish
troops under command of Christian II. In September she had to capitulate and
surrendered Stockholm to the Danish king. This was the beginning of the infamous
'Stockholm's bloodbath'. She was imprisoned at Stockholm Castle where she stayed
until November 1521 when she was brought to Denmark. 1524 she could return to
Sweden, country which now where ruled by the Swedish king Gustav Vasa, the son
of her half sister Cecilia of Eka. She once again tried to get involved in
politics, but in 1525 she reached a settlement with her nephew, and married
Johan Turesson Tre Rosor (a member of the national counsel) in 1527. He died in
1566. She had a son with Svante and one with Johan, and lived (1494-1559).
1520-65 Princess-Abbess Anna II von Limburg-Stirum of Herford and Gerresheim
(Germany)
She had been Koadjutorin 1515-20, and was the first to be appointed Princess of
the Empire of the territory in 1523 and 7 years later she introduced the
reformation in her principality, whereafter Herford became a secular protestant
Stift. She was daughter of Count Adolf von Limburg and Elisabeth von
Reichenstein One sister, Agnes, was Abbess of Freckenhorst and Metelen, (d.1570)
and another, Katharina, was Abbess of Borghorst (d.1572). Anna resigned and
lived another 20 years before her death in 1585.
1520-29 Princess-Abbess Anna VII Schlaibegg of Baindt (Germany)
The Chapter and City of Baindt were closely connected during the centuries, but
the Peasent's Uprising (Bauernkrieg) of 1525 the abbey was burned down.
1520-22 Princess-Abbess Marguerite III d'Esne of Nivelles, Dame Temporaire and
Spirituelle of Nivelles (Belgium)
The issue of an ancient North-French family.
1520-69 Princess-Abbess Barbara II von Aham of Niedermünster in
Regensburg (Germany)
She was influential in Regensburg, the frequent meeting place of the imperial
diet from 1532, and from 1663 to 1806 it was the permanent seat of the Imperial
Diet - where she was member of the Bench of Bavarian Prelates. Barbara was
member of an old Bavarian noble family.
1520-34 Gülbehar Hatun Mahidevran Valide Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Covering
Turkey, Greece, The Balcans, parts of the Middle East and Northern Africa)
Hafsa Hatin or Aisha Hafsa Khanum, acted as Queen Mother of her son, Süleyman
the Magnificent after the death of her husband Selim I. She may have been
daughter of Mengli Giray Khan of the Crimean Tatars, and lived (1494-1534).
1521-22 Regent Queen Anna Jagiellonka of Austria
1539 Regent of Austria, Hungary and Bohemia
The daughter of king Wladislaw II Jagiello of Hungary and Bohemia and Anne de
Foix-Candale. Since 1521 a wife of Ferdinand von Habsburg, Archduke of Austria,
since 1526 Anna and Ferdinand were king and Queen of Austria, Hungary and
Bohemia. She lived (1503-47).
1521-50 Reigning Dowager Duchess Anna von Pommeren of Lüben (Lubin) (Poland)
After the death of her husband, Georg I von Brieg (Jerzy of Brzeg) (1495-1521),
she held the Slesian Principality as her dowry. She lived (142-1550).
1521-47 Reigning Lady Anna von Brandenburg of the Cities and Administrative
Offices of Crivitz and Lübz in Mecklenburg-Schwerin (Germany)
1547-67 Reigning Dowager Lady
The wife of Albrecht VII of Mecklenburg she was given the territories (Städte
und Ämter) as her dorwy for life. Her husband died in 1547 and she moved to the
renovated castle of Eldenburg. She was a devout Catholic, but in 1559 her son,
Johann Albrecht I expelled the munchs and priests from her lordship, which was
the only place that had not joined the reformation.
1521-32 Regent Dowager Queen Njai Tjili of Ternate (Indonesia)
She was regent for sons Deijalo and Bohejat. In 1532 Prince Kaitjil became
sultan.
1521-34 Princess-Abbess Margarethe II von Beichlingen of Essen (Germany)
During the 14th century the organisation of the Chapter and its surrounding got
more characer of an acctual state. Margarethe II was member of the very ancient
Countly family of von Beichlingen, which was one of the most important families
of Thüringen.
1521-39 Princess-Abbess Marie von Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel of Gandersheim (Germany)
She was the 9th of the 11 children of Friedrich II von Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel
and Hedwig von Württemberg, was succeeded by her 7 year old sister and lived
(1521-39).
1522-39 Sovereign Countess Ludovica Torello of Guastalla (Italy)
After the death of her second husband, she became a cleric. The County of
Guastalla, which she had inherited from her father, was claimed by another
branch of the family, and the affair was carried before Pope Clement VIII and
Emperor Charles V. She settled the matter by disposing of her estates to
Fernando Gonzaga, thereby also increasing her resources for the religious
foundations she had in mind. In 1536 she entered the Angelicals, a congregation
which she had founded, taking the name of Paola Maria. Later she established or
assisted in the establishment of several other religious houses in various parts
of Italy. When Paul III imposed the cloister on the Angelicals, she instituted
another community, also at Milano. Like the Angelicals, they were under the
direction of the Barnabites. The members, known as Daughters of Mary, dedicated
themselves to the care of orphans of noble family, eighteen being provided for
in the endowment. She lived (1499-1569).
1522-49 Princess-Abbess Adrienne I de Saint Omer of Nivelles, Dame Temporaire
and Spirituelle of Nivelles (Belgium)
Her family were lords of the city of St.-Omer in Belgium.
1523-58 De-facto Ruler Kadin Hürrem Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (Covering
Turkey, Greece, The Balcans, parts of the Middle East and Northern Africa)
Western sources refer to her variously as Roxelana, Rosa, Rosanne, Rossa, Ruziac
or La Rossa. She is generally believed to have been enslaved during raids by the
Crimean Turks on Ukraine and Galcia during the reign of Yavuz Sultan Selim, and
presented to the Ottoman palace. Of the diverse theories about her ethnic
origin, it is most likely that she was Russian or Polish, and there is evidence
that she considered herself to be Polish. She was given the name Hürrem, on
account of her cheerful temperament. And became Süleyman the Magnificent's
premier wife, the birinci kadin. To ensure that one of her own sons would
succeed to the throne, she did everything in her power to turn Süleyman against
his eldest son and heir Mustafa. She also conspired to bring about the execution
of Grand Vezir İbrahim Paşa, who was a staunch supporter of Şehzade Mustafa. She
persuaded Süleyman to appoint as grand vizier their daughter Mihrumâh's husband
Rüstem Paşa, and the three schemed to bring about the death of Şehzade Mustafa.
From Hürrem’s letters written to Süleyman when he was on campaign, we learn that
she advised him on political matters. The letters of congratulation and gifts
sent to the Polish King Zigsmund II by Hürrem and Mihrumâh, and the
correspondence between Hürrem and the sister of Shah Tahmasp of Iran are cited
as evidence of her influential role in politics and foreign affairs. During her
later life, Hürrem Sultan became more concerned with charitable works and
founded a number of institutions, becoming the first woman to endow a mosque
complex in Istanbul. She lived (ca. 1507-58).
1523-40 Princess-Abbess Elisabeth von Hohengeroldseck of Buchau (Germany)
She was daughter of Gangolf von Hohengeroldseck and Kunigunde von Montfort. In
1497 she was Canoness and participated in the election of her predecessor. In
1524 the territory became a member of the Swabian League (Schwäbische Bund) and
member of the Geistlischen Fürstenbank - Bench of the Lords Spiritual of the
Schwäbischer Kreis (Swabian Circle) - the Regional Assembly. According to the
older literature she was driven out of the Chapter for a period during a peasant
revolt. She lived (before 1480-1540).
1523-26 Politically Active Queen Elisabeth von Habsburg of Denmark
Accompanied her husband, Christian 2. (1481-1513-23-59) of Denmark, Norway and
Sweden, in exile, and she was active on his behalf on the European stage,
working for his reinstatement. In 1524 she spoke in his favour at the Diet of
the Holy Roman Empire in Nürnberg. He later tried to reclaim the throne, but was
taken captive and died in imprisonment. She was daughter of Queen Juana la Loca
and king Felipe de Austria of Castilla, and lived (1501-26).
1524-... Sovereign Countess Madeleine de la Tour of Auvergne (France)
Succeeded sister, Anne (1500-24), and reigned jointly with husband Lorenzo de'
Medici. She was succeeded by daughter Catherine de' Medici, Queen of France, but
it is not known exactly when. Madeleine lived (1500-79).
1524-31 County Sheriff Ingeborg Nilsdatter Parsberg of Gårdstange Len, Denmark
(Now Sweden)
Also known as Gardsstange, it is situated in the Landscape of Skåne, which was
part of Denmark until 1658 until it was conquered by Sweden.
1525-50 Sovereign Duchess Françoise d'Alençon of Beaumont-Maine, Princesse
d'Alençon (France)
She succeeded brother, Charles IV, who had no children with his wife Marguerite
d'Orléans-Angoulême, Duchesse de Berry. Françoise was married to François
d'Orléans, Duc de Longueville and to Charles IV de Bourbon, Duc de Vendôme. Her
sister Anne d'Alençon was Dame de la Guerche and married to Guillaume Paléolouge,
Marquis de Monferrato, and lived (1490-1550). Françoise lived (1490/91-1550).
1525-54 Princess-Abbess Ursula II Mundbrot von Spiegelberg of Schänis
(Switzerland)
In 1525 the people of the Gasterland in the Schänis Area joined the reformed
faith in, but after the victory of the Catholic areas by Kappel in 1531 they
were forced back to the catholic faith. Fürstäbtissin Ursula was member of an
old Frankish noble family.
1525-29 Reigning Abbess-General Leonor de Sosa de Mendoza of the Monastery of
Santa Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
The Abbess of the Chapter held her own courts, granted letters dismissorial for
ordination, and issued licenses authorizing priests, within the limits of her
abbatial jurisdiction, to hear confessions, to preach, and to engage in the cure
of souls. She was privilege also to confirm Abbesses, to impose censures, and to
convoke synods.
1526-29 Sovereign Princess Anna of Mazowsze-Bełz (Poland)
She succeeded her father, Duke Konrad III. Her mother was Princess Anna
Radziwiłłówna, and she lived (1498/1500-after 1557).
1526-33 Reigning Dowager Countess Anna von Schönberg
of Schaumburg (Germany)
Took over the castle and territory as her dowry after the death of her husband,
Anton, the last count to reside of the castle.
1526-32 Hereditary Imperial Steward and Lady Margarete zu Reuss of Weida
(Germany)
Daughter of Heinrich XXIII (1480-1531) and Margarete von Mansfeld. She
apparently reigned together with her father for four years. Married to Count
Johann Heinrich von Schwarzburg-Leutenberg (d. 1555). Her aunt was Abbess
Elisabeth von Gernrode (d. 1532).
1526-35 Acting Governor Isabel Manrique, Isla de Margarita (Venezuela/Spanish
Possession)
She and her husband, the judge of the High Court of Santo Domingo, Marcelo de
Villalobos, had been installed in the island since 1512. In 1525 he obtained,
by pact with the Spanish Crown, the Governorship of Margarita, but he passed
away the following year, and Isabel asked for the rights of governorship to be
transferred to her daughter, Aldonza. Isabel appointed a number of
governor-lieutenants, but continued to take care of her daughter's interests
until she married in 1535.
1526-32 Princess-Abbess Walpurgis Bitterler of Heggbach (Germany)
She was member of a Noble family from Basel in Switzerland and died of breast
cancer.
1526-28 Princess-Abbess Barbara von Stottingen of Gutenzell (Germany)
In 1526 the peasants attacked the Chapter and looted the rooms and the same year
the citizen of Biberach wanted to introduce the reformation but did not succeed.
1527-28 Regent Dowager Queen Maria von Habsburg of Bohemia-Hungaria
1527 Presided over the Hungarian Assembly (December)
1530 Presided over the Austrian Landtag (January)
1530-55 General-Stadtholder of the Netherlands
1530-58 Governor of Franche-Comté (France)
At 17, she married King Lajos II Jagello of Hungary, who was 15. Four years
later, the Turks over-ran half his kingdom, including the capital, Budapest.
Louis was killed at the battle, and Maria fled west, taking the Hungarian
treasury with her, and she called the Assembly which elected her brother,
Archduke Ferdinand von Österreich king of Hungary. In 1530 she Presided over the
Landtag in his name. Her brother, Karl V, appointed her Governor of the
Netherlands after the death of their aunt, Margaretha and she was also put in
charge of Franche-Compté. Maria was grand-daughter of Duchess Marie of Burgundy,
had no children, and lived (1505-58).
1527-35 Sovereign Duchess Giulia da Varano of Camerino (Italy)
Succeeded to the title when her father died of plague, but was deposed by a male
relative. She was daughter of Giovanni Maria, Lord and 12th Pontifical Vicar of
Camerino and Count since 1503 Duke of Camerino, who was deposed in 1521,
reappointed the following year and confirmed by papal bull with the right of
succession for her in 1524, and of Caterina Cybo. Married to Guidobaldo II della
Rovere, Duke di Urbino (1514-74), and lived (1523-47).
1527-ca. 75 Governor-in-absentia Aldonza de Villalobos Manrique, Isla de
Margarita (Venezuela/Spanish Possession)
Normally known as Aldonza Manrique. After her father's death, her mother, Isabel
Manrique, had the king transfer the governorship to her in 1527 - with the
condition that while she was under age or was unmarried, the governorship was
held by "a man with appropriate age", and her mother therefore appointed a
number of governor-lieutenants. In 1535 Aldonza married the conqueror Pedro
Ortiz de Sandoval, who came to Santo Domingo from Peru. In 1539 the Council of
the Indians confirmed her rights, but she did not take over before 1542, when
she and her husband ruled as lieutenant-governors. There are no documents
evidencing she ever traveled to the island, and it cannot be taken for granted
that her husband did it either. After her husband's death in 1546, Aldonza
retained the title of Governor of Margarita, but continued to live in Santo
Domingo, until her daughter, Marcela, got married aged 14 with Juan Gómez de
Villandrando, who became the new lieutenant-governor on behalf of Aldonza. In
1561 the island was invaded, and Marcela's husband killed. In 1565 Aldonza
traveled to Spain with her daughter and two grandsons, and requested to the
Council of the Indians the island Governorship to be transferred to one of
those, Juan Sarmiento de Villandrando. The petition was accepted after 10 years,
after she had already died. Aldonza lived (ca. 1520-75).
1527-47 Princesse-Abbesse Magdalena de Choiseul of Remiremont, Dame of Saint
Pierre and Metz etc. (France)
As sovereign of the territory she had the right to choose the mayor of
Remiremont from a list proposed by the nobles of the city. The mayor's deputy,
the Grand Eschevin, was chosen by the mayor from a list of 3 candidates
presented by the bourgeois of the city with her advice. She resigned from the
post as sovereign of the ecclesiatical state and 74 lordships in northern
France. She resigned from her position.
1528, 1529-33, 1535-36 and 1538-39 Regent Queen Isabel de Portugal of Spain
In charge of the government during her husband emperor Carlos (V) of the Holy
Roman Empire (1516-56)'s travels in the Empire. A strong willed woman, though
delicate, she governed the country and her children with a strong hand. Though a
rarity in arranged marriages it is believed Charles and Isabella shared a strong
love for one another. When she died following a miscarriage, Charles was
heartbroken. He collected all the paintings that were done of her and had more
commissioned to keep the memory of her alive. She was granddaughter of Ferdinand
and Isabel I and mother of 6 children - among others king Felipe II (Husband of
Queen Mary of England). She lived (1503-39).
1528-37 Princess Regnant Adriana Crispo of Antiparos (Greek Island-State)
Succeeded grandmother. In 1537 the island was conquered by the Osman Turks.
1528-42 Princess-Abbess Magdalena von Freyberg of Gutenzell (Germany)
The Chapter was founded in 1230 and started the process towards independence as
a princely territory in the Holy Roman Empire in 1417.
1528-70 Feudal Duchess Isabella Colonna of Traetto, Contess di Fondi and Ceccano,
Lady of Paliano, Olevano, Serrone, Zancati, Morulo etcAcquaviva, Maranola,
Carpello, Sperlonga, Monticelli, Inola, Pastena and S. Chigia, Capranica
Prenestina, Genzano, Genazzano, Guliano, Montecmopatri, Sgurgola, Nettuno,
Ciliano, Castel Mattia, Supino, San Lorenzo, San Vito, Ceccano, ofi, Falvaterra,
Sonnino and Vallecorsa (Italy)
She was heiress of Traetto and Fondi and pretender to the other fiefs. Fist
married to Lodovico II Gonzaga, 3rd Count di Sabbioneta (1500-32) and then to
Philippe de Lannoy, Prince de Sulmona. She lived (1513-70).
1529-30 Regent Dowager Sultan Dudu of Janupur (India)
After the death of her husband, Muhammed, she was regent for Galal Han, who was
deposed in 1533. Under her family's reign, the state became the home of
Muhammadan culture and refuge for men of letters. She was killed in 1530.
1529.... Sovereign Baroness Renée de Bourbon-Montpensier of Mercoeur (France)
The barony was given to her and her husband, Antoine, duc de Lorraine. Her son
was made a prince of Mercoeur.
1529-35 Princess-Abbess Margaretha IV Brock of Baindt (Germany)
In 1521 the Princess-Abbess was mentioned as an Imperial Prelate in an inventory
of the Reichsstände - the territories of the Realm.
1529-36 Reigning Abbess-General Leonor Sarmiento of the Monastery of Santa Maria
la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
Both temporal and secular ruler of the territory.
1529 Hereditary Countess Irmgard von Sayn of Limburg an der Lenne and Broich
(Germany)
Daughter of Count Johann VIII zu Sayn (1493-1529) and Otille of Nassau-Saarbrücken,
she was married to Wirich von Daun.
1529-31 County Sheriff Sofie Gyldenstierne of Hagenskov Len, Denmark
As lensmand (County Sheriff) she acted as the king's representative and was in
charge of various aspects of the local administration.
1529-35 Politically Influential Queen Anne Boleyn of England (United Kingdom)
Her father, Thomas Boleyn, Earl of Wiltshire and Ormonde, was a diplomat and as
a childe was offered a place at the court of Margareta of Habsburg, Regent of
the Netherlands. She later became a lady-of-waiting to Queen Claude of France
and of Queen Catherine of Aragon when she returned to England. In 1525 Henry
VIII also fell in love with her and began his pursuit, she refused until he
proposed marriage to her sometime in 1527. She managed to have Cardinal Wolsey,
who opposed their marriage, removed from power in 1529, and she became the most
powerful person at Court where she had a great say over appointments and
political matters. She clashed heads with the king’s new chief minister, Sir
Thomas More, who was a bitter enemy of religious freedom and reform. When the
Pope refused to accept their marriage, she suggested that he should follow the
advice of religious radicals like William Tyndale who denied Papal Authority and
believed that the monarch should lead the Church of his own nation. When the
devoutly Catholic Archbishop of Canterbury died, Anne had her family’s chaplain
– Thomas Cranmer – appointed to the vacant position. She also facilitated the
rise of Thomas Cromwell, who became the king’s favorite new adviser, though she
would later regret this. During this period, she also played an enormous role in
England's international position, by solidifying the French alliance. She
established an excellent rapport with the French ambassador, Giles de la
Pommeraye. She was appointed Marchioness of Pembroke before their secret
marriage in 1532. In 1533 a public wedding was coducted and Catherine was
formally stripped of her title as queen in time for Anne’s coronation in May
1533 and the "break with Rome. In September her only daughter, the later Queen
Elizabeth, was born. The marriage soon began breaking down and she had a
misscarriage in 1534 and 1536. Henry began a relationship to Jane Seymour and in
order to be able to marry her, he accused her of adultery and had her executed.
She lived (ca. 1507-36).
1530-99 Rani Abbakka Devi Chowta of Ullal (India)
Sources and historical analysis confirm that there were three Abbakkas: mother
and two daughters, who fought against the Portuguese Army, but the folklore
treats all three Abbakkas as one great Queen and a brilliant personality;
Abbakka Mahadevi or Rani Abbakka. She was married to a neighbouring local king
of Bangher, but the marriage did no last long, and the husband thus nurtured
revenge against her and later on joined the Portuguese to fight her. The
Portuguese had made several attempts to capture Ullal, but she had repulsed each
of their attack. The first attack by the Portuguese in south Kanara coast was in
1525, when they destroyed the Mangalore port. Rani Abbakka was alerted by the
incident and started preparing herself to protect her kingdom. In 1555, the
Portuguese sent Admiral Don Alvaro da Silvereira against the Abbakka who had
refused to pay them the tribute. She fought with courage and intelligence and
pushed them out. In 1558 the Portuguese Army perpetrated another wanton cruelty
on Mangalore, putting to death a number of men and women, both young and old,
plundering a temple, burning ships and finally setting the city itself on fire.
Again, in 1567, the Portuguese army attacked. Queen Abbakka Devi Chowta (Bucadevi
I) resisted it. The same year one general Joao Peixoto was sent by the
Portuguese Viceroy Antony Norohna with a fleet of soldiers. He captured the city
of Ullal and also entered the royal court. However the Queen escaped and took
asylum in a mosque. The same night, she counter-attacked the Portuguese army,
with a help of 200 of her soldiers and killed General Peixoto and 70 Portuguese
soldiers. The invaders were forced to flee to their ships in disgrace. In 1569,
the Portuguese Army not only regained the Mangalore Fort but also captured
Kundapur (Basrur). The Portuguese won the confidence of her estranged husband,
kind of Bangher and started attacking Ullal. She fought vigorously, and formed
an alliance in 1570 with Bijapur Sultan Ahmed Nagar and the Zanmorine of Calicut.
Kutty Pokar Markar, a general of the Zamorine fought on her behalf and destroyed
the Portuguese fort at Mangalore but while returning he was killed by the
Portuguese. She was finally arrested and jailed. However, she revolted in the
prison and died as a soldier - fighting.
1530-33 Dowager County Sheriff Anne Jørgensdatter Rud of Roskilde Vor Frue
Kloster Len, Denmark
Married Rigsråd Henrik Krummedige, who was Councillor of the Realm in both
Denmark and Norway. In 1502 she was in charge of the defence of the Norwegian
boarder-castle Båhus in his absence. She was an extremely able land-owner,
farmer and trader. Since 1531 she also had possession of a number of minor fiefs
in Norway, administered by her son-in-law, married to her only daughter, Sofie.
She left an extensive correspondence with her daughter, son-in-law and other
relatives, and according to the costum of the time, she were in charge of the
upbringing of her grandchildren, before her death in 1533.
1530-46 Sovereign Duchess Marie de Luxembourg-St. Pôl of Valois (France)
She was given the title by her relative, king François of France, who was Duke
of Valois (1499-1516 and 1517-30). Marie (d. 1546).
Until 1530 Queen Tlaxco Cihuapilli of Xochimilco (Mexico)
In march of 1530 Queen Cihuapilli Tzaptzinco peacefully offered her surrender to
a Spanish conquistador, who took possession of the land in the name of his
Majesty Emperor Charles V. during 20 days he toured the surrounding towns and
quicky received their allegiance. The Aztec Kingdom was situated in what is
today the center of Mexico City.
1531-36 Pretender Caecilia of Paros (Greek Island-State)
1536-37 Princess Regnant
Daughter of Nicolo II (1520-31). Co-ruled with Bernado Sagredo (d. 1603) The
state was conquered by the Osman Turks 1537. She died 1543.
1531-... Sovereign Countess Guyonne XVII of Laval (France)
Daughter of Guy XVI and Charlotte de Aragon. She was originally named Catherine
Anne, but took the feminized version of Guy upon her succession. She married
Claude de Rieux, and was succeeded by daughter Renée in 1547, who took the name
Giyonne XVIII.
1531-78 Princess-Abbess Katharina I von Bodman of Lindau (Germany)
The Fürstäbtissin of the Eccleastical Territory had been member of the Geistlischen
Fürstenbank (Bench of Lords Spiritual) of the Schwäbischer Kreis (Swabian
Circle) the Regional Assembly since 1500 with a seat in the Imperial Diet
(Reichstag). Her family was Lords (Freiherren) of Bodman, Espasingen, Wahlwies,
Freudental, Langenrain and Liggeringen.
1531-77 Princess-Abbess Margaretha IV van Brederode of Thorn (The Netherlands)
She obtained papal dispensation since she was only 17 at the time of her
election. She was daughter of Waleram II, Lord of Brederode and Vianden,
Burgrave van Utrecht and Anna von Neuenahr. The abbesses no longer used the
nun's habit and in 1544 and 1549 emperor Karl V confirmed, that Thorn was a
separate entity outside the Netherlands, and also declared that the Abbey
belonged to the Westphalian Circle within the Diet of the Realm. Margaretha
seems to have been the first to use the right of the principality to make it's
own money - and she was accused of using base metal in the coins.
1532-43 Joint Guardian Dowager Duchess Elisabeth von Hessen of
Pfalz-Zweibrücken-Neuburg (Germany)
1541-43 Joint Regent of the Duchy
After the death of her husband, Duke Ludwig II, she was regent for son,
Wolfgang, jointly with her brother-in-law Ruprecht. In 1541 her son was granted
the fief of the realm (reichslehn) and two years later he officially took over
the government, and in 1557 his childless relative, Pfalzgraf Ottheinrich of
Pfalz-Neuburg, abdicated in his favour. In 1541 she married Georg Count Palatine
von Simmern (Pfalz-Simmern) (1518-69) and lived (1503-63).
1532-48 Princess-Abbess Anna I Reuss von Meissen of Gernrode (Germany)
The chapter was mismanaged during her reign, it was marked by internal disputes
and the Archbishops of Magdeburg and Bishops of Halberstadt persued a policy of
acquiring the lands of the Stift. 1544 the possessions of the once so powerful
and rich community had fallen back to 5 villages and a limited amount of land.
Anna was daughter of Heinrich III Reuβ, Burgrave von Meiβen, Landvogt von
Niederlausitz and Barbara von Anhalt, and lived (1506-48).
1532-39 Princess-Abbess Maria zu Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel of Gandersheim
(Germany)
Appointed by her father without an election and newer set foot in the chapter.
The administration was taken over by Ducal civil servants.
1532-39 Princess-Abbess Margaretha I Hauptmann of Heggbach (Germany)
She initiated extensive renovations of the central buildings of the chapter. Her
father, Hans Hauptmann, was Secretary of the Abbey of Salem. a broghter Priest
in Griesingen and another brother citizen of Lindau.
1532 County Sheriff Sofie Podebusk of Malmøhus Len, Denmark (now Sweden)
Malmøhus is situated in the Landscape of Skåne, which was part of Denmark until
1658 until it was incorporated in Sweden.
1533-38 (†) Regent Dowager Grand Duchess Yelena Vasilevna Glinskaya of Russia
Elena Glinskaya, assumed power in the name of her three year old son Ivan IV,
later known as "the Terrible". Her brother-in-law, Yuri challenged his rights to
the throne, was arrested and imprisoned in a dungeon. She deposed a member of
the regency-council, Prince George III of Dimitrov, and had another brother-in-lawe
killed, but a short time afterwards she suddenly died, almost surely poisoned. A
week later her confidant, Prince Ivan Obolensky, was arrested and beaten to
death by his jailers. She was not very interested in her son, who was left to
the care of Agrafena Oblenskaya, who was imprisoned in a convent, and Ivan was
neglected during the rest of his upbringing. Yelena lived (Ca. 1506-38).
1533-66 Margravine Margherita Paleologa of Monferrato
1540-50 Regent of Mantova
1540-60 Sovereign Countess of Carmagnola (Italy)
In 1530 her brother, Bonifacio IV (1512-18-30) had been succeeded by their
uncle, the former Bishopl Giangiorgio Sebastiano, and she and her older sisters
became heiresses presumptive. After her sister Maria had divorced Federico II di
Mantova and entered the Convent of Casale, Margherita took over her claims to
the Margravate and married Federico, who was given the title of Margrave of
Mantova in 1536. After his death she became regent for son Gugliermo jointly
with brother-in-law, Cardinal Ercole. She lived (1510-66).
Until 1533 Sovereign Princess Louise de Coëtivy of Mortagne-sur-Gironde,
Countess de Taillebourg, Baroness de Royan (France)
Her father, Charles de Coetivy, was styled prince of Mortagne in 1487. She
married Charles de La Trémoïlle, prince de Talmon in 1501. She lived
(1481-1533).
1533-77 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Duchess Margarete von Brandenburg of and
Administrative Unit and Town of Tribsee in Pommern (Germany/Poland)
She was the second wife of Georg I von Pommern (1493-1531) who died after one
year of marriage. Mother of one daughter, Georgia (1531-74), who later married
Stanislaus Latalski Count von Labischin, Stardost von Inowrazlaw und Schlochau.
Margareta settled her dowry with her stepson, Phillip, and moved there in 1533..
She was daughter of Elector Joachim von Brandenburg and Elisabeth of Denmark,
and lived (1511-77).
1533-36 Princess-Abbess Katharina II von Redwitz of Obermünster in Regensburg
(Germany)
It is not certain who she was elected to succeed.
1534 or 1547 Regent Dowager Queen Maha Tewi of Lan Xang (Laos)
King Photisarath, who reigned (1520-1547) was devoted to Buddhism but failed to
eradicate animism and witchcraft. To improve trade with Siam and Annam he moved
his capital to Vientiane. After Chiangmai's line of kings was ended by
assassination in 1543, Photisarath accepted the crown for his young son
Sethathirat and sent a regent. Siam's King Phrajai led an army but was persuaded
by Princess Maha Tewi to return home. After Photisarath died in 1547,
Sethathirat had to go back to Lan Xang to prevent his brothers from partitioning
the kingdom, and Phrajai invaded again. Princess Maha Tewi fought back, and the
Siamese army retreated and was routed by the Laos army. Sethathirat managed to
withstand Burmese invasions, first by fleeing to Ayutthaya and then by moving
his capital to Vientiane in 1563. After he died in 1570, Burmese king Bayinnaung
had Sethathirat's brother Oupahat put on the throne in 1575, replacing
Sethathirat's father-in-law Saensurin.
1534-44 Acting Governor Ana Pimentel of the Capitania de São Vicente (Brazil)
Her husband, Martim Afonso de Sousa, arrived in Brazil and explored the country
in 1531. He founded the first formal Portuguese settlement in the village of São
Vicente, and in 1533 he left her in charge of the administration as he left for
Portugal. The following year the captaincies system was iintroduced and she
became the Acting Capitana, and besides sugar cane plantations, she also
stimulated cattle breeding in the region. Her husband never returned to Brazil.
1534 Joint Sovereign Lady Rosina von Wildenstein of Breitenegg (Germany)
The daughter of Alexanders II von Wildenstein inherited half of the Lordship.
Succeeded by husband, Karl von Welden.
1534-51 Princess-Abbess Sibylla von Montfort-Rotenfels of Essen (Germany)
As the territory got more character of an acctual state, three estates developed
like in other German States, with the Ladies of the Chapter constituting the
First Estate. The Second Estate was the Male Chanons in the Male Chapter and the
Third Estate was constituted by the Office-Holders (Ministerials) of the Chapter
and State, who were of low nobility. The three estates were constituted the
members of the Landtag (Local Diet) Sibylla was daughter of Count Hugo von
Montfort and Countess Anna von Zweibrücken, and her sister, Margarete II was
abbess of Buchau (1540-56/59).
1534-43 Princess-Abbess Kunigunde II von Geroldseck und Sulz of Säckingen
(Germany)
Her family had been lords of Hohengeroldseck through many years, and in 1519 the
family was given Sulz as a fief but had to give it back to Würrtemberg 1532,
though they continued to use the name of von Hohengeroldseck und Sulz. In 1534
the lordship became an Austrian fief.
1534-75 Reigning Abbess Louise I de Bourbon of the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud
(France)
She was a woman of sincere but gloomy piety, and during her tenure the order
suffered many losses at the hands of the Protestants, who even besieged the
great abbey itself, though without success; many nuns apostatized, but twelve
more houses were reformed.
1534-36 Dowager County Sheriff Kristine Friis of Ørum Len, Denmark
She took over the administration of the fief after her husband's death.
1535-37 Sovereign Baroness Caecilia Sangredo of Naupila (Greece)
Reigned Jointly with Bernardo Sangredo. The island had been in the hands of
Venezia 1531-35.
1535-83 Princess-Abbess Anna VIII Wittmeyer of Baindt (Germany)
In 1560 the church of the chapter got a new arch in the late gothic style, and
in 1573 the General Abbott Nicholas I Bucherat demaned that the chapterand its
rules were reformed.
1535-68 Royal County Sheriff Queen Sophie von Pommern of Denmark of
Lolland-Falster Len (Denmark)
Lolland-Falster was given to her as a dowry (Livgeding) when her husband, King
Frederik I ascended to the throne in 1523. Also held the German Castles and
Administrative Units of Kiel and Plön and adjourning areas in Holsten (Schloss
und Amt von Kiel und Plön) as part of her dowry. She lived (1498-1568).
1535-36 Dowager Country Sheriff Kirstine Lykke of Gislumsherred, Denmark
As Lensmand she was in charge of the local administration, had juridical
authority and acted as the official representative of the Danish king.
1535-36 Dowager County Sheriff Mette Mogensdatter Gøye of Ravnsborg Len, Denmark
She was daughter of Mogens Gøye til Krenkerup and after the death of her
husband, Johan Oxe til Nielstrup, she acted as County Sheriff or Lensmand until
her own death one year later. Mother of one daughter, Pernille Johansdatter Oxe
(b. 1530).
1536-39 Queen Bakwa Turunku of Zaria and Abuja (Nigeria)
Succeeded grandfather king Nohir Tuknariki, succeeded first by son-in-law Karama
then by two daughters, Amina and Zaria.
1537-99 Margarethe von der Marck, by the Grace of God, Countess of Arenberg
1576-99 Sovereign Princess-Countess of Arenberg (Germany)
Also known as Margraretha or Marguerite de La Marck d'Arenberg, she succeeded
her brother, Robert III, as the sole heir of the Dutch Hause van der Marck. She
was married to Jean de Ligne, Baron de Barbancon, who was named Reichsgraf von
Arenberg in 1549 - he died in battle in 1568, and Margaretha vigorously defended
her territory from invading forces. In 1571 emperor Maximillian II confirmed the
"Reichsunmittelbarkeit" - or semi-independence - of the realm and in 1576 both
she and her son were granted the title of Reichsfürst/in. She was given the
right to mint her own money, and though she was of Dutch birth, she was very
preoccupied with the governing of her German realm. Among others she fought
against witch-hunts and backed industry and education. She lived (1527-99).
1536-41 Reigning Dowager Duchess Anna of Münsterberg and Sagan in Schelsia
(Poland)
Also known as Anna of schlesia-Sagan she was married to Prince Karl I Albrecht
of Münsterberg-Ols (1476-1536) and reigned in Münsterberg after his death. She
lived (1483-1541).
1536-40 Joint Guardian Dowager Lady Magdalena von Mansfeld of Lippe (Germany)
After the death of her husband, Simon V, she became guardian for her 8 year old
son, Bernhard VIII, the 15. Noble Lord to Lippe and 2. Count to Lippe (Edler
Herr und Graf zur Lippe), and Count Adolf von Schaumburg, Koadjutors von Köln,
Count Jobst von Hoya were regents until 1438. She lived (1509-40).
1536-42 Princess-Abbess Wandula von Schaumberg of Obermünster in Regensburg
(Germany)
It is not certain who succeeded her, but Barbara II von Sandizell reigned until
1564.
1536-39 and 1543-55 Reigning Abbess-General Isabel de Navarra y Mendoza of the
Monastery of Santa Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
She was member of a side-line of the royal family of Navarra.
1537-60 Sovereign Duchess Adrienne II of Estouteville (France)
Daughter of Jean III, seigneur d'Estouteville, and married François de Bourbon-Vendome,
Duc d'Estouteville and Count of Saint-Pôl, and was succeeded by daughter in
1546. She lived (1512-60).
1537-57 Reigning Dowager Lady Elisabeth zu Hessen of the Castle, City and
Administrative Unit of Rochlitz, the Castle and Administrative Unit of
Kriebstein with the cities of Waldheim and Hartha in Sachsen (Germany)
Also known as Elisabeth von Rochlitz she recived the lordships as dowry after
the death of her husband, Johann zu Sachsen (1498-1537). She was the first
territorial ruler in Germany to give her citizen freedom of confession and
conscience, but her father-in-law, Duke Georg of Sachsen, "makes sure" that she
is excommunicated, which meant that all citizen were declared free and she was
no longer under princely protection. But she accepted the Evangelican preacher
Magister Schütz aus Kassel, who was send to her lordship by her brother,
Landgrave Philipp von Hessen, who had already introduced the reformation in her
lands. She was a very effective administrator and developped her fief
economically and culturally. She lived (1502-57).
1537-ca. 54 Lady Regnant Anna von Haracourt of Bettingen, Dollendorf, Fischbach,
Falkenstein and Everlingen (Germany)
She was already old when she inherited the "Haracourt Inheritance" from the last
male of the family, Count Wilhelm von Haracourt-Dollendorf-Brandenburg. Her
daughter Anna von Solm, Heiress of Dollendorf (d. 1557) married as his second
wife, Count Jakob von Manderscheid-Kail, and Anna von Haracourt declared that
her granddaughter, Anna von Manderscheid (1630-61) should be her sole heir, but
in the end the inheritance was divided among the Manderscheid-Kail and Solm
families.
1537-65 Sovereign Duchess Anne de Pisseleu of Étampes (France)
Created Duchess jointly with husband, Jean de Brosse. She was mistress of King
François I.
Ca. 1538-68 Rani Regnant Abbaka Devi of Ullal (India)
She allied herself with Malabar Kings and feudal lords, challenging the
Portuguese invasion into Mangalore. For three decades, she defied the Portuguese
supremacy refusing to pay tribute to them. However, at the famous siege of
Mangalore in 1568, the Queen and her Moorish allies suffered a crushing defeat
by the Portuguese army.
1539-44 Acting Governor Inés de Bobadilla, Cuba (Spanish Colony)
She was left in charge of the government when her husband, Hernando de Soto
(1496/1500-42) left for an expedition where he died in 1542. Two years later
Juan de Avila was appointed governor.
1539-49 Duchess Marie d'Albret of Nemours, Countess of Rethel, Sovereign
Princess of Boisbelle-Henrichemont (France)
The daugter of Jean d'Albret, Sire d'Orval etc. (d. 1524) and Charlotte de
Bourgogne, Countess de Rethel (1474-1500), she married Charles de Cleves, comte
de Nevers in 1528, and lived (1491-1549).
1539-47 Princess-Abbess Klara von Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel of Gandersheim
(Germany)
In 1542 the Sclamalkaldic League forcibly introduced Protestantism to the area.
In 1547 her father, Duke Heinrich of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel, reintroduced the
catholic faith, but only a few years later Lutheranism was permanently
introduced by her brother, Duke Julius of Braunschweig (1528-1589). She was
appointed in succession to her sister, Maria, who was Fürstäbtissin all her life
(1521-39). Klara or Clara resigned in order to marry Duke Philipp II von
Graunswheig-Grubenhagen (d. 1596). She lived (1532-95).
1539-53 Princess-Abbess Veronica Berenike Krel of Heggbach (Germany)
Her surname might also have been Kröhl. In August 1546 an Evanglical ordinance
banns the ladies of the chapter to pray in the choire, to celebrate mass and
take communion, but in December the Chapter is granted freedom of religion. She
lived (1487-1559).
1539-47 Princess-Abbess Clara zu Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel of Gandersheim
(Germany)
The territory was occupied by the troops of the Schmalkaldian Union in 1542 and
the same year the city became protestant, but not the chapter. In 1547 her
father, Heinrich von Braunschweig, declared that she had abdicated from the
office of Fürstäbtissin.
1539-43 Reigning Abbess-General María de Aragón of the Monastery of Santa Maria
la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
Like the Lord Bishops, she held her own courts, in civil and criminal cases,
granted letters dismissorial for ordination, and issued licenses authorizing
priests, within the limits of her abbatial jurisdiction, to hear confessions, to
preach, and to engage in the cure of souls.
1540-45 Regent Dowager Duchess Elisabeth von Brandenburg of
Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel and Calenberg (Germany)
1540-58 Reigning Dowager Lady of Münden
After a few years as the second wife of Duke Erich I (1470-1540), she converted
to Protestantism, promoted the calvinist faith, and forced her husband to have
his mistress, Anna Rumschottle, burned as a witch. She held the regency jointly
with Philipp von Hessen for son Erich II, and introduced Protestantism to the
state during her reign. One year after her son took over the government she
married Count Poppo XII. zu Henneberg in Thüringen (1513-1574) and continued to
reign in her Dowry Münden, but in 1555 she moved to Henneberg. The daughter of
Kurfürst Joachim I. and Elisabeth of Denmark (1485-1555), she was mother of a
son and three daughtes by her first husband and lived (1510-58).
1540-61 Regent Dowager Countess Anna von Oldenburg-Delmenhorst of Ostfriesland
(Germany)
Widow of Enno II Cirksena and regent for three minor son Edzard II (1532-40-93),
Christoph (1536-66) and Johann (1538-91). Anna's government was supported by the
States and favoured a bi-confessional co-existance system. Personally she was in
favour of the reformation, but she remained neutral because the nobility was
split more or less fifty-fifty among Lutheranism and "Zwinglianismus". She also
also tolerated both Catholichs and Spiritualists, and it was only after pressure
from the Emperor that she banned the Mennoits (Baptists) in 1549. She
concentrated on consolidating the territory and used her diplomatic skills and
will to compromise. Her most important advisor was her brother, Christoph von
Oldenburg. In 1558 she desided that the territory should be governed jointly by
her three sons after her regency was over, as a way to limit the influence of
the House of Vasa after the marriage of Edzard to Princess Katharina of Sweden.
She lived (1501-75).
1540-41 Regent Dowager Queen Isabella Jagello of Poland of Hungary
1541-51 and 1556-59 Regent of Tansylvania and Siebenbürgen (Hungary)
1551-56 Sovereign Duchess of Troppau and Opelln in Slesia (Germany-Poland)
Her huband King János I Szapolyai (or Zápolya) of Hungary (1526-40) died two
weeks before the birth of their son Janos II Zigismund Zapolyta (1540-71), and
she began her struggle to keep the Hungarian throne as a widow queen and the
guardian of her son, who was elected electus rex in the meantime. After the
reoccupation of Buda in 1541, she had to go to Transylvania on the order of the
Sultan, where she reigned over the territories under her authority. However, the
real governor was György Martinuzzi. In the summer of 1551 she left
Transylvania, which fell into the hands of Ferdinand Habsburg in accordance with
the treaty of Nyírbátor, and handed over the insignia of the Kingdom to
Ferdinand in exchange for Opelln and Troppau in Slesia. By the request of the
Hungarian nobles, she returned to the country together with her son and her
advisor, Mihály Csáky, in autumn 1556. After this she set up her Transylvanian
chancellery with the help of Mihály Csáky, and the new state started to
function, and she ruled until her death. She was daughter of Sigismund I of
Poland, and mother Bona Sforza, she lived (1519-59).
1540 Sovereign Princess Anne de Rohan-Caboët of Rohan, Porhoët and León (France)
Married to Pierre de Fontenay, who became Duke of Rohan after their marriage.
Ca. 1540-69 Sovereign Countess Charlotte de Brosse of Penthièvre (France)
Her father, René de Brosse, was killed in Italy in 1525. She was married
Francois II of Luxembourg. Her son, Sébastien de Luxembourg-Saint-Pôl, got the
title of Duke of Penthièvre, and was succeeded by daughter Marie in 1579.
1540-59 Politically Influential Empress Sabla Wangal of Ethiopia
The widow of emperor Lebna Dengel [or Wanag Sagad or Dawit II], she was the
political advisor of her son Galawdewos [Atsnaf Sagad I]. Also known as Seble
Uengel, she was the daughter of a father from northern Tigre and a mother from
Simien (d. 1568).
1540-59 Politically Influential Princess Ameta Giyorgis of Ethiopia
Influential during the reign of her brother, Gelawdenos. Daughter of Emperor
Lebna Dengel.
1540-56/59 Princess-Abbess Margarethe II von Montfort of Buchau (Germany)
At the time of her election, the economic situation of the convent was very bad,
and she was preoccupied with the restoration. Her sister, Sibylle, had been
Princess-Abbess of Essen since 1533.
1540-45 County Sheriff Anne Arvidsdatter Trolle of Åsum and Elleholm Len,
Denmark (Now Sweden)
Widow of Axel Eriksen Urup til Ugerup, who was Lensmand or County Sheriff of
Sölvesborg etc. until his death. After his death she was in charge of the two
fiefs in Skåne, which was incorporated in Sweden in 1658.
1541 Governor Beatriz de la Cueva de Alvarado of Guatemala (Spanish Colony)
After the death of her husband, Pedro de Alvarado, she manoeuvred her own
election and became the
only woman to govern a major American political division in Spanish times. A
young and ambitious woman who styled herself the Hapless One (La Sin Ventura),
she was drowned a few weeks after assuming office in the destruction of Ciudad
Vieja by a sudden flood from the volcano Agua. She was succeeded by brother,
Francesco de la Cueva y Villacreces, Governor 1540-41 and 1541-42.
1541-50 Regent Dowager Marchioness Jacoba de Croÿ of Bergen-op- Zoom (The
Netherlands)
She ruled the margravate after the death of her husband, Antoon, who was lord
from 1532 and Marquess from 1533. Her son Jan IV van Glymes took over as regent
in 1550 at the age of 22. Jacoba (d. 1559).
1541-61 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Duchess Katharina von Mecklenburg of the
the Castle and Office of Wolkenstein in Sachsen (Germany)
An early supporter of Martin Luther, she was in opposition to her
brother-in-law, Duke Georg of Mecklenburg, who tried to bribe her to remain
Catholic. Her husband, Heinrich von Sachsen-Freiberg, at first suppressed
Lutheranism, but Freiberg became Lutheran. After Gerorg's death in 1539 they
moved to Dresden and introduced the reformation here. Heinrich died in 1551, and
she spend the rest of her life in her dorwy, the Castle and Office of
Wolkenstein. She was mother of six children, and lived (1477-1561).
1542-51 Dowager County Sheriff Sophie Pedersdatter Lykke of Holmekloster Len,
Denmark
1560-63 and 1563-70 County Sheriff of Lister Len, Norway
Married to Councillor of the Realm, Jacob Hardenberg, who died 1542. Thereafter
she administered the possessions of her three young daughters together with her
own lands. She was very unpopular. Her peasants protested to the king against
her, and in 1557 she was convicted of illegally selling cattle. In 1560 she was
given Lister Len as security for a lone, and moved to Norway. Also here the
peasants complained against her, and she broke the ban against exporting timber
abroad, and she lost the fief, but managed to get it back later the same year,
because of her good connections. She lived (Ca. 1510-70).
1542-67 Princess-Abbess Maria von Hohenlandenberg of Gutenzell (Germany)
The convent was founded in 1230, started the process of independence in 1417 and
in around 1521 the Abbess achieved the rank of Princess of the Realm.
1542-69 Influential International Banker Gracia Nasi in Europe and the Ottoman
Empire
She inherited the wast Mendes fortune after the death of her brother-in-law,
Diego, whom she had joined in Antwerpen after the death of her husband,
Francisco whose wealthy Spanish Jewish banking family had also fled the
Inquisition and settled in Portugal. She then took over the management of the
international banking empire and continued using the family's contacts and
resources to help Jews escape the Inquisition, and this meant that she and her
remaining family were constantly in danger. Over the next 11 years, she moved
across Europe with her daughter, her sister, and her daughter- and son-in-law,
traveling from Antwerp through France, Italy, and Turkey. The Inquisition
pursued them, local rulers relentlessly crying heresy and attempting to
confiscate their fortune. With diplomacy, shrewdness, and business acumen, she
managed to escape each assault and continue building the family business. She
and her family finally reached Turkey in 1553, where they settled near
Constantinople. Here she persuaded Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent to grant her
a long-term lease on the Tiberias region of the Palestine where she spearheaded
one of the earliest attempts to start an independent state for Jews in Israel.
She took back her maiden name and was called Gracia Nasi once and for all. She
lived (1510-1569).
1543-52 Regent Dowager Sultana Bat'ial Dël Wanbara of Harrar (Ethiopia)
Also known as Bati Del Wambara she was ruled the territory after her husband,
Imam Ahmad died in battle. She reigned jointly with 'Ali Jarad. She had
accompanied her husband on his expeditions of conquest in the Christian
highlands. At times she had to be carried on their shoulders up and down steep
and rocky mountain slopes, twice in a state of pregnancy. She gave birth to
Muhammad in 1531 and Ahmad two years later. After the defeat and death of her
husband and the capture of her young son Muhammad, she fled to the north-west of
Lake Tana, and eventually succeeded in returning to Harar, then at the center of
Adal power. Her first task was to make arrangements for the exchange of her
eldest son Muhammad for Emperor Galawdewo's brother, Minas. Del Wanbara was
determined to revenge her husband's death and, nine years later, agreed to marry
the Emir of Harar, Nur Ibn Mujahid, son of her first husband's sister, seeing in
him the best prospect of achieving her aim. Emir Nur began by rebuilding Harar,
which had been sacked, and enclosed the town with a wall which can be seen to
this day. Having reorganized his forces, he undertook a new conquest of the
Christian highlands and, in 1559, killed Emperor Galawdewos in battle. She was
daughter of Imam Mehefuz, governor of Zayla and de facto ruler of the state of
Adal. She married Imam Ahmad and, ignoring the protests of his soldiers.
1543-56 Politically Active Guardian Dowager Duchess Emilie von Sachsen of
Brandenburg-Ansbach (Germany)
After the death of her husband, Georg the Pious, she was guardian of their son,
Georg Friedrich (1539-1603), who reigned under the regency of the Electors of
Brandenburg and Sachsen and Landgrave of Hessen until 1556. She gave him a good
scientific and humanistic education, and lived (1516-91).
1543-48 Princess-Abbess Magdalena von Hausen of Säckingen (Germany)
In 1548 she joined the Reformation but was not succesfull in converting the
other ladies of the chapter and she resigned her post.
1544 Governor of the Realm Queen Katherine Parr of England (United Kingdom)
She was very learned and inclined towards the reformed doctrines and
successfully interceded for many so-called 'heretics,' who would otherwise have
suffered death. She also induced Henry VII, her third husband, to restore, to
Royal rank, the Princesses Mary and Elizabeth whose legitimacy his remarkable
matrimonial arrangements had left in doubt. Henry named Catherine as Regent when
he designed an expedition to France in 1544. Her main functions, in the last two
years of her husband’s reign, were those of his nurse as he suffered agonies of
pain from an ulcer in his leg. After his death in 1547, she married Thomas
Seymour, Lord Sudley, and died giving birth her first child, named Mary, the
year after. She lived (1512-48).
1544-60 Governor Brites de Albuquerque of Pernambuco (Brazil)
Widow of Duarte Coelho Periera (1534-44) and succeeded by son Duarte Coelho de
Albuquerque, who was governor for the Portuguese King (1560-72).
Around 1544 Datuk Lampe Ellong of Supa (Indonesia)
The granddaughter of Dom Joao, she succeeded her father, married La Cellamata
and was succeeded by Princess Tosappae.
1544-87 Sovereign Lady Ermgard van Wisch of Wisch op Oud-Wisch, Wildenborch,
Overhagen and Lichtenvoorde (The Netherlands)
1552-58 Regent Dowager Countess of Limburg-Stiurm
1553-87 Hereditary Countess of Bronckhorst and Borculo
She inherited the family's possessions in Wisch after the death of her brother,
Joachim, but her mother, Waldburga van den Bergh was allowed to reside in the
castle for life. After the death of her husband, Georg von Limburg in Stirum
(1500-52), she was regent for son, Herman George, Graaf van Limburg en
Bronkhorst, heer in Stirum, Wisch en Borculo (1540-74), who later married to
Maria von Hoya (1534-1612). Finally she inherited the possessions of her uncle,
Count Joost van Bronckhorst-Borculo. She (d. 1587).
1544-? Politically influential Mihrumâh Sultana of the Ottoman Empire
The only daughter of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent and Hürrem Sultan. Her
father adored her, and complained with her every wish. She married Rüstem Pasha,
Governor-General of Diyarbakýr, who was shortly afterwards appointed grand
vizier. According to Ottoman historians, she, together with her mother and
husband conspired to bring about the death of Sehzade Mustafa, who stood in the
way of her influence over her father. The fact that she encouraged her father to
launch the campaign against Malta, promising to build 400 galleys at her own
expense; that like her mother she wrote letters to the King of Poland; and that
on her father’s death she lent 50.000 gold sovereigns to Sultan Selim to meet
his immediate needs, illustrate the political power which she wielded. Her
husband was grand vizier in the periods 1544-1553 and 1555-1561, and she and her
mother formed an inner circle in the government which evidently influenced the
sultan's decisions particularly in issues concerning the succession and the
future of the sultanate. They were accused of putting pressure on her father to
execute his eldest surviving son, Mustafa. At that critical point when he was
faced with open protest from the army and negative public opinion following the
murder of Mustafa, her father was forced to replace his her husband in the
position of grand vizirate with Kara Ahmed Pasha, a war hero and favourite of
the army. But within two years under pressure from the inner circle under Hürrem,
Kara Ahmed was eliminated and Rustem resumed the grand vizirate, keeping the
office until his death in 1561.
Ca. 1545-64 Rani Regnant Durgavati of Gondwana (India)
The principality is also known as Garha-Kalanga, and it's inhabitants were a
group of Dravidian tribes, aboriginal (pre-Aryan) people. She was a very brave
Lady who was inspired by a sense of genuine loyalty to the interests of her
country. She was the daughter of the Rajput chief of Mohaba and married to
Dalpat Shah, and after his death she ruled for their minor son. In 1564, the
Moghul emperor Akbar directed one of his commanders Asaf Khan to conquer the
kingdom. On the advance of the huge imperial Moghul army, she was cautioned by
her counselors to which she replied, "It is better to die with glory than to
live with ignominy". Her son Bir Narayan was seriously wounded. But she waged
the war with the great skill and bravery until she was disabled by two arrow
shots. Her faithful officers wanted to carry her from the battle field to a
place of safety. She rejected the proposal. In the true spirit of one having a
Rajput descent, Rani Durgavati preferred death to disgrace and stabbed herself.
Thus her end was as noble and devoted as her life had been useful for the
kingdom during her fifteen year of regency.
1545-52 Regent Dowager Duchess Christine of Denmark of Lorraine and Bar (France)
1560-90 Titular Queen of Denmark, Sweden and Norway, The Wends, Goths and Slavs,
Duchess of Schleswig-Holstein, Ditmasken, Countess of Oldenborg
1578-90 Madame de Tortona (Italy)
After her father, Christian 2 of Denmark was deposed she grew up by her mother,
Elisabeth von Habsburg's aunt, Margaretha, Governor-General of the Netherlands,
who took it upon her to guard the children from the Lutheran faith. After
Margaretha's death, their mother's sister, Dowager Queen Maria of Hungary took
over their upbringing. In 1535 her first husband, the 26 year older Duke
Francesco 2. Sforza of Milano of died after 1½ year of marriage, and she
returned to the Netherlands. In 1541 at the age of 20 she married François of
Bar who inherited Lorraine three years later.
She was regent whenever her husband was abroad from the Duchy and acted as his
political advisor, among others at the Reichstag in Speyer in 1544. In his will
her husband appointed her regent jointly with her brother for her son, Charles
(Karl) (1545-1608), but she tried to rule independently. In 1552 France attacked
the Duchy and in exchange for a peace treaty she had to give up the regency and
accept that her 10 year old son were to grow up at the French court as a future
husband of Princess Claude, and she returned to her aunt in the Netherlands
together with her two daughters. Six years later both her aunt and the emperor
died and everybody assumed that she would be appointed Governor-General of the
Netherlands as she was close to her cousin Filip II and was much loved by the
Dutch people. Also, she had just contributed to the peace treaty between the
French and Habsburgs in Cateau-Cambrésis, but the post of Regent was given to
Felip's sister, Margaretha of Parma. She then lived in Lorraine as the political
advisor of her son Charles and also acted as regent from time to time. She never
gave up the thought of regaining her father's Nordic realms. In 1560 she tried
to have her daughter René married to King Frederik 2 of Denmark. At the
beginning of the seven-year war between Denmark and Sweden 1563-70 she
attempted, through alliances with the Swedish king Erik XIV and the Danish
exiled Councillor of the Realm, Peder Oxe, to plan how to regain the realms, and
already signed her self as Queen: “Chretienne par la grace de dieu royne de
Dennemarck, Suede, Norwegen”. For health reasons she withdrew to her Italian
Dowry Tortona in 1578, but she continued to print coins and medals as Queen of
Denmark. She took over the claims as successor of their father, Christian II (d.
1559), from her sister, Countess Palatine Dorothea, who had no children.
Christine lived (1521-90).
1545-53 Regent Dowager Queen Yun Mun-jong of Korea
Also known as Mun-jong Wang-hu, she was widow of Chung-jong, Chung-jong
(1488-1506-44) and in charge of the government in the name of Myong-jong, who
succeeded his brother, Injong. Her reign saw a lull in the suppression of
Buddhism and The Buddhist monk Hyujong (1520-1604) did much to promote an
ecumenical movement and harmonized the value of Buddhism with philosophical
Daoism and Confucianism in his 'Mirror of the Three Teachings'. She lived
(1501-65).
Ca. 1545-ca.1570/80 Sultan Hudah bint Sarmah al-Fasi of Fazzan (Libya)
She was grandchild of Muhamad al-Fasi Fezzan. The state mainly consisted of
oases in the Sahara Desert, and the population is largely Arab, with Berber and
black African influence. Located on caravan routes connecting the Mediterranean
Sea with the Sudan, Fazzan was long important in the trans-Saharan trade. From
the early 16th to the early 19th century it was the center of the Bani Muhammad
dynasty, which originated in Morocco.
1545-47 Reigning Dowager Queen Phra Chao Chira Prapa Mahadevi of Lan Na (or
Lanna, Chiang Mai) (Thailand)
Another version of her name is Phra Nang Yout Kham Thip. She was daughter of
king Phaya Ket, and took over after a power struggle within the government.
1545-48 Regent Dowager Lady Elena Salviati of Piombino, Scarlino, Populonia,
Suvereto, Buriano, Abbadia al Fango and of the Isles of Elba, Montecristo and
Pianosa (Italy)
After the death of her husband, Jacopo V Appiani (1480-1545) she was regent for
their son, Iacopo VI (1529-85). The Lordship was under attack from Toacana and
in 1548 she potested against the investiture of Cosimo I d'Medici as Duke of
Piombino. She lived (1506-62).
1545 Dowager County Sheriff Ide Mogensdatter Munk of Abrahamstrup Len, Denmark
A major land-owner, also known as Ida, she was married to Oluf Nielsen
Rosenkrantz til Vallø, and their daughter was Birgitte Olufdatter Rosenkrantz
til Øster Vallø. Ide died 1586.
1545 Military Leader Lilliard in Scotland (United Kingdom)
She led the Scots at the Battle of Ancrum in one of their last victories over
the English forces. She killed the English commander but lost her own life later
in the battle.
1546-48 De Facto In-Charge of the Government Queen T’ao Sri Suda Chan of
Ayutthaya (Ayudhaya) (Thailand)
Also known as Sisdachan, she has become famous because she lead an army against
attacking forces.
1546-60 (†) Regent Dowager Countess Amalie von Leising of Mansfeld-Vorderort zu
Bornstädt (Germany)
After the death of her husband, Philipp II (1502-46), she ruled in the name of
her son, Bruno II (1545-1615). Their three other children died young. She was
daughter of Hugo von Leisnig and Dorothea Schenkin von Landsberg, was Dame de
Penig in her own right, and lived (1508-60).
1546-1601 Sovereign Duchess Marie de Bourbon-Saint-Pôl of Estouteville, Countess
de Saint-Pôl (France)
Also known as Marie de Bourbon-Vendôme, she was daughter of François de Bourbon-Vendôme,
Duc d'Estouteville and Count of Saint-Pôl and Chaumont (1491-45) and Adrienne
II, Duchesse d'Estouteville (1512-60). Marie succeeded her brother, François
(1536-46). She first married Jean de Bourbon-Vendôme, Count de Soissons, then
François de Cleves-Nevers, Duke de Nevers, whom she divorced in 1561 and finally
with Léonor d'Orléans, Duc de Longueville (d. 1573). Marie lived (1539-1601).
1546-53 In-charge of the Government Electress Agnes von Hessen of Sachsen
(Germany)
1553-55 Reigning Dowager Lady of Weissenfels and Weissensee in Sachsen
She was in charge of the government as her husband, Moritz was away in various
wars. 1547 he was awarded with the title of Kurfürst (Elector) and Duke of
Sachsen-Wittenberg. In 1553 he was wounded in the battle of Sievershausen and
died shortly after. Their only surviving child was a daughter, Anna von Sachsen
(later married to and divorced from Willem of Oranje) and therefore he was
succeeded by his brother August. Agnes lived (1527-55).
1547-60 Member of the Chosen Council Tsaritsa Anastasia Romanovna Zakharyina of
Russia
Also known as Anastasiia Zakharina, she was member of the Chosen Council with a
number military leaders, priests which karried out a number of political,
military, and ecclesiastical reforms during the reign of her husband, Ivan the
terrible. She was periodically able to control her husband's fits of bad temper,
and those periods were known as the "good part" of his reign. After her death -
during the "bad part" he carried out a reign of terror against the boyars. He
married six more times, and treated his wives cruelly: one was drowned, three
were imprisoned, and two were sent to a nunnery. She lived (1530–60).
1547-58 Sovereign Duchess Eléonore of Austria of Touraine (France)
Married to Manoel I of Portugal and then to king François I of France
(1497-1547). After his death she was given the duchy as a dowry. He was
succeeded as king by his brother Henri II, since their marriage was childless.
She lived (1498-1558).
1547-67 Sovereign Countess Guyonne XVIII "la Folle" of Laval (France)
The daughter of Guyonne VIII, she was origninally named Renée de Rieux, and
succeeded her uncle Count Guy XVI. 1545 she had married Louis de Sainte-Maure,
marquis de Nesle et comte de Joigny. She lived a tumultary life and converted to
the Calvinist faith. Her sister, Claude de Rieux, married one of the protestant
leaders François d'Andelot. She was convicted for traison by the Parliament of
Paris together with two other leaders of the "poursuite de Meaux" which tried to
kill King Charles IX and Queen-Mother, Catherine de Médici in 1567, their
possessions were confiscated, and executed. Guyonne escaped this faith because
of her mental instbility. She sought refuge in Laval and diged a few months
later. She was succeeded by her sister Clude, or his son Paul, who took the name
of Guy XIX he died 1586.
1547-77 Princess-Abbess Magdalena von Chlum of Gandersheim (Germany)
The church service became protestant in 1568, but she remained protestant.The
territory was occupied by Duke Julius von Braunschweig i 1575 and she was taken
prisoner.
1548-58 Reigning Countess Anna van Egmond of Buren, Leerdam en Lingen, Dame of
Ijsselstein, Borssele, Grave, Cranendonk, Sint Maartensdijk en Odijk (The
Netherlands)
Daughter of Count Maximiliaan van Egmond and Francoise de Lannoy, Dame de Lannoy,
de Santes et de Trochiennes. Married to Prince Willem I van Oranje and lived
(ca. 1533-58).
1548-58 Princess-Abbess Anna II von Kittlitz of Gernrode (Germany)
The Lords of Kittlitz had their lands in Sachsen and Slesia.
1548-66 Sovereign Duchess Diane de Portiers of Valentinos and d'Étampes (France)
She was the mistress of King Henri II of France and first married to Louis de
Breze, Count de Maulevrier. She hat tree daughters, Francoise de Breze, Countess
de Maulevrier, who was married to Robert von der Marck, lord of Sedan, Duc de
Bouillon, Louise de Breze, Dame d'Anet, who was married to Claude of Lorraine,
Duc d'Aumale, and by Henri II, she had Diane de Valois. She lived (1499-1566).
1548-53 De facto Regent Dowager Countess Margarethe von Wied-Runckel of
Manderscheid-Blankenheim (Germany)
After the death of Arnold of Manderscheid-Blankenheim, two male relatives were
appointed guardians of her children, but they does not seem to have taken much
part in the governing of the county, and she was in fact the regent until her
oldest son, Hermann, came of age. Two of her daughters became Princess-Abbesses
of Essen - Elisabeth VI and VII and another daughter, Margarethe was Abbess of
Elten and Vreden. A son, Johann, was Prince-Bishop of Strassburg. Margarethe von
Wied later married a Count of Bentheim, and (d. 1571).
1548-49 Dowager County Sheriff Ingeborg Gjordesdatter Drefeld of Lundenæs Len,
Denmark
Widow of Peder Galt Ebbesen til Birkelse etc, Lensmand til Lundenæs.
1548-49 Princess-Abbess Adrienne I de Morbecq of Nivelles, Dame Temporaire and
Spirituelle of Nivelles (Belgium)
As ruler of the territory she was Princess of the Empire and Head of a number of
Lorships around Nivelles.
1549-51 Queen Jalampa Siri Sudhamma Mahadevi of Lan Na (Thailand)
She was also known as Thao Mae Ku and alternative names of the state are Lanna
or Chiang Mai, and was a conglomerate of Thai city-states that covered roughly
the area of modern north Thailand between the thirteenth and sixteenth
centuries. Mostly under the leadership of the city-state of Chiang Mai, Lan Na's
influence reached far into the neighboring regions.
1549-51 Regent Dowager Princess Syun Beka of Kazan (Russia)
Regent for son. After the final downfall of Golden Horde in the third-fourth
decades of the 15th century in its vast area were formed separate Tatar states.
They include Kazan Khanate (1445) situated in the northern boundaries of Volga
Bulgaria from the river Sura in the west to the river Belaya in the east. Kazan
became the capital of Kazan Khanate. The 15th century and the first half of the
16th century was the period of prosperity of Kazan Khanate and its capital.
1549-1601 Sovereign Countess Henriette de la March-Nevers of Rethel (Belgium)
1564-1601 Sovereign Duchess of Nevers, Sovereign Princess Boisbelle-Henrichemont (Belgium
and France)
In 1564 she succeeded her brother Jacques, who had succeeded their father,
François de March Nevers as Duke of Nevers in 1563. Her husband Ludovico Gonzaga,
Duke of Mantova was duke of Nevers-Rethel by the right of his wife. Her father
and brother had left her with large debts but she managed to bring the financial
situation back in order, and was one of the chief creditors of the kingdom. Her
son, Charles II de Gonzauge, had been co-governor with his father of Champagne
since 1589 and had become titular duke in 1595 after his father's death, but did
not take part in the government until after her death in 1601. Her sisters
Catherine was countess d'Eu and Marie Comtesse de Beaufort. Henriette lived
(1542-1601).
1549-61 Princess-Abbess Marguerite IV d'Estourmel of Nivelles, Dame Temporaire
and Spirituelle of Nivelles (Belgium)
She was member of a French noble family.
1549-74 County Sheriff Abele Hansdatter Breide of Näsbyholm Len, Denmark (Now
Sweden)
After the death of her husband, Mikkel Hals til Näsbyholm, she acting Lensmand
or County Sheriff of the fief, in Skåne, which has been part of Sweden since
1658.
1550-74 Sovereign Duchess Marguerite de France of Berry (France)
Daughter of François I of France and Duchess Claude de Bretagne, she was married
to Emmanuel-Philibert, duc de Savoie, and lived (1523-74).
1550-82 Adelantada Catalina Montejo of Yucatán (Mexico)
She inherited position of Adelantado (a kind of governor/landowner) jointly with
her husband, Alonso Maldonado. After his death she was in charge of the area
alone.
1550-71 Princess-Abbess Agatha Hegenzer von Wasserstelz of Säckingen (Germany)
She reformed the Chapter and brought it back on its feet economically, and she
restored the church. The watersupply was reneved and several treaties were made
between the Chapter and the city of Säckingen.
1550-61 Acting County Sheriff Eline Gøye of Skjoldnæs Len, Denmark
She was married to Mourits Olufsen Krognos and Vincents Juel. She was daughter
of one of the country's major landowners, Mogens Gøye, but he had many children,
and she therefore only inherited half of the estate Clausholm together with a
brother. She was in dispute with her sister-in-law Anne Rosenkrantz, and in 1561
a compromise was reached, which according to Eline favourized Anne. Later same
year Anne also was appointed Lensmand (County Sheriff) Skjoldnæs, which Eline
had got after the death of her first husband. She was sister of another major
landowner and Lensmand, Birgitte Gøye, and lived (ca. 1510-63).
Until 1550 Lady Isabel Xipaguazin Moctezuma of Tacuba (Mexico)
Princesa Isabel was daughter of Moctezuma II (1466-1520), who was the last
emperor of the Aztecs (1502-20), who ruled the grand city of Tenochtitlán. She
married two conquistadors, Alonso de Grado and Pedro Gallego de Andrada. King
Carlos I of Spain named her Holder for perpetunity of the Lordship of Tacuba -
which largely corresponds with the historic center of the City of México. (d.
1550).
1551 Queen Thao Meh Ku of La Na (Chiang Mai) (Thailand)
In 1543 the last king of Chiang Mai, Photisarath, was assassinated 1543, and
Sethathirat of Lan Xang was married to Princess Thao and became king of Chiang
Mai. After his death she became ruler but was deposed by Mekut (Mekkhuti), the
king of the Shan State of Muong Nai - he was succeded by Queen Wisuthatevi in
1564.
1551-64 Reigning Lady Duchess Sabina von Bayern of Nürtingen in Württemberg
(Germany)
After the birth of the Crown Prince Christoph in 1515 she fled the threaths of
her husband Ulrich with both her children to her brothers, the Bavarian Dukes
Wilhelm und Ludwig, and only after her son acended to the throe she was able to
return to Württemberg , where she took up residence in her dorwy in Nürtingen,
where she held a small court, wich became a local center of Protestantism. She
lived (1492-1564).
1551-60 Princess-Abbess Katharina II von Tecklenburg of Essen (Germany)
During her tenure in office, the protestant movement became stronger. 1555 was
the year of the Augsburg Peace, where it was made clear that the subjects had to
have the same faith as their sovereign. In Essen the citizens were mainly
protestant, but Katharina remained catholic, and the city council saw this as a
way to free the city from the dominance of the Abbess, and for a period they
were successful. Daughter of Otto IX von Tecklenburg and Irmgard von
Cuyk-Rietberg. Her older sister, Jakobäa was Abbess of Vreden (1533-1563), and
the younger Irmgard Abbess of Quernheim since 1534. Their niece Anna, was
heiress of Tecklenburg und Rheda (1527-82) and married to Everwin III von
Götterswick Count of Bentheim-Steinfurt. Katharina lived (1517-60).
Ca. 1551-68 Princesse-Abbesse Marguerite IV d' Haraucourt dite d'Ubexy of
Remiremont (France)
She was the 42th Abbess and known by the surname of d'Ubex because she her
family owned the castle Ubexy, which had been inherited by Elisabeth
d'Haraucourt in 1543, the wife of Nicolas du Châtelet, who had no children. The
War of the Scutcheons (Panonceaux) in 1566 with Duke Charles III ended in favor
of the duke, and the abbesses never recovered their former very independent
position.
Until 1551 County Sheriff Birgitte Bilde of Sandby Len, Denmark (Now Sweden)
Until 1553 County Sheriff of Katsløse Len (Denmark)
Sandby is situated in the landscape of Skåne which was annexed by Sweden in
1658.
1552-67 HM Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots (United Kingdom)
1558-87 Titular Duchess of Touraine (France)
She became Queen of Scotland when she was just six days old. At age five she was
sent to France to be brought up in the French court, and eventually married King
Francis II, who died the next year, where after Mary returned to Scotland where
a series of politically unwise love affairs and her continued adherence to
Catholicism in a Protestant country led to trouble and a revolt against her.
Forced to flee to England for refuge, she now faced the fears of Queen Elizabeth
I who saw her as a rival to her throne. Elizabeth kept Mary under a form of
imprisonment for the next 19 years. Watched closely, she was implicated in a
series of conspiracies against Queen Elizabeth, and was executed, but her son,
Jacob later succeeded as king of England. Mary lived (1552-87).
1552-53 Dowager County Sheriff Sidsel Jensdatter Ulfstand of Kalundborg Len,
Denmark
1554-ca. 75 County Sheriff of Villands Herred (Skåne)
Married Councillor of the Realm and Lensmand (County Sheriff), Knud Pedersen
Gyldenstierne, and after his death she acted as administrator of his fief for
about a year. In 1552 she was given charge of Villands Herred in the south of
Sweden, and she was an able administrator accumulating quite a big wealth. She
died ca. 1575.
1553 Jane, Queen of England, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, Supreme
Head on Earth of the Church of England and Ireland (United Kingdom)
Known as,Lady Jane Grey, she was the great-granddaughter of Henry VII through
her mother, Lady Frances Brandon, daughter Mary, the younger of King Henry
VIII's two sisters. On May 21, 1553, John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, who
exercised considerable power at that point in the minority of King Edward VI,
joined with Jane’s father, Duke of Suffolk, in marrying her to his son, Lord
Guildford Dudley. Edward VI accepted Jane as his heir and on his death she was
proclaimed Queen on July 10 and the Council of the Realm recognized her claim.
The rightful heir, Edward's sister, Mary Tudor, had the support of the populace,
and on July 19 even Suffolk, who by now despaired of success in the plans for
his daughter, attempted to retrieve his position by proclaiming Mary Queen. Jane
was later beheaded (as was her husband) in 1554 having lived (1537-54).
1553-58 HM Mary I Tudor, Queen of England, France and Ireland, Defender of the
Faith (United Kingdom)
1553-54 Supreme Head on Earth of the Church of England and Ireland
She was the daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, and restored papal
supremacy in England, abandoned the title of Supreme Head of the Church,
reintroduced Roman Catholic bishops and began the slow reintroduction of
monastic orders. She also revived the old heresy laws to secure the religious
conversion of the country; heresy was regarded as a religious and civil offence
amounting to treason. As a result, around 300 Protestant heretics were burnt in
three years. Her decision to marry Philip, King of Spain from 1556, in 1554 was
very unpopular; the protest from the Commons prompted her reply that Parliament
was 'not accustomed to use such language to the Kings of England' and that in
her marriage 'she would choose as God inspired her'. England suffered during her
reign. The economy was in ruin, religious dissent reached a zenith and England
lost her last continental territory. She possibly died from cancer, leaving the
crown to her half-sister Elizabeth. Mary lived (1516-58).
1553-79 De-facto Reigning Dowager Countess Maria von der Hoya of Brunckhorst,
Lady of Borckelo (Germany)
After her husband, Jobsten Grafen zu Bronkhorst und Herrn zu Borculo, was killed
in an accident the fief reverted to the Diocese of Münster, but she continued to
be in charge of the administration until her own death.
1553-59 Princess-Abbess Ursula I Schad of Heggbach (Germany)
Prioress and Second in Command 1540-53 until her election as ruler of the
territory. She resigned because of bad health, and died later the same year.
1553-70 Dowager Reigning Lady Elena von Pfalz-Simmern of Schwarzenfel in
Hanau-Liechtenberg (Germany)
Widow of Count Philipp II von Hanau. The castle served as the seat of the dowry
government for other dowager countesses of Hanau as well.
1553-85 Politically Influential Electress Anna af Danmark of Sachsen (Germany)
Reigned at the side of her husband, Kurfürst August von Sachsen (1626-86), with
whom she lived a very harmonious marriage. She was especially when it came to
the fights over religion from 1574, her opponents blamed her of 'Gynaecocracy',
and she always took the side of the Lutherans in the fights with the Calvinists.
In 1563 she intertwined in the negotiations between Denmark of Sweden together
with her mother, Dorothea von Sachsen-Lauenburg, and managed to end the long war
between the two countries, she initiated that her husband took the side of her
brother, Frederik II, and had Emperor Maximilian II. act as mediator in the
conflict. She was also a very able trader and industrialist, and in 1578 her
husband transferred the administration of all the Electoral Domains to her and
she was a pioneer within modern agriculture. She was also knowable with medical
plants, and even the Queen of Portugal asked for her help. In 1548 she was
handed over the administation of her dowries in Weissenfels, Freyburg (or
Sangerhausen). The daughter of Christian III of Denmark and Norway, she signed
her letters, 'Anna, born as Royal Danish Stock, Electress of Sachsen.' She was
mother of 15 children, and lived (1532-85).
1554-60 Regent Dowager Queen Marie de Guise of Scotland (United Kingdom of Great
Britain)
Married to James V of Scotland and regent for her daughter, Mary Queen of Scots.
The daughter of Claude de Lorraine, duc de Guise, she was also known as Mary of
Lorraine. Before her marriage to James V in 1538, she had been married to Louis
d'Orléans, Duc de Longueville, who died in 1537. When James died in 1542,
shortly after his daughter's birth, James Hamilton, Earl of Arran, became
regent. By 1554, with French aid, Marie de Guise had replaced the ineffectual
Arran as regent, and she made no secret of her desire to bring France and
Scotland together. Meanwhile, Protestantism was spreading rapidly in Scotland,
and Marie, though at first conciliatory toward the reformers, began a campaign
of suppression. In 1559 the Protestants, exhorted by John Knox, rose against the
regent and declared her deposed. She received French aid, but the Protestants,
allied with the English, proved the stronger force. The civil war was concluded
shortly after Marie's death by the Treaty of Edinburgh (1560), which ended the
French domination of Scotland and opened the way for the establishment of the
Protestant church. She lived (1515-60).
1554-55 Regent Infanta Juana of Spain
She acted as stand-in for her brother, Felipe II, who had been appointed regent
of Spain by their father, Carlos I (Emperor Karl V), but who was in England some
of the time with his wife, Mary I Tudor. Juana had returned to Spain after the
death of her husband, the Crown Prince of Portugal, leaving her son, Sebastao
behind. In 1555 their father abdicated in favour of Felipe. She founded a very
rich monistary and remained influential till her death. She lived (1537-73).
1554-1610 Sovereign Princess Marie de Créquy of Poix, Dame de Mareuil (France)
Granddaughter of Jossine, who was Dame de Poix around 1526. Marie married
Gilbert de Blanchefort, Lord of Saint-Janvrin. She lived (1526-1610).
1554-75 Princess-Abbess Anna III von Mosheim of Schänis (Switzerland)
Das fürstliche Reichsstift Schänis remained one of the largest landowners in the
region and had many possessions in Schwyz, Glarus Sankt Gallen and Zug.
1554-80 Princess-Abbess Odille de Beymelborn of Munsterbilzen, Dame of Wellen,
Haccourt, Hallembaye and Kleine-Spouwen (Belgium)
Another version of her surname is Hohenstein.
1555-1572 Queen Regnant Juana III d'Albert of Navarra and Co-Princess of
Andorra, Duchess of Albert, Comtesse de Foix-Béarn-Grailly, Périgod, de Rodez,
d'Armagnac, Perche, Fezensac, de L'Isle-Jourdain, Porhoët and Pardiac, Viscomtesse
de Limoges, Brulhois, Lomagne, Fezenzaguet, Cressey, d'Auvillars, Baroness de
Castelnau, Caussade, Montmiral and Dame de La Flêche and Baugé (France and
Spain)
Also known as Jeanne d'Albert, she grew up in France as a French princess. She
married Antoine de Bourbon out of love but their marriage was unhappy because of
his constant infidelities. He died just before she succeeded her father as Queen
of Navarra. She converted to Calvinism en 1560 and favoured this faith in
Navarra and Béarn as her other domains was under the suzerainty of the king of
France. She was involved in the different wars of religion of the time, and in
1571 she made Calvinism the state religion in Béarn and Navarre, and in order to
maintain and affirm her authority in her domains, she negotiated the marriage of
her son Henri with Marguerite de Valois, sister of Charles IX. She died before
the celebration of the marriage and the Saint-Barthélemy massacre on the French
Protestants. Her son became king of France and trough him the post of Co-prince
has passed on to the Presidents of the French Republic. She lived (1528-72).
1555-66 Reigning Abbess-General Catalina Sarmiento of the Monastery of Santa
Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
As one of the only abbesses in the history of the Catholic church, she had quasi
Episcopal powers.
1555 Member of Parliament for Gatton Lady Elizabeth Shelley in England (United
Kingdom)
She was elected as successor to her husband Sir Roger Copley of Roughway, MP for
Gatton Surrey, but her son Thomas took her seat. She lived (1534-84).
1555-56 Dowager County Sheriff Anne Pedersdatter Lykke of Stege Len, Denmark
First married to Anders Bentsen Bille til Søholm and then to Otto Jørgensen
Krumpen til Trudsholk and was acting Lensmand or County Sheriff of the fief
after the latter's death. Her branch of the family Lykke was also known as Lykke
Munk til Overgaard. She died after 1574.
1555-56 County Sheriff Sidsel Parsberg of Gårdstange Len, Denmark (Now Sweden)
Gårdstange is situated in the landscape of Skåne which was annexed by Sweden in
1658.
1556-58/60 Co-Regent Dowager Empress Hamida Begum of The Mughal Empire (India)
After the death of Emperor Humayun (1530-1556), who spend 15 years in exile from
1540-55 his 14 year old son, Akbar, succeeded to the trone, and Hamida Begum
(perhaps also known as Maliam Anga) was part of the regency.
1556-64 Regent for the Governor Mah-Chehak Begum of Kabul, Afganistan
Also known as Mah Čučak Bigum, she was regent for her son, Prince Mirza Muhammad
Hakim (1553-56-85), son of the Moghul Emperor Humayum (1508-56), to whom she was
a concobuine. She was murdered in 1565.
1556-57 Regent Dowager Princess Françoise de Brézé of Sedan and Bouillon
(France)
Took over the government after the death of her husband, Robert IV de Sedan, who
was also created Duke de Bouillon. She was daughter of Diane de Portier,
mistress of the French King. Françoise was also Countess of Maulevrier and had
two sisters, Diane de Valois, who was Duchess of Chatellerault etc., and Louise
de Brézé, Dame d'Anet. Françoise was mother of 9 children, and died 1557.
1560 Head of the Regency Council Dowager Duchess Maria von Sachen-Wettin of
Pommern-Wolgast (Poland/Germany)
1574-83 Reigning Dowager Lady of the Administrative Office and Castle of Pudagla
in Pommern-Wolgast
After the death of her husband. Philipp I von Pommern-Wolgast, she named a
Regency Council under Court Chamberlain Ulrich Schwerin for her 5 minor sons. It
was in office until 1569 when the sons returned from their education abroad.
1574 she was given the possessions of the former Convent of Pudagla-Grob, by her
oldest son, Ernst Ludwig. She lived (1516-83).
1556-68 Politically Influential Duchess Sophie die Jagiellonin of
Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (Germany)
1568-75 Sovereign Lady of Schöning and the Amt Jerxneim
During the reign of her husband, Heinrich the Younger, she was engaged in
diplomatic activities both with her native Poland and the rest of Europe, was
active in Politics, and an outstanding intellectual capacity and cultural
personality. After her husband's death, and the accession to the throne of her
stepson, she retired to her dowry, which she reigned as a sovereign with rights
over administration, juridical matters, trade and a small army. She became
extremely rich, and her sisters and her husband's relatives and later their
descendants fought over the inheritance, which was not settled for another 100
years. The daughter of King Zygysmund I of Poland and Bona Sforza, she had no
children, and lived (1522-75).
1556-96 Princess-Abbess Maria Jacoba von Schwartzenberg of Buchau (Germany)
She was in dispute with the bishop of Konstanz and strongly maintained her own
rights and the position of her territory. She was also promoter of religious and
cultural affairs. Daughter of Freiherr Christoph and Eva von Montfort, and lived
(1515-94).
1557-62 Regent Dowager Queen Catarina von Austria of Portugal and the Algaves
Widow of João III who was succeeded by grandson Sebastião (1557-78) Her husband
died without leaving instructions about a regency. A hastily convened council of
nobles declared that it had been his wish that Queen Catarina should undertake
the office of regent and she was duly appointed. She was daughter of Juanna I la
Loca and Emperor Maximillian. After Sebastião came of age at 14, she retired to
a convent and lived (1507-78).
1557-80 Sovereign Countess Anna von Tecklenburg-Schwerin of Tecklenburg und
Rheda
1562-73 Regent of Bentheim
1566-72 Regent of Steinfurt-Wevelinghoven and Granau (Germany)
Succeeded father, Konrad von Tecklenburg-Ibbenbüren, and married to Everwin III
von Götterswich, Graf von Bentheim-Steinfurt (1536-62). After his death, she was
regent in Bentheim and after the death Arnold III, also regent in Steinfurt. In
1580 she handed over Tecklenburg and Rheda to her son, Arnold IV. It is said
about her that she had knowledge of healing plants and that she prevented the
procecution of witches in her territory. She lived (1532-82).
1558-1603 Elizabeth I Tudor, Queen of England, France and Ireland, Defender of
the Faith, Supreme Head on Earth of the Church of England and Ireland (United
Kingdom)
Daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, succeeded her half-sister Mary.
Elizabeth was very well-educated (fluent in six languages).Her 45-year reign is
generally considered one of the most glorious in English history. During it a
secure Church of England was established. Its doctrines were laid down in the 39
Articles of 1563, a compromise between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism.
Although autocratic and capricious, she had astute political judgement and chose
her ministers well. Her reign also saw many brave voyages of discovery, whic
prepared England for an age of colonisation and trade expansion, In 1588, aided
by bad weather, the English navy scored a great victory over the Spanish
invasion fleet of around 130 ships - the 'Armada' which was intended to
overthrow the Queen and re-establish Roman Catholicism by conquest, as Philip II
believed he had a claim to the English throne through his marriage to Mary I.
She was succeeded by James VI of Scotland, and lived (1533-1603).
1558-61 Regent Infanta Maria de Austria of Spain
Regent for brother Felipe II during his travels in the Empire. She was married
to Maximillian II von Habsburg, Holy Roman Emperor. Their son, Archduke Albrecht
of Austria, Duke of Teschen, married the daughter of Felipe; Isabella. Maria
lived (1528-1603).
1558-78 Politically Active Margravine Elisabeth von Brandenburg-Küstrin of
Brandenburg-Ansbach (Germany)
She was the most important aide of her husband, Georg Friedrich (1539-1603)
until her death. She lived (1540-78).
1558-64 Princess-Abbess Elisabeth II von Gleichen of Gernrode (Germany)
Several members of her family - of the Counts of Gleichen - were
Princess-Abbesses or held other ecclesiastical offices.
1559-67 and 1580-82 Stadtholder Margaretha de Parma of The Netherlands
1559-67 Governor of Franche-Comté
1572-86 Perpetual Governor of L'Aquila (Italy)
Also known as Madama or Margarita de Austria, her full title was Archduchess of
Austria, Infanta of Spain, Princess of Burgundy, Milan, Naples and Sicily. She
was daughter of Emperor Karl V and his mistress Johanna van den Gheynst. Her
first husband was Alessandro de' Medici, Duke of Firenze (1510-37), the son of
the Black servant Simonetta da Collavechio and Cardinal Giulio de Medici ( the
later Pope Clement VII), was finally assassinated a few months after their
wedding in 1536. She then recieved the titles of Feudal Duchess of Borbona,
Penne and Posta and Feudal Lady of Campli, Castel Sant'Angelo (now Castel Madama),
Civita Ducale (now Cittaducale), Leonessa, Montereale and Ortona, Lady of
Amatrice, Borbona, Posta which she held until her death. In 1538 she was married
to Ottavio Farnese (1525-86), whose father was given the Duchies of Parma and
Piacenza by his father, Pope Paul III. In 1545 she became mother of twins. Her
half-brother, King Felipe II of Spain, appointed her Governor-General of the
Netherlands, and she proved to be an able administrator, but resigned after the
Duke of Alba's crushing of the Dutch opposition against the Spanish rule. She
then returned to Italy and was governor of L'Aquila by her brother. Her son
Alessandro Farnese was Governor-General of the Netherlands until 1580 when he
was replaced by her. After his return, she was kept a virtual prisoner in Namur,
until she was allowed to return to Italy in 1583 where she died three years
later. She lived (1522-86).
1559-68 Regent Doamna Chiajna of Wallachia (Romania)
After the death of her husband, Mircea Ciobanul, who was Voivode of Wallachia in
1545-1552, 1553-1554 and in 1558-1559, she was regent for her son, Petru cel
Tînăr (Peter the Young). She was daughter of Petru Rareş, ruler of Moldova.
1559-71 Royal County Sheriff Dowager Queen Dorothea von Sachsen-Lauenburg of
Denmark of Koldinghus Len (Denmark)
When her husband, Christian III, King of Denmark and Norway and Duke of
Schleswig-Holstein (1503-34-59) died, she withdrew to her dowry which she also
administered as a fief-holder, Lensmand, being in charge of aspects of the local
administration. She was very influential as head of the family. She also held
Als, Sundeved og Ærø in the landscape of Slesvig. She lived (1511-71)
1559-89 Princess-Abbess Lucia Hildebrand of Heggbach (Germany)
A former Prioress, she took over enormous depts during a period of bad harvests,
hard winters, wet summers. epedemics of plague in 1564, 1572/73, 1574, 1579 and
1589 and on top of it all heavy "turk taxes". But her bad handeling of the
economy made the situation worse and the existance of the whole territory was
endangered, and she had to resign from her post for the same reason. She lived
(1523-1605).
Until 1559 Feudal Marchioness Diana de Cardona of Giuliano, Contessa della
Chiusa, Baronessa di Borgia (Italy)
The second wife of Vespasiano I, Marchese di Sabionetta, Principe di Sabionetta,
1st Duca di Sabionetta, Conte di Roddi e Ricalta, Barone di Caramanico e Tutino,
Marchese di Ostiano, Conte di Fondi, Duca di Traetto, Viceroy of Navarra an
Valencia, Knight of Golden Fleece Order. She died upon the delivery of a child.
1560-63 Regent Dowager Queen Catherine de' Medici of France
1562-89 Sovereign Duchess of Valois, Countess Auvergne and Boulogne
In 1533 she was married to Henri, Duke of Orleans, who became the French king in
1547. As Queen she was very influential in bringing aspects of Italian culture
to France, such as their theater and food. After her husband's death, she gained
political power as regent for her sons. An ambitious woman, she actively
involved herself in the political intrigues of the court, always trying to
increase royal power. At first Catherine tried to reconcile France's opposing
Catholic and Protestant factions as their violent disputes threatened national
unity. But instead she initiated the massacre in 1570 of Protestants (the
massacre of St Bartholomew). Succeeded mother, Madeleine de la Tour, as Countess
of Auvergne and father Lorenzo II de Medici as titular Countess of Urbino
1519-21. Mother of 10 children, she lived (1519-89)
1560-62 De-facto regent Maham Anga of the Mughal Empire (India)
The chief nurse of Emperor Akbar, she gained influence after she convinced Akbar
to dismiss his minister, Bairam. Her power began to wane in 1561, when Akbar
appointed Atkah Khan as chief minister. Five months later her son, Adham Khan,
Akbar's foster-brother, attempted to assassinate Atkah Khan, but was executed,
and she died shortly after, and the emperor, who was now 19 ruled alone from
then on.
1560-66 Joint Guardian Dowager Duchess Maria von Sachsen of Pommern-Stettin
(Germany - now Poland)
After the death of her husband, Philipp I Duke von Pommern-Wolgast (1515-31-60),
a Council of Regency took over the government for her son, Johann Friedrich
(1542-60-1600). She was guardian for her sons who shared the inheritance of
another relative, who abdicated in 1569; Bogislaw XIII von Pommern-Barth/Neuenkamp
and later of Pommern-Stettin, Ernst Ludwig von Pommern-Wolgast, Barnim X von
Pommern-Rügenwalde und Bütow and Kasimir VI, who was Evangelican Bishop of
Cammin. She was also guardian for the daughters Amelia, Margaretha and Anna. The
Duchy was hit by The Seven Years War (1563-70), which demonstrated how powerless
the Duchy was. Lack of finances and of military power, forced it to remain
neutral and thereby it ended up as a "playball" between the foreign powers. Her
Johann Friederich received the Imperial confirmation of his fief (kaiserliche
Belehnung) at the Reichstag in Augsburg in 1566. She was daughter of Duke and
Elector Johann von Sachsen and Margareta von Anhalt, and lived (1516-83).
1560-76 Member of the Regency Council Dowager Countess Margarethe von Hoya of
Diepholz (Germany)
1560-93 Reigning Dowager Lady of the Office of Auburg
1585-93 Regent of Diepholz
After the death of her husband, Rudolf IX, a regency council took power under
the leadership of Duke Wilhelm von Braunschweig-Lüneburg-Celle in the name of
her son Freiderich II, and she managed to become part of the council, even
though she had not been desinated a seat from the beginning. Margarethe von
Diepholz was also given the whole of the County as her dowry. In 1582 the
Hoya-line died out and she tried to secure her inheritance without succes, The
same year her only grandson died and 3 years later her son followed. Nominally
the county fell to Braunschweig-Lüneburg but in effect she managed to act as
regent for her grand-daughter, Anna Margarethe (1580-), possibly because Duke
Wilhelm had become mentally ill. She reorganised and modernised the
administration. The daughter of Jobst II von Hoya and Anna von Gleichen, she had
been elected as Abbess of the Noble Chapter of Bassum in 1541, but remained at
the court of her parents, and lived (1527-93).
Ca. 1560-ca. 1600 Clan Leader Grania O'Mally of the West Coast of Camacht and
Achill Island, Ireland
1565-1603 "Pirate Queen"
Also known as Grace O'Malley or Gráinne Ni Mháille, she was only daughter of
Dubndara O'Mally. Her husband, Donal O'Flatherty, leader of the neighboring
clan, was killed and she managed to hold the besieged castle of the family.
Imprisoned in 1578-79 and 1593 for piracy and her sons and son-in-law was also
held prisoners by the British. Her fleet numbered some 20 ships, and her blatant
piracy was seriously emptying the pockets of English merchants at Galway. She
wrote a letter to the Chiefess of the Tudor Clan, Queen Elizabeth I, and was
granted an audience in London, which resulted in the release of her relatives
and the right to continue her activities on Sea and on Land - though under
English flag. She lived (1530-1603).
1560-61 Princess-Abbess Maria von Spiegelberg of Essen (Germany)
The counts of Spiegelberg had ruled their Small County, centered around
Coppenbrüg since around 1280. In 1494 they inherited the County of Pyrmont, but
in 1557 the family died out in the male line. The fief were inherited by
Braunschweig-Calenberg, but with the condition that the sovereignty were
inherited in the female line to a sideline of the family of Lippe. In 1485 the
county was inherited by the counts of Gleichen and in 1631 by Nassau-Oranje, who
sold it to Hannover in 1819.
1561-75 Princess-Abbess Irmgard III von Diepholz of Essen (Germany)
She was Pröbstin - or second ranking - in the Chapter until her election as its
sovereign. Like Maria von Spiegelberg, she was catholic and that caused problems
with the predominantly protestant City of Essen. In 1568 Irmgard applied to the
imperial supreme court to resolve a wider, century-old dispute between the
Abbesses and the Essen citizenry over the rights and responsibilities of the
citizens. The judgement, which took 102 years to deliver, was ambiguous. The
Abbess was declared the "sole authority and rightful princess of the state", to
whom the citizens owed obedience as "subjects and members of the state". At the
same time however the city was defined as a "civitas mixta" or free city of the
German Empire, and therefore not a county, which would have meant complete
subjugation to the aristocracy, nor a municipality without jurisdiction or
statutory power. This judgement gave rise to continuing legal disputes which
carried on until 1803, when the state was finally secularised. Irmgard also took
a keen interest in coal mining.
1561-69 Princess-Abbess Marguerite V de Noyelle of Nivelles, Dame Temporaire and
Spirituelle of Nivelles (Belgium)
The abbess of Nivelles was Princess of the Holy Roman Empire and Political
Leader of the City of Nivelles.
Until 1561 Sovereign Countess Jacqueline-Marguerite de Longwy of Bar-sur-Seine
(France)
She was the first wife of Louis de Bourbon, Duc de Montpensier, Prince de La
Roche-sur-Yon and Dauphin d'Auvergne.
1561-67 County Sheriff Anne Rosenkrantz of Skjoldnæs Len, Denmark
After the death of her husband, Albert Gøye, in 1558 she was left in charge of
the family possessions. Her land's were scattered all over the country, but she
managed to unify most of it, and she achieved the right to appoint the judges
within her jurisdiction. Anne was involved in many disputes with her relatives,
among others the sister-in-law Eline Gøye, and in 1561 she was appointed
Lensmand (County Sheriff ) of Skjoldnæs after Eline was removed from this
position. In 1566 Anne was ordered to give up the fief again - but only pawed
way for the newly appointed Lensmand the following year. She lived (1522-89).
1561-62 and 1562-72 Dowager County Sheriff Magdalene Banner of Skivehus Len,
Denmark
She was left in charge of the fief after the death of her husband. At the time
20-25 percent of all lands were actually administered by widows
1562-73 Dowager County Sheriff Margrethe Hennekesdatter Rantzau of Skodborg Len,
Denmark
She was married to her relative, Jesper Hansen Rantzau, Amtmand in Flensborg and
Lensmand in Schmoel, Skodborg, Haderslev and Tørning Len and took over the
administration of one of his fief after his death,
1563-79 Regent Dowager Countess Katharina von Waldeck-Eisenberg
of Lippe (Germany)
After the death of her husband, Bernhard VIII (1527-36-63), she was in disputes
with the other regents for her son Simon VI, mainly Count Hermann Simon zu
Pyrmont (d. 1576). Her son was appointed Imperial Commissioner and was in charge
of mediating heredtiary disputes and gained more and more importance as the
years went by. She lived (1524-83).
1563-65 Acting County Sheriff Susanne Bølle of Stege Len, Denmark
She run the fief during her husband, admiral Jakob Brokenhuus' imprisonment in
Sweden
1563-64 County Sheriff Else Ulfstand of Svaløv Len, Denmark (Now Sweden)
1567-.. County Sheriff of Rørum Len, Denmark
She administered Rørum, in Skåne, together with Tale Ulfstand.
1563-87 County Sheriff Margrethe Ugerup of Søfed Len, Denmark (Now Sweden)
The local administration and juridical system was in the hand of a royal
appointed Lensmand (County Sheriff) who each administered a Len (fief). It was
normally the local manor-owner, and if that was an unmarried woman she was in
some cases appointed Lensmand in her own right, in other cases she administered
the Len after her husband's death.
1564-78 Queen Regnant Wisutthithew of Lan Na
(Thailand)
Also known as Phra Nang Visuti or Wisuthatevi, she was youngest daughter of
Phaya Ket and placed on the throne by the Burmese after King Phra Mekut was
deposed. He enslaved his people with heavy taxes and conscription, but was aided
in retaining power by Phra Chao Burengnong (Bayinnaung of Hantawaddy). Mekut
revolted against obligations to Burengnong, who then attacked Chiang Mai, taking
it in only three days. Mekut died in exile at Pegu or Ava, and became known as
one of the "37 Nat" spirits, Yun Bayin. Chiang Mai became a vassal state
required to pay annual tribute of gold and silver trees, and manpower as
necessary in times of war. Keng Tung has remained with Burma since that time
(1559) except for two very brief instances, in 1802 and during the Second World
War. Her successor was Bayinnaung's son, Mangnorathacho. She was the last
descendent of Mengrai to rule, and died in 1578.
1564-1633 Sovereign Countess Catherine de Clèves-Nevers of Eu and Souveraine de
Chateau-Renaud (France)
Succeeded brother, Jacques de Clèves. First married to Antoine de Croÿ, prince
of Porcien and in 1570 to Henri de Lorraine, duc de Guise, who was assassinated
in 1588. (1548-1633)..
Until 1564 Princess-Abbess Barbara II von Sandizell of Obermünster in Regensburg
(Germany)
Her relative, Moritz was Prince-Bishop of Freising until he resigned in 1566.
1564-79 Princess-Abbess Barbara III Ratzin of Obermünster in Regensburg
(Germany)
1219 the reichsunmittelbare convent came under direct Papal protection and in
1315 Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian appointed the Abbess as Princess of the Realm.
Heinrich II granted the convent immunity and during the reign of Konrad II, the
abbess even recieved a royal cepter. 1484 it was turned into a noble Ladies
Chapter (Gräflicher Damenstift) with a seat and vote in the Diet of the Realm
and the Princess-Abbess also sat on the Bayrischen Kreis (Bavarian Circle) in
1500, which was the Regional Assembly.
1564-70 Princess-Abbess Elisabeth III von Anhalt-Zerbst of Gernrode (Germany)
As Fürstäbtissin she was member of the Upper Saxon Circle Estate (Reichskreisstandschaft),
the regional assembly Member of the Upper Saxon Circle Estate (Reichskreisstandschaft),
the regional assembly. She was also member of the College of the Prelates of the
Rhine, whose 17 members (Princess-Abbesses and Prince-Abbots) had a joint vote
in the Council of the Princes of the Imperial Diet, where the representative of
the Prelates sat on the Ecclesiastical Bench. She resigned in order to marry
Count Wolfgang II von Barby. She was the youngest daughter of Johann von
Anhalt-Zerbst and Margrethe von Brandenburg, was succeeded by her niece, Anne
Marie von Anhalt, and lived (1545-74).
1564-66 Dowager County Sheriff Margrethe Andersdatter Reventlow of Åstrup Len,
Denmark
She was the second wife of Erik Krabbe (1510-64), and after his death, she was
in charge of the fief until a new Lensmand (County Sheriff) was appointed. She
lived (1525-1606).
1565-ca. 76 Regent Dowager Countess Agnes von Bentheim-Steinfurt of Rietberg
(Germany)
After the death of her husband Count Johann II of Rietberg, Lord auf Esens,
Stedesdorf und Wittmund (1541-1562) she acted as regent for her daughters,
Armgard and Waldburgis. The county was occupied by the Landgrave of Hessen, and
in 1565 the daughters were granted the fief (des Lehens erneut belehnt). In 1567
she granted Wittmund City Rights.
1565-76 Hereditary Countess Armgard of Rietberg (Germany)
1576-84 Sovereign Countess of Rietberg
Also known as Irmgard, she was daughter Johann II and Agnes von
Bentheim-Steinfurt. After her father's death, the county was occupied by the
Landgrave of Hessen, but her mother protested and in 1565 she and her sister,
Walburgis, were given back the fief. The latter recieved the Harlingerlands and
Armgard recieved Rietberg. She was first married to Erich Count von Hoya (from
1568) and from 1578 with Simon VI. von der Lippe. She did not have any children
and was succeeded as Countess by her sister, Walburgis.
1565-84 Lady Walburgis of the Harlingerland (Germany)
1584-86 Sovereign Countess of Rietberg
The two sisters were granted the territory three years after their fathers
death, and in 1576 the inheritance was finally settled. She was married to Count
Enno III von Ostfriesland. After having given birth to two daughters she died
two months after the birth of her only son, who only lived a few days. Her two
daughters seems to have been taken in the care of her mother-in-law, Anna of
Sweden. Walburgis was succeeded by daughter, Sabine Catharina von Ostfriesland
(b. 1582) with her father as regent for a number of years. The younger daughter,
Agnes, married Lord Gundacar zu Liechtenstein and Nicolsburg in 1603. The
marriage-treaties resulted in various law-suits - the last ended in 1835 - where
the Princes of Liechtenstein claimed the County of Rietberg and they still use
the weapon and title for side-lines of the family. Walburg was the last of the
house of Werl-Arnsberg, and lived (1555/56-86)
1565-before 1609 Reigning Marchioness Anne de Croÿ of Renty (Belgium)
Succeeded father, Guillaume and was first married to Emanuel de Lalaing, Signeur
de Montigny (d. 1590) and secondly to Philippe de Croy, Comte de Sole (d. 1612).
1565-75 Princess-Abbess Margarethe II zur Lippe of Herford (Germany)
Also Abbess of Freckenhorst 1570, and of Borghorst 1572. She was daughter of
Simon V, Count of Noble Lord zur Lippe and Magdalene von Mansfeld. Her sister,
Magdalene was sovereign from 1586. She lived (1525-78).
1565-74 Dowager County Sheriff Birgitte Gøye of Kapelgård Len, Denmark
1565-66 County Sheriff of Tølløse Len
1565-71 Dowager County Sheriff of Kappelgården and Ringkloster Len
1571-72 County Sheriff of Åkær Len
1572 County Sheriff of Ydernæs Len
Married Councillor of the Realm, Admiral Herluf Trolle in 1544 after she had
managed to break off another engagement. They had no children, and in 1564 they
founded Herlufsholm Boarding school for children of the nobility and she was
Chancellor 1565-67. In 1571, after she had lost her other fiefs, Dowager Queen
Dorothea, gave her the fief Åkær by Horsens, but after the Queen's death,
Birgitte also lost this possession, until she was given Ydernæs for life. She
lived (ca. 1511-74).
1565-66 Dowager County Sheriff Mette Rosenkrantz of Kalundborg Len, Denmark
1565-67 County Sheriff of Strø Len in Skåne (Now Sweden)
All her life she was extremely rich, and together with her sister, Birgitte, she
inherited Valor, a very big possession, she administered Skarhult for her
children of the first marriage with Councillor of the Realm Steen Rosensparre,
and her second husband, Chancellor Peder Oxe, had given her possession for life
of his enormous lands, which she could not inherit, since they had no children.
She also inherited lands from her mother and she was probably the biggest
landowner of her time. She lived (ca. 1533-88).
1565-85 Dowager County Sheriff Abele Skee of Lundenæs Len, Denmark
In charge of the fief (len) after her husband's death.
1565-67 County Sheriff Elsbet Brade of Fliginde Len, Denmark (Now Sweden)
Fliginde is situated in Skåne, which was conquered by Sweden in 1658.
1566-86 Co-Guardian Duchess Elisabeth von Pfalz-Simmern of
Sachsen-Coburg-Eisenach (Germany)
Her husband, Duke Johann Friedrich II von Sachsen-Coburg-Eisenach, (1529-95),
had attempted to win back the dignity of Elector through taking up arms. He was
defeated and imprisoned for life by the Emperor and Imperial Diet. She then
lived with her brother-in-law, Johann Wilhelm von Sachsen-Weimar, together with
her two sons, Johann Casimir von Sachsen-Coburg (1564-1633) and Johann Ernst von
Sachsen-Eisenach and after his brother's death also in Coburg (1566-1638), but
later she set up her own court in the Zollhof zu Eisenach, in 1571 at the Castle
of Wartburg and finally at the Castle of Eisenberg. In 1570 the Imperial Diet
had reinstated her sons and named three electors; Friedrich III. von der Pfalz,
August von Sachsen as Johann Georg von Brandenburg as their guardians and in
1572 the duchy was divided in a part for each son. 1578-81 they both studied at
the University of Leipzig, and in 1586 they assumed the reigns in their duchies.
Johann Friederich II was still imprisoned and died one year after her. Her two
oldest sons died in infancy, and she lived (1540-94).
1566-? County Sheriff Sidsel Oxe of Broby Len (Now Sweden)
1571-92 County Sheriff of Rødinge Len, Denmark
1573-74 Dowager County Sheriff of Ålborghus Len
Broby and Rødinge is situated in Skåne, the latter she administered Rødinge
together with Beate Bille.
1566-70 Reigning Abbess-General Inés Manrique de Lara of the Monastery of Santa
Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
She was member of an ancient noble family in Castilla and Leon.
1567-68 Regent Dowager Queen Shim of Korea
Also known as In-sun Wang-hu, she was the widow of Myongjong (1534-1567), and
adopted the third son of Prince Tok-hung, who then succeeded his uncle as Kun
Jong-jon or Sonjo (1552-1608). She lived (1532-75).
1567-79 Regent Dowager Countess Margarethe von Braunschweig-Lüneburg of Mansfeld
zu Hinter-Ort (Germany)
After the death of her husband, Count Johann von Mansfeld, she took over the
regency for son Ernst VI (1561-1609). She was daughter of Duke Ernst I von
Braunschweig-Lüneburg and Sofie von Mecklenburg, and lived (1534-96).
1567-1625 Politically influential Queen Anna af Danmark of Scotland and England
(United Kingdom)
The newest research shows that she was very influential during the reign of her
husband, James VI of Scotland and from 1603 James II of England. She was a
shrewd and powerful player in the court politics of Scotland and, later,
England. Her influence can be seen in James's choices for advisors and
beneficiaries of royal attention. She also developed an alternative court and
sponsored many of the other artistic ventures in one of the most productive and
innovative periods of English cultural history. James's and Anna's longstanding
dispute over the raising of the heir, Henry, caused a major scandal of the time
and was suspected as a plot against the king's safety. In order to assert her
own power, Anna actually forced a miscarriage upon herself, an event that is
referred to in much hitherto unnoticed contemporary diplomatic
correspondence. She lived (1574-1619)
1567-70 Dowager County Sheriff Gørvel Fadersdatter Sparre of Vefre Len and Høgby
Len, Denmark
1574-81 Dowager County Sheriff of Verpinge Len (Skåne)
1574-1605 County Sheriff of Borgeby Len
1582-1605 County Sheriff of Börreringekloster Len and Froste Herred
1586-1605 County Sheriff of Sørby Len
1599-1605 County Sheriff of Skotsherred Len
1601-05 County Sheriff of Hiøgby and Lindholm Len in Skåne (Now Sweden)
She was one of the last members of the ´socalled "Nordic nobility" which existed
during the Union between Denmark, Norway and Sweden as she had possessions in
all three countries. She was an only child and inherited Norway's largest estate
Giske from her mother's brother in 1537. During the War of the Count 1534-36 she
was kept prisoner with her seven step-children at her second husband's estate,
Varberg in Skåne, and also gave birth to her only son, who died 1548. She
secured her possessions by giving large grants to the king, and in exchange she
became Lensmand (County Sheriff) for life of Verpinge, and she were later given
other fiefs to administer for the crown for life. She continued to grant most of
her Norwegian estates to the crown, and in 1601 she appointed king Christian 4
as her sole heir after the death of her only child, Nils Ulfstad. Married to the
Swedish Councillor of the Realm, Peder Nilsson Grip (d. 1533), Truid Gregersen
Ulfstand ( d. 1445) and Lave Axelsen Brahe (d. 1567). She lived (ca. 1509-1605).
1567-.. County Sheriff Tale Holgersdatter Ulfstand of Rørum Len, Denmark
1595-99 County Sheriff of Hesselbjerg Len (Skåne)
Her husband, Poul Pedersen (Laxmand) den yngre til Stenholt, died 1557. At first
she administred Rørum jointly Else Ulfstand and later with Lisbeth Rosenkrantz. She
owned the castles of Skabersjö, Häckeberga and Høgestad in Denmark and in the
landscapes that was conquered by Sweden in 1658.
1567 Dowager County Sheriff Vibeke Podebusk of Odensegård Len, Denmark
1568-69 Dowager County Sheriff of Stege Len
She was widow of Evert Bildt. She was owner of Ranholt and Lindholm Castle and
in 1580 she was given the right to appoint judges. (d. 1596)
1567-1610 Princess-Abbess Maria Segesser von Brunegg of Gutenzell (Germany)
She is considered one of the most important rulers of the territory. During the
visitation in 1574, by the Abbot of Bodenseezisterze, who was in charge of the
clerical affairs and responsible for the economic affairs, the 47 Heggbachers
and other neighbouring convents were praised for their piety and it lasted
another 50 years before the convent reforms were introduced. Another version of
her name is Maria von Segesser aus Brunegg.
1567-90 Royal Abbess Magdalena von Habsburg of the Royal Chapter of Hall in
Tirol (Königliches Damenstift Hall) (Austria-Hungary)
She founded the royal Chapter for royal and noble ladied which existed until
1783. She lived there with her two sisters, Margaretha and Helena. Daughter of
Emperor Ferdinand I and Anna of Hungary, she lived (1532-90)
1568-ca. 72 Regent Dowager Duchess Anna-Maria von Brandenburg–Ansbach of
Württemberg (Germany)
Widow of Christoph (1515-50-68) and regent for son Ludwig (1554-68-93) together
with her brother Margrave Georg-Friedrich of Brandenburg, Margrave Karl von
Baden and Pfalzgraf Wolfgang von Zweibrücken. The mother of 12 children, she
lived (1526-89).
Ca. 1568-97 Sovereign Marquise Renée d'Anjou of Mézières, Countess de Saint-Fargeau
(France)
Married to François, Prince-Dauphin d'Auvergne, Duc de Montpensier (1582), duc
de Saint-Argau (1572) and de Châtellerault (1582/84), who lived (ca. 1542-92).
She (d. 1597).
1568-80 Princess-Abbess Renée de Dinteville of Remiremont, Dame of Saint Pierre
and Metz (France)
She was the issue of a noble family of high-ranking courtiers.
1569 Queen Thepkasattery of Ayutthaya (Ayudhaya) (Thailand)
The last of the old ruling family, her husband, Mahathammaracha, Chief of the
Sukhothai, was king (1569-90). She is not listed as Queen Regent in most
chronologies, but the Thai National Museum in Bangkok list her as such.
1569-1623 Sovereign Princess Marie de Penthièvre of Martigues (France)
She was created Princess after her father, Sebastien de Luxembourg, Duke de
Penthièvre, was killed. She married Philibert-Emmanuel de Lorraine, duc de
Meroeur (d. 1602). And their daughter brought Martigues to her husband, Cécar de
Bourbon-Vendome, legitimated son of Henri IV.
Ca. 1569-72 Sovereign Lady Jeanne de Mérode of Veulen (Belgium)
Her brother died in 1569, but the date of her accession has not been confirmed.
1569-84 Joint Guardian Dowager Duchess Anna von Hessen of
Pfalz-Zweibrücken-Veldenz-Parkstein and Pfalz-Birkenfeld-Zweibrücken (Germnay)
After the death of her husband Duke Wolfgang von der Pfalz-Zweibrücken
(1526-69), she became joint guardian for their fourth and fifth sons, Friedrich
von der Pfalz-Zweibrücken-Veldenz-Parkstein (1557-97) and Karl (1560-) together
with her brother Onkels Landgraf Wilhelm IV. von Hessen-Kassel, Kurprinz Ludwigs
VI. von der Pfalz and her two older sons Philipp Ludwig von Pfalz-Neuburg und
Johann I. von der Paflz-Zweibrücken. She was mainly engaged with her sons
upbringing and education - in the orthodox Lutheran faith. She lived (1529-91).
1569-83 Politically Active Queen Katarina Jagellonica of Sweden
Originally named Katarzyna Jagiellonka, she was the youngest daughter of
Sigismund I of Poland and Bona Sforza. In 1562 Katarina and the duke Johan
(Brother to king Erik) got married, a marriage which was not blessed by king
Erik. As a result Johan and Katarina was thrown in to jail at Gripsholms Castle.
During their prison period Katarina gave birth to Isabella and Sigismund. 1566
Tsar Ivan in Russia demanded that Katarina Jagellonica would be extradited to
him. King Erik liked the idea but As he was forced to abdicate in 1568 he didn't
get the chance to realize the extradition. As Queen Katarina tried to
reestablish the catholic church in Sweden. As she had good contact with (among
other) Cardinal Hosius and her husband was interested in the new reforms which
had been carried out in the catholic church, she made good progress. Her death
marked the end of the attempt to reestablish the catholic church in Sweden. She
lived (1526-83).
1569 Joint Leader of the Northern Rebellion Lady Anne Somerset in
England (United Kingdom)
One of the leaders of the Rebellion of the Earls of Northern England revolted
against Elizabeth in order to restore Catholicism to England. The rebels hoped
to free Mary, Queen of Scots from captivity. Queen Elizabeth put down the
rebellion, and her troops killed 3. 000 of the rebels Lady Anne escaped to the
Netherlands in 1570 and died here. Marred to Thomas Percy, Earl of
Northumberland (d. 1572). She was daughter of the Earl of Worcester, and lived
(1538-91).
1569 Joint Leader of the Northern Rebellion Lady Jane Howard in England (United
Kingdom)
Another of the rebellion-leaders. Her husband the 6th Earl of Westmoreland,
Charles Neville, was another of the leaders of the failed rebellion. In effect
she had more to do with raising the troops than her husband did. She was was
well educated but not the most clever when it came to understanding political
machinations. She was first to urge the rebels to rise up against the queen and
yet she expected Elizabeth to pardon her when they failed. She hoped to arrange
the marriage of her brother, the Duke of Norfolk, to Mary Queen of Scots and put
them both on England's throne. Norfolk was executed for treason in 1572. Jane
Howard lived under house arrest for the rest of her life, while her husband fled
to the Continent and lived there in exile. She lived (1537-93)
1569-98 Princess-Abbess Anna II von Kirmbreith of Niedermünster in
Regensburg (Germany)
As Reichsprältin (Imperial Prelate), the Fürstäbtissin had a vote in the College
of the Prelates of the Rhine, whose 17 members (Princess-Abbesses and
Prince-Abbots) had a joint vote in the Council of the Princes of the Holy Roman
Diet (Reichstag), where the representative of the Prelates sat on the
Ecclesiastical Bench. (Geistliche Bench der Reichsfürstenrat) and she was also
member of the Geistlischen Fürstenbank (Lords Spiritual) of the Bayrischer Kreis
(Bavarian Circle).
1569-ca. 1601 Princess-Abbess Marie I van Hoensbroek of Nivelles, Dame
Temporaire and Spirituelle of Nivelles (Belgium)
One of her ancestors, Knight Herman Hoen, was appointed Lord van Hoensbroek by
Duchess Johanna van Brabant in 1388 for his service at war. The family were
later given the title of Count.
1570-1609 Ratu Loharaung of Tagulandang (Indonesia)
The daughter of a local minor ruler, Raja Bowntehu, she became the first monarch
of whole Tagulandang. Suceeded by the son of her daughter, Tansekoa, Balango.
1570 Regent and Guardian Jacobäa von Bayern of Baden-Baden (Germany)
Together with her son, Count Karl von Zollern, she was guardian for her
great-grandson, Philipp II von Baden-Baden (1559-69-99) after his father,
Philibert had died the year before and his mother, Mathilde von Bayern (her
granddaughter) in 15659. The blod-relatives, Christoph, Philipps and Karl von
Baden-Durlach claimed the regency, but she had already trecieved homage ("die Erbhuldigung eingenommen") and was confirmed as regent by the
Emperor.
1570-81 Reigning Dowager Duchess Katharina von Mecklenburg of Hainau (Chojnów)
(Poland)
In 1538 she was married to Duke Friederich III von Liegnitz and held the Slesian
Duchy as her dowry. Also known as Katarzyna Meklemburska, she was daughter of
Duke Heinrich V von Mecklenburg and Helena von der Pfalz, mother of sons and 3
daughters, and lived (1518-81).
Around 1570 Leader Nei Anginimaeao of the immigration to Kiribati
Around 1570 Chief of Tabiang
According to the oral history, the immigration to the Kiribati islands was lead
by Nei Anginimaeao and her brother Na Kouteba, who commanded a fleet of canoes
which left Beru, not long after the wars had started under Tem Mwea, when
Bakarerenteiti was Uea of Beru. No one was in danger of losing lands on Beru
Island and it seems probable that Nei Anginimaeao and her followers thought it a
good time to settle on an island not quite so crowded. Others had left during
the wars and settled on most of the islands to the north as far as Marakei. Nei
Anginimaeao clearly knew exactly where she was going and what she was going to
do, and she did it with superb skill. Afterwards she became chief of parts of
the islands.
Around 1570 Chief Nei Teborata of Toakira (Kiribati)
She was one of the followers of Nei Anginimaeao, who gave her the territory to
administer on her own. Kiribati still have female chiefs. If there
are only daughters in the family, the eldest daughter would be called Chiefess
but the nearest male relative will do the work until the son of the Chiefess
will be old enough to take it on. The succession passes to the firstborn child,
and if the eldest child is a daughter she will be called Chief but her eldest
brother will do the work until her eldest son is old enough to take it on.
1570-77 Princess-Abbess Anne Marie von Anhalt of Gernrode (Germany)
Also known as Anna Maria von Anhalt-Bernburg-Zerbst, she succeeded her aunt as
the first of four sisters to occupy the post of sovereign of the territory and
resigned in order to marry Duke Joachim Friederich Schlesien, Duke of Liegnitz,
Brieg and Wohlau (1550-1602), and mother of 6 children. She was daughter of
Prince Joachim Ernst von Anhalt and Eleonore von Württemberg, and lived
(1651-1505).
1570-81 Reigning Abbess-General Francisca Manrique of the Monastery of Santa
Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
Member of an ancient and influential noble family in Castilla.
1571-1600 Princess-Abbess Anna Jakobäa von Sulzbach of Säckingen (Germany)
1575 she finished the new residence of the chapter (Stiftsgebäude), which Agathe
Hegenzer von Wasserstelz had begun 10 years before.
1571-92 Dowager County Sheriff Beate Klausdatter Bille of Rødinge Len, Denmark
(now Sweden)
She was married to Otto Tygesen Brahe, Councillor of the Realm and Fiefholder of
Helsingborg. She administered the Len in Skåne, now Sweden, jointly with Sidsel
Oxe. She was mother of the famous astronomer Tycho Brahe, and lived (1526-1605).
1571-1614 Hereditary Countess Elisabeth von Stolberg of Wertheim and Bereuberg
(Germany)
The three daughters of Count Ludwig of Stolberg, Lord of Wertheim am Main and
Königstein am Taunus were heiresses. Their husbands: Count Dietrich VI von
Manderscheid-Schleiden, Philipp von Eberstein and Ludwig von Löwenstein
alternated in the government for one year at the time until the possessions were
divided in 1581. Elisabeth's first husband died in 1593 and the following year
she married Wilhelm von Kreichingen. She had no children.
1572-1604 Sovereign Duchess Catherine de Bourbon de Navarra of Albret, Comtesse
d'Armagnac and Rodez (France)
1577 Lieutenant-général of Béarn
1582-92 Regent of Béarn (France)
She succeeded her mother, Juana III of Navarra in some of her fiefs, and was
also Princess of Navara and "Madame France" through her father, Antoine de
Vendome. She was heir presumptive to the throne of Navarre, the County of Béarn,
the Co-Principality of Andorra and the Duchy of Donnezan. Her brother, King
Henri III of Navarra, became Henri IV of France in 1589 and two years after her
death she had a son. She was married to Henri de Lorraine, Duc de Bar, who was
succeeded by his daughter by the second marriage, Nicoläa. Cathrine had no
children, and lived (1559-1604).
Ca. 1572-1605 Sovereign Countess Marie de Brimeu of Megen (The Netherlands)
It is not clear if she was the direct successor of Charles de Brimeu, who died
1572, but she is recorded as regent of the Free Imperial County jointly with her
husband Charles de Croÿ-Aarschot, Duke of Croÿ and Prince de Chimay, who died
1610, and was succeeded by a distant relative, François Henri de Croÿ-Crecques.
1572-90 Guardian Dowager Countess Dorothea von Solms-Sonnenwalde of Reuss zu
Gera (Germany)
Her son Heinrich II Posthumous, was born two months after her husband, Heinrich
XVI Reuss zu Plauen, Gera and Krainchfeld, died in April, she was guardian for
son, Heinrich (1572-1635), who was under regency of some male relatives. Her son
was also Lord of 1/6 of Lobstein from 1577 and 1/3 of Ober-Kranichfeld from 1596
until he inherited all the estates of Ober-Kranichfeld and Lobenstein in 1616.
She lived (1547-95).
1572-90 Countess Regnant Marguerite de Foix of Candale, d'Astarac et de Bénauges
(France)
After her brother, Henri, was killed at Sommiéres, she inherited her family's
possessions. She was married to Jean-Louis de Nogaret de la Valette, Duc
d'Epernon (1554-1642), but had no children. She imprisoned her sister, Madame
Françoise de Candale (d. 1649), and forced her to become a nun, but after her
death Françoise left the convent and started a process in order to gain the
family possessions. Marguerite lived (1567-93).
1573 Regent Dowager Duchess Dedis Imedi Bagration of Samtzkhe (Georgia)
After the death of her husband, Duke Kaihosro II Djakeli, she governed in the
name of their son. After the Ottomans conquered the country, her son Minucihr
converted to Islam and took the name, Mustafa, and she was bestowed with hree
villages were also to Dedis-Imedi. She was daughter of Duke Bagrat I of Muchrani,
and (d. 1580).
1573-1601 Regent Dowager Countess Marie de Bourbon of Neuchâtel (Neuenburg)
(Switzerland)
First married to Jean de Bourbon, Duke d'Enghien and secondly François II. de
Clèves, Duke Nevers and last to Léonor d'Orléans (1540-73), Duke de Longueville,
Prince de Neuchâtel. After his death she was regent for her son, Henri II d'
Orléans-Longueville, and showed both force and talent by her reinforcement of
the princely authority and the financial reforms. She made treaties and took
over the control of the finances from the citizen of the city. She made her own
coins and used much of her energy to incorporate the Lordship of Valangin in the
Principality of Neuchâtel, and on this occasion she made her only visit to the
city in 1576. Daughter of François de Bourbon, Comte de Saint-Pol and Duchess
Adrienne d'Estouteville, she lived (1539-1600).
1573 Dowager County Sheriff Anne Corfitzdatter Hardenberg of Helsingborg Len,
Denmark (Now Sweden)
Of high nobility, she was chamber-maid to Queen Dorothea 1557-71, and here she
got to know king Frederik 2 (king from 1559) who fell in love with her, and
wanted to marry her, but this met widespread opposition. In 1572 she married
Councillor of the Realm, Oluf Mouritsen Krognos, who died after only six months
marriage. She lived at her dowry Bregentved and managed to keep her husband's
family at distance with the help of the royal family. She (d. 1589).
1574-84 Regent Dowager Duchess Françoise de Brézé of Sagan (France)
She was Countess de Maulevner in her own right. Took the reins after death of
her husband Henri-Robert de La March, Duke of Sagan and Titular Duke of
Bouillon, in the name of her son Guillaume-Robert (1562-88), who was succeeded
by sister, Charlotte. Françoise was daughter of King François and lived
(...87).
1574-84 Princess-Abbess Elisabeth II zu Regenstein of Quedlinburg (Germany)
Daughter of Count Ulrich VI of Regenstein (Reinstein) and Countess Magdalena von
Stolberg.
Until 1574 Princess-Abbess Magdalena zu Wied-Runkel of Elten (Germany)
She was daughter of Count Johan III zu Wied and Elisabeth of Nassau-Dillenburg.
Until 1574 Marquise Marie de Clèves de l'Isle, Countess de Beaufort (France)
Daughter of Francois I de Clèves, Duke of Nevers. 1574 she married Henri I de
Bourbon, Prince de Conde, Duc d'Enghien, she died during the birth of her
daughter, Catherine de Bourbon, Marquise d'Isles (1574-95). Marie lived
(1553-74).
1574-95 Marquise Catherine de Bourbon of de l'Isle, Countess de Beaufort
(France)
Succeeded mother, Marie de Clèves, who died during her birth. Catherine lived
(1574-95).
1574-83 Politically Influential Nurbanu Sultan Valide Sultan of The Ottoman
Empire (Covering Turkey, Greece, The Balcans, parts of the Middle East and
Northern Africa)
When her husband, Selim III died, she kept his coprse in an icebox to conceal
the death until her son, Murad III (1574-95) could be summoned from Manisa,
where he was governor. He arrived 12 days later, and Nur Banu run the government
together with the Grand Vizir Sokollu Mehmet Pasha and was the chief advisor of
her son. She also carried on a correspondance with the regent of France,
Catherine de' Medici, promoting good relations between the two courts. She was
the first of influential women in the period called the the Sultanate of Women.
Probably born as Cevilia Venier-Baffo, the illegitemate issue of two Venetian
noble families, and was captured by the Turks on the Agean Island of Paros in
1537 and became a slave in Topkapi Sarayi lived (1525-83).
1575-86 Rex Poloniae Anna Jagiellonka of Poland
Daughter of King Zygmunt I the Old of Poland and Bona Sforza, and was Queen and
co-regent with her husband Stefan Batory, but she was not politically
influential and only titular "king". After the death of her husband, she
introduced nephew Zygmunt Vasa of Sweden (the son of her sister) on the throne.
Anna was a follower of the Contra-reformation, and lived (1523-96).
After 1575-86 Regent Dowager Margravine Cecilia Vasa of Baden-Rodemachern
(Germany)
Also known as Cäcilia Wasa was allowed to take over the regency after many years
of processes against the stipulation in the will of her husband, Christoph II of
Baden (1537-75). Her son, Eduard Fortunatus von Baden (1565-1600) was Margrave
of Baden-Baden (1588-96). She lived a stormy life and travelled a lot. She spend
a year in London, where her oldest son was born, and became a friend of Queen
Elizabeth I. At some point she lived at her dowry Arboga in Sweden where she
started an iron-mine and was behind piracy at the Baltic Sea. When Eduard
Fortunatus died, his oldest son Wilhelm was only 7. He did not become Margrave
of Baden-Baden until 1621 and it is not clear if either Cecilia or her
daughter-in-law, Marie von Eichen (d. 1636), played any role during his
minority. Apart from her oldest son she was mother of 5 sons who all were
unmarried or died young. The daughter of King Gustav I Vasa of Sweden and his
second wife Margareta Eriksdotter Leijonhufvud, and lived (1540-1627).
1575-78 Princess-Abbess Elisabeth VI von Manderscheid-Blankenheim-Gerolstein of
Essen (Germany)
All the Ladies of the Chapter had the right to participate in the Landtag of the
Ecclesiastical Territory of Essen, which met at least once a year, but they were
often represented by the Secretary of the Chapter or other office-holders. The
Landtag met in the Grand Hall of the Convent. Elisabeth IV held close
connections with her brother, Count Hermann, she resigned in order to marry
Count Wirich von Daun-Falkenstein. Her sister, Margaretha, was Princess-Abbess
of Eltern and Vreden until her death in 1602. Elisabeth was daughter of Count
Arnold and Margaretha von Wied, and lived (1544-86).
1575-86 Princess-Abbess Felicitas I von Eberstein of Herford (Germany)
The line of Hereditary Stewarts, the Lords von Helfenstein, were dying out. The
last Lord, Johann XIV, had one daughter, Wilhelmina, who married Otto von
Rolshausen, who was granted the Lordsip of Mühlbach by Felicitas Countess von
Eberstein.
1575-83 Princess-Abbess Barbara III Blarer von Wartensee of Schänis
(Switzerland)
The second of her family to be ruler of the territory. In the same period a
relative of hers, Jakob Christian Blarer von Wartensee, was Bishop of Basel - he
lived (1542-1608). Her family had owned the Borough of Wartensee and in 1405
they got the "Landrecht" of the Appenzelle-Canton and stayed out of the
Appenzeller-wars.
1575-1611 Reigning Abbess Eléonore III de Bourbon of the Royal Abbey of
Fontevraud (France)
She had great influence with her nephew, Henri IV, and her affection for him was
so great that, towards the end of her life, when he was assassinated, her nuns
dared not tell her lest the shock should be too great.
1576-51 Reigning Dowager Lady Anna Sophie von Preussen of the Cities and
Administrative Offices of Crivitz and Lübz in Mecklenburg-Schwerin (Germany)
Also resided at Eldenburg after the death of her husband, Johann-Albrecht I of
Mecklenburg-Schwerin. She was mother of 3 sons, and lived (1527-91).
1575-76 Dowager County Sheriff Karen Mogensdatter Gyldenstierne of Bygholm Len
and Sankt Hans Kloster Len, Denmark
1586-? County Sheriff of Snersted Len (Skåne)
After the death of her husband, Holger Ottesen Rosenkrantz, she administered his
fief for a period. Rosenkrantz was Stadtholder in Norway, and later became
military commander of the realm. She was in charge of the vast estates inherited
by her two sons, until they came of age. Later also Lensmand of Snersted, which
is situated in the Landscape of Skåne which became part of Sweden in 1658.. She
lived (1544-1613).
1576-1610 Queen Amina Sarauniya of Zazzua, Zaria and Abuja
1580-82 Queen of Kano (Nigeria)
She was probably the granddaughter of Sarkin (king) Zazzau Nohir. Zazzua was one
of a number of Hausa city-states which dominated the trans-Saharan trade after
the collapse of the Songhai empire to the west. At the age of sixteen, Amina
became the heir apparent (Magajiya) to her mother, Bakwa of Turunku, the ruling
Queen of Zazzua. With the title came the responsibility for a ward in the city
and daily councils with other officials. Although her mother's reign was known
for peace and prosperity, Amina also chose to learn military skills from the
warriors. Queen Bakwa died around 1566 and the reign of Zazzua passed to her
younger brother Karama. At this time Amina emerged as the leading warrior of
Zazzua cavalry. Her military achievements brought her great wealth and power.
When Karama died after a ten-year rule, Amina became Queen of Zazzua. She set
off on her first military expedition three months after coming to power and
continued fighting until her death. In her thirty-four year reign, she expanded
the domain of Zazzua to its largest size ever. Lived (ca. 1533-ca- 1610).
1576... Adelantada Juana Ortiz de Zárate of Corrientes, Santa Fe and Buenos
Aires, Adelantado of Chile (Chile)
Following the death of her father, Juan Ortiz de Zárate, Adelanto and Governor,
founder of the City of Sant Fe and Buenos Aires, she inherited the estates of
the family and apparently she was named Adelantado of Chile by Emperor Charles
V. She was married to Juan de Torres de Vera y Aragón, who became Governor in
1578, and mother of Juan Alonso de Vera y Zárate. Apparently her mother was the
Inca Princess, Leonor Yupanqui, daughter of Tupac-Hupalla (Originally Auqui
Huallpa Tupac) puppet-emperor in 1533.
1576-78 Sovereign Duchess Elizabeth d'Austrice of Berry (France)
She was given the duchy after the death of her husband, King Charles IX
(1550-60-74), the son of Henri II and Catherine de' Medici. Their only child was
a daughter - Princess Marie-Elisabeth who lived (1572-78) - and Charles
therefore was succeeded by his brother Henri III. Elizabeth lived (1554-78).
1577-79 De-facto joint ruler Queen Mahid-I Uliyah of Persia (Iran)
Also known as Mahd-e Olya, she initially dominated her husband, Mohammad Shah,
who succeeeded his brother, Shah Esma'il II, who was a brutal a pro-Sunni ruler
who was poisoned with the participation of their sister Pari Khan Khanom after
only one year at the throne. Mohammad proved to be a weak leader, but after her
assassination in 1579 the Qezelbash took control. Meanwhile Ottomans took
advantage of Iran's political turmoil to launch a major invasion of the country.
Consequently extensive territories were lost to Ottomans, including most of
Azerbaijan, with Tabriz, and Georgia. The Safavid Dynasty was of Turkmen origin
and established themselves first at Tabriz, which had been the capital of the
Mongol Il Khans, in Turkish speaking Azerbaijanistan. They also brought the
Shi'ite branch of Islam to Persia.
1577-78 Reigning Sri Rani Makayiram Thirunal of Travancore (India)
The Kulusekhara Dynasty of Travancore (or Tiruvankur) is of very ancient
lineage, tracing its origins to the Royal House of Vanad and dating from 1100
AD. They attained considerable power during the reign of Ravi Varma Kulasekhara,
during the early years of the fourteenth century. Marco Polo claimed to have
visited his capital at Quilon, a center of commerce and trade with China and the
Levant. Europeans were attracted to the region during the late fifteenth
century, primarily in pursuit of the then rare commodity, pepper. The Portuguese
were the first to arrive, followed by their later rivals, the Dutch, during the
seventeenth century.
1577-82 Superintendent Maria Marguerite de Mérode of Bergen op Zoom (The
Netherlands)
She was given the Marchionate as a fief by the States of Brabant. It had been
administered by the king of Spain after the death of her uncle, Jan IV van
Glymes, who died childless in 1567. Joint administrator with her husband, Jan
baron van Wittem from 1578. Both were deposed by the Dutch after they sided with
the Spanish, and the possession was given to the Prince of Oranje and not until
1588 is the eldest of their three daughters, Maria, given the Marchionate as a
fief. She lived (1560-88).
1577-1631 Regigning Lady Sophia Hedwig von Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel of the
Administrative Office of Darsim in Pommern-Wolgast (Poland/Germany)
1592-1631 Reigning Dowager Lady of the City of Loitz
Her husband, Duke Ernst Ludwig of Pommern-Wolgast (1545-69-92), handed over the
the village to her as her dowry. Her only son, Philipp Julius, was under the
guardianship of an uncle until 1603. Also mother of 2 daughters, and lived
(1561-1631).
1577-79 Princess-Abbess Josina I von Manderscheid-Blankenheim und Gerolstein of
Thorn (The Netherlands)
At the elections for the successor of Margaretha von Brederode, Josina von der
Marck got the most votes, but since she was not yet 30 Josina von Manderscheid
took over the position of ruler of the territory. After a few years she fell
seriously ill and nominated Josina v.d. Marck as her successor. She was daughter
of Gerhard and Franziska von Montfort. Her sister Helena was a nun until she
left the Chapter in order to marry Count Reinhard von Brederode. Josina lived
(1537-79).
1577-81 Princess-Abbess Sibylle von Anhalt of Gernrode (Germany)
Succeeded her sister, Anne Marie as sovereign of the territory. When she
resigned to marry Duke Freiderich von Württemberg (1557-1616), she was succeeded
by another sister, Agnes Hedwig. She lived (1564-1614).
1577-89 Princess-Abbess Margareta II. von Chlum of Gandersheim (Germany)
After one year in office, Elisabeth zu Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel de-facto took
over as ruler of the territory, and she had to flee to Neuenheerse and was only
able to return after the second contra-abbess Margarete von Warberg died in
1587.
1578-82 De-facto Ruler Elisabeth zu Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel of Gandersheim
(Germany)
She was the real ruler after the official office-holder, Margareta II. von Chlum,
had to flee. Margarete von Warberg was in power until 1587, and only then
Margareta II was able to return.
1578-1600 Sovereign Lady Anna Walburga von Neuenahr-Bedburg of Moers, Bedburg,
Garsforf, Rosberg (Germany)
She succeeded her brother Hermann. Moers was occupied to by the Archbishopcy of
Köln 1584-88, by Maurits van Oranje 1588-94, Bedburg and Garsdorf was claimed by
Adolf Bentheim-Steinfurt and Roesberg was held by the Ketler family 1578-ca.
1595 until she sold the lordship to this family. She was first married to
Philipp von Hoorn and in 1575 to Adolf von Neuenahr. In 1594 she transferred
Moers to Maurits and installed Adolf as heir in Bedburg. She lived (1522-1600)
1578-88 Princess-Abbess Elisabeth VII von Sayn of Essen (Germany)
During her reign "only" 14 witch-processes were conducted, only a fraction of
the processes in the neighbouring countries. Elisabeth VII was daughter of Count
Adolf of Sayn and Maria von Mansfeld. Her brother's daughter Anna Elisabeth
(1572-1608) inherited the county from her uncle in 1606. Anna Elisabeth was
married to Count Wilhelm zu Sayn and Wittgenstein (d. 1623).
1578-1614 Princess-Abbess Barbara von Breiten-Landenberg of Lindau (Germany)
Member of an old countly family.
1578-1611 Olangio to hoelialio Wulutileni Raja To Huliyalio of the Downlying
Parts of Gorontalo (Indonesia)
The principality in North Sulawesi was devided between to branches of the same
dynasty, which reigned a part each. She belonged to the Raja To Huliyalio Branch
and her title means ruler of the downlying parts. She succeeded her fahther,
Tuliabu, and was followed on the throne by daughter, Mboheleo.
1578-79 Dowager County Sheriff Margrethe Eriksdatter Lange of Ålborghus Len,
Denmark
After the death of her first husband, Jens Nielsen Kaas, she was acting Lensmand
(County Sheriff) until a successor was appointed. Afterwards married to Knud
Brahe (1555-1615). As most fief adminstrators she belonged to the ancient
non-titled nobility. (d. 1622).
1578-90 Feudal Princess Zenobia del Carretto of Melfi (Italy)
She succeded her father, Marcantonio Doria del Carretto, as Princess of the Holy
Roman Empire and married Gian Andrea Doria, Duke di Tursi and Marchese di
Torriglia etc. (1540-1606). The family retained certain soveregn rights until
the War of the Spanish Succession, and the title became dormant to a degree. It
was revived though, under less autonomous conditions, in 1760. She lived
(1541-90).
1578-1603 Politically Active Margravine Sophia von Braunschweig-Lüneburg of
Brandenburg-Ansbach (Germany)
Following the death of his first wife, Elisabeth von Brandenburg-Küstrin, she
took over her role, as the most important aide of her husband, Georg Friedrich
(1539-1603), who had no children in any of his marriages. Sophia lived
(1563-1639).
1579-86 Regent Dowager Duchess Katharina Sidonia von Sachsen-Lauenburg of
Teschen-Freistadt (Poland)
Also known as Katarzyna Sydonia Cieszyn, she reigned the she reigned the Slesian
Duchy in the name of her son Adam Wacław, after the death of her husband, Duke
Wenzel III Andam. In 1586 she married. Emmerich III Forgach, Obergespan of
Trentschin. The daughter of Duke Franz I and Sibylle von Sachsen-Freiberg, she
was mother of 6 of her husband's 9 children. Her son's daughter, Elisabeth
Lukretia, succeeded her brother Friederich Wilhelm (1601-17-25) as ruler of
Teschen in 1625. Katherina Sidonia (d. 1594).
1579-1623/24 Sovereign Duchess Marie de Luxembourg-Saint-Pôl of Penthièvre
(France)
Succeeded father. Her husband, Philippe Emmanuel de Lorraine, was Duke of
Penthièvre 1579-1602 by the right of his wife. She was succeeded by daughter,
Françoise de Lorraine in 1623 or 1624.
1579-1604 Princess-Abbess Josina II von der Marck of Thorn (The Netherlands)
She had been elected Abbess already in 1577, but since she was not yet 30 she
had to step aside for Josina von Manderscheid. In 1586 she obtained a seat and
voting right in the Westphalian Circle of the Diet of the Realm. But Josina was
the "black sheep" among the Princess-abbesses, and was, among other things,
accused of printing false money. She was s daughter of Johann II von der Marck
and Margareta van Wassenaer, and was succeeded by her sister, Anna, and lived
(1546-1604).
1579-94 Princess-Abbess Magdalena von Gleissenthal of Obermünster in Regensburg
(Germany)
1219 the reichsunmittelbare Chapter came under direct Papal protection and in
1315 Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian appointed the Abbess as Princess of the Realm.
Heinrich II granted the Chapter immunity and during Konrad II, the abbess even
recieved a royal cepter. 1484 the Abbey was turned into a Chapter for Noble
Ladies, with a vote in the College of the Prelates of the Rhine, whose 17
members (Princess-Abbesses and Prince-Abbots), which had a joint vote in the
Council of the Princes of the Imperial Diet, where the representative of the
Prelates sat on the Ecclesiastical Bench. (Geistliche Bank der Reichsfürstenrat).
The Fürstabtissin also sat on the Bavarian Landtag and from 1495/1500 member of
the Geistlischen Fürstenbank (Lords Spiritual) of the Bayrischer Kreis (Bavarian
Circle) and in 1521 mentioned as Reichsprälatin (Imperial Prelate) in an
inventory of the Reichsstände - the territories of the Realm.
1579-97 Politically Influential Empress Maryam Sena of Ethiopia
During reign of her husband, Sarsa Dengel (1563-97). The country had been
plagued by anarchy and civil war for generations, and it continued during her
husband's period as Emperor.
1580-90 Regent Dowager Sultana Cand Bibi of Bijapur
1596-99 Regent of Ahmadnagar (India)
After her husband, 'Ali 'Adil Shah II, was killed in 1580, she ruled with great
prudence and intelligence till her nephew, Ibrahim 'Adil Shah II, came of age.
When order was restored in Bijapur kingdom she went back to her motherland
Ahmadnagar, where the ruler, Murtada Shah, died at a moment when the foreign
relations of the state were strained to breaking point and war was imminent. She
returned to Bijapur and mustered some reliable troops for the defence of
Ahmadnagar fort against the army of the Mughals. After this great defence, she
was known as Chand Sultana. Later the Mughals succeeded to turn her troops and
had a siege over Ahmadnagar in 1599. She resisted the Mughal attacks with such
courage that the invaders were repelled at many places. At length, Hamid Khan,
the traitor allowed the Mughal force to enter Ahmadnagar, and entered the palace
to kill her. She fought bravely but was killed, and thus, the Mughals captured
Ahmadnagar in 1600. She was daughter of Hussain Nizam shah of Ahamadnagar, and
lived (1550-99).
1580-1611 Sovereign Marquise Henriette de Savoie of Villars, Countess of Tende
and Sommerive (France)
Daughter of Honoré II and Jeanne-François de Foix and married to Charles de
Lorraine. Her daughter, Catherine de Lorraine (1585-16189) and her husband,
Carlo I Gonzaga, Duke of Mantova, Monferrato, Nevers and Rethel were Duchess and
Duke of Mayenne. Henriette lived (1541-1611).
1580-1611 Sovereign Marquise Henriette de Savoie of Villars, Countess of Tende
and Sommerive (France)
Daughter of Honoré II and Jeanne-François de Foix and married to Charles de
Lorraine. Her daughter, Catherine de Lorraine (1585-16189) and her husband,
Carlo I Gonzaga, Duke of Mantova, Monferrato, Nevers and Rethel were Duchess and
Duke of Mayenne. Henriette lived (1541-1611).
1580 Dowager County Sheriff Birgitte Rosenkrantz of Kalundborg Len, Denmark
She was widow of Bjørn Kaas who was Lensmand in Helsingborg and Malmöhus. She
later had a relationship to her late husband's cousin, Gjord Kaas. Because it
was considered to be incest at the time, she was executed on the command of King
Christian 4. When Gjord went into exile, and when returned after 17 years he too
was executed. According to the legend she is today the "White Lady" a ghost at
Stårup Castle.
1580-1604 County Sheriff Ingeborg Skeel, Segelstrup in Denmark
1586-1604 Dowager County Sheriff of Amtofte and Strekhals
A major landowner, she held the fief for life. She was widow of Otte Banner
(1515-85), and lived (ca. 1545-1604)
1580-81 Dowager County Sheriff Anne Vernersdatter Parsberg of Gårdstange Len,
Denmark (now Sweden)
1580-93 County Sheriff of Vram, Visby, Stibberup and Revinge Len, Denmark
Married to Hans Skovgaard til Gundestrup (1526-80), Councillor of the Reaml and
Lensmand of Helsingborg.
1580-1602 Princess-Abbess Barbe de Salm of Remiremont, Dame of St. Pierre and
Metz etc. (France)
Also known as Maria Barbara von Salm, her position was contested by Huberte de
Chastenay and she was not recognized by the Pope, but she was de-facto ruler of
the territory, which was hit by the plague in 1588. She was 7th child of Count
Johann VII von Salm, Marshal of Lorraine (d. 1548) and Louise de Stainville (d.
1586), and (d. 1602).
1581-1604 Sovereign Duchess Claude Catherine de Clermont of Retz (France)
Originally Dame de Dampierre and Baronne de Retz she was created Duchess-regnant
together with her husband. She lived (ca. 1543-1604).
1581-1610 Captain-Donatary Margarida Côrte-Real of The Island of Terceira at the
Azores (Portugal)
She held office which was similar to that of governor jointly with Cristovão de
Moura, 1st marquês de Castelo Rodrigo (1538-1613), and was probably daughter of
her predecessor Vasco Anes Corte-Real (1530-77-81). She was mother of 3
children, and lived (1570-1610).
1581-... Regent Dowager Lady Elisabeth Gräfin von Palandt-Culemborg of
Holstein-Schaumburg-Gemen (Germany)
Widow of Jobst II von Schaumburg-Gemen, who had participated in the
freedom-fights of the Dutch against the Spanish and as a result the lorship had
been raided by the Duke of Alba in 1568.
1581-86 Princess-Abbess Agnes Hedwig von Anhalt of Gernrode (Germany)
The third of four of daughters of prince Joachim Ernst von Anhalt to rule the
territory, she was follower of Melanchthons (Philippstine), which was in
opposition to the ruling Lutherian Orthodoxy in Dresden. At the age of 14 she
married Kurfürst August von Sachsen-Dessau, who died of a stroke after less than
a month. And then, after 5 years as ruler of Gernrode she married as his second
wife, Duke Johann von Schleswig-Holstein-Sønderborg-Plön in 1588. He was the
brother of August's first wife, Anna of Denmark. Agnes-Hedwig gave birth to
seven children of which two daughters survived, and lived (1573-1616).
1582-1615 Sovereign Duchess Marguerite of Valois, Senlis, Clermont et d'Etampes
(France)
1608-15 Countess of Auvergne et d'Eu
Succeeded mother, Catherine de Medici, in Valois. In 1572 she was forced to
marry the Protestant Henri of Navarra (later Henri IV) to seal a
Catholic-Protestant reconciliation. She was involved in a number of extramarital
love affairs at the courts of both her brother Henri III at Paris and her
husband at Nerac. Expelled from the royal court for her political intrigues, she
returned to the unwilling Navarre in 1584. After taking up arms against her
husband, she was banished to the castle of Usson in Auvergne, where she soon
took control. In 1599, ten years after her husband's accession to the throne,
she consented to the annulment of her marriage. he was a very important cultural
personality, her charm and literary talent were admired by the leading writers
of the age and was also known as Reine Magot. She lived (1553-1615).
1582-1619 Sovereign Duchess Diane de Valois of Châtellerault, d'Angoulême et
d'Etampes (France)
1593-96 Governor of Limousin
1605-19 Governor of the Bourbonais
Daughter of Diane de Portiers and King Henri II of France, and was legitimized
as Princess of France in 1548. She married Orazio Farnese, Duke of Castro and
secondly with François Villers-Cotterets, Duke de Montmorency. She lived
(1538-1619).
1582-87 Reigning Abbess-General Leonor de Castilla of the Monastery of Santa
Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
She was the last Abbess elected for life. Her successors were elected for three
year periods. Possibly the 10th child of Alonso de Castilla, Lord del Mayorazgo
de Valladolid, of an illegitimate side-line of the royal house of Castilla and
Ines de Acuna.
1582-87 De-facto Ruler Margarete von Warberg of Gandersheim (Germany)
She followed Elisabeth zu Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel as the contra-abbess and
real ruler after the official office-holder, Margareta II, had to flee in 1578.
1582-? Princess-Abbess Marie II d'Eynatten of Munsterbilzen, Dame of Wellen,
Haccourt, Hallembaye and Kleine-Spouwen (Belgium)
Another version of her surname was Boullant. It is not known how long time she
reigned, but her successor, Madeleine I d'Eynatten was in office until 1595.
1582-1611 County Sheriff Karen Banner of Orlofgård Len. Denmark
1611-13 Dowager County Sheriff of Jungshoved Len
1612 Dowager County Sheriff of Vordingborg Len
She held Orlofgård after the death of her first husband Gregers Ulfstand and
Jungshoved after the second, Henrik Lykke.
1582 Hereditary Landgravine Maximiliane von Pappenheim of Stühlingen, Lady of
Hohenhöwen (Germany)
Succeeded her brother, Hereditary Marshal Maximilian von Pappenheim, and was
married to Count Friedrich Rudolf von Fürstenberg.
1583-... Joint Sovereign Lady Susanne von Wildenstein of Breitenegg (Germany)
The daughter of Alexanders III von Wildenstein, she inherited 1/4 of the
lordship. Married to Georgs von Rindersbach.
1583-... Joint Sovereign Lady Agnes von Wildenstein of Breitenegg (Germany)
Younger daughter of Alexanders III von Wildenstein, she inherited 1/4 of the
lordship from her brother, Friedrich Karl I von Wildenstein. Married to a Lord
von Haslang.
1583-1609 Reigning Dowager Lady Anna Elisabeth von Pfalz-Simmern of the County
and Castel of Philippsburg in Hessen-Rheinfels (Germany)
Her husband Philipp II of Hessen-Rheinfels (1541-67-83) had apparently recived
the county from his father, Philipp of Hessen-Kassel (d.1567). They did not have
any children,and she lived (1549-1609).
1583-1611 Princess-Abbess Katherina II Brümsi von Herblingen of Schänis
(Switzerland)
During her term in office the chapter burned down twice, in 1585 and 1610, and
she sold some of the possessions in South Germany in order to extend the
buildings of the Abbey and church. She reformed the Chapter and exerted her
position as ruler of the territories. She was daughter of Eberhard von Brümsi,
Lord of Altenklingen and Rosa von Breitenlandenberg.
1583-98 Princess-Abbess Ursula II Steinhauer of Baindt (Germany)
Probably member of the noble family of Steinhauer zu Bulgarn.
1583-1603 Dowager County Sheriff Beate Brahe of Gislumsherred Len and Ramsø Len,
Denmark
She was given the fief for life as security for a lone. She was widow of Jørgen
Lykke.
1583-84 Dowager County Sheriff Karen Henriksdatter Friis of Aalborghus Len,
Denmark
Acting Lensmand or (County Sheriff) after the death of her husband, Bjørn
Andersen Bjørn til Stenalt, Bjørnsholm, Voer, Gunderupgård og Strandbygård.
1562-66 Judge in Zealand, Councillor of State 1567, Lensmand of Fredsgård, Stege,
Københavns Slot, Roskildegård, Tryggevælde,Århusgård og Ålborghus. They had 3
children and he had 6 children with his first wife, Sidsel Ulfstand. Karen Friis
lived (1541-1601).
1584-1616 Raja Ijau I of Patani (Pattani) (Thailand)
According to the Portuguese chronicler Mendez Pinto, the mercantile elite
decided in 1584 to give the throne to the sister of the murdered king after
twenty years of unstable rule. She ruled as Raja Ijau the 'great queen' and was
also known as Ratu Hijau "The Green Queen". She was on the throne when the first
Dutch and English Company agents visited Patani. One of these, Jacob van Neck,
writing in 1604, reported a relatively prosperous state under Raja Ijau, one
well-disposed to merchants. She was one of the major traders and financiers of
the city. Her Malay monarchy absorbed a diversity of foreign traders into a
polyglot elite united by the royal person, a Malay lingua franca, and a pattern
of rules and sacred regalia passed down from courts such as Malacca and Pasai.
Chinese were the major merchants, but the most important of them, like the
leading commercial official Datu Sirinara, had adopted Islam and the Malay
manners of the court. Her aunt, Raja A'isyah had sometime been regent for Sultan
Bahdur after Sultan Manzur Syah who ruled (1564-73). She was succeded by sister.
1584-1616 Administrator Countess Maria von Oranje-Nassau of Buren, Leerdam and
some of the Nassau Properties (The Netherlands)
Daughter of Countess Anna van Egmond of Buren and Leerdam and Willem I, Count of
Nassau and Prince of Oranje. In 1567 her brother, Philips Willem was adducted to
Spain and the next 10 years she spent by her uncle, Johann VI, Count of Nassau-Dillenburg.
The Prince of Orange had given control over Philips Willem's properties to
Maria, before he was assassinated in 1584. After her marriage to Count Philipp
zu Hohenlohe-Neuenstein in 1595, a curator was appointed to care for the
paternal inheritance, which her younger half-brother, Mauritz had demanded
control of. In the summer of 1595, Philips Willem, was allowed to leave Spain
and return to Brussels, but was still kept under tight Spanish control. The
following year they met secretly in Clèves, their first meeting in 28 years.
Maria continued to administer her properties and founded an orphanage in Buren.
She lived (1556-1616).
1584 Acting Lady Hilleborg Hansdatter of Gotland (Sweden)
She was Acting Lensherre - representative of the king - after the death of her
husband, Emicke Kaas, until his successor arrived to the island.
1584-1601 Princess-Abbess Anna III von Stolberg-Weiningsrode of Quedlinburg
(Germany)
Daughter of Heinrich the Older and Countess Elisabeth von Gleichen. She lived
(1565-1601).
1585-97 Politically Influential Duchess Jakobäa von Baden of
Jülich-Kleve-Berg-Mark (Germany)
Also known as Jakobea or Jakobe, she married to Johann Wilhelm (1592-1609), and
since her father-in-law, Wilhelm IV, was mentally deficient and her husband
mentally ill and both were unable to rule, she took the reigns after her
marriage in 1585. She managed to get some councillors on her side. She stood
between the catholic party around the powerful Marshal Wilhelm von Waldenburg,
supported by the Spanish Low Countries and the protestant lead by the Counts von
Broich and Valckenstein and Lords von Rheydt who tried to remove the catholic
regentess with the help of the Dutch General States. Because of the intrigues of
her sister-in-law, Sybille, she thought about moving back to Bavaria, but the
responsibly towards her husband, made her stay in Düsseldorf. She became more
and more powerful, but Sybille spread rumours about her unmoral way of life and
in 1595 Von Waldenburg held her prisoner, she was accused and convicted of
infidelity and kept in the castle for two years. With the help of her
brother-in-law Count Leuchtenberg, she wrote a document of defence and managed
to have a trial arranged, but died before the trial was called. After her death,
her husband married Antionia of Lorraine (d. 1610), but did not have any
children. She lived (1558-97).
1585-86 Dowager County Sheriff Kirstine Lykke of Vordingborg Len, Denmark
In charge of the administration of the fief after the death of her husband,
Eiler Grubbe (1532-85). She lived (1558-1630).
1585-1604 Dowager County Sheriff Ingeborg Skeel of Sejlstrup Len
1586 County Sheriff of Amtofte and Strekhals Len, Denmark
She was an able farmer and trader, and administered both her own and her
husband's estate. After the death of her husband, Otto Banner til Asdal, she
took over the administration of the fief, and after her mother, Karen Krabbe
died the following year, she took over her two small royal fiefs; Amtofte in Thy
and Strekhals in Mors (Northern Jutland). There are many stories about her as an
evil mistress, who killed the architect of one of her estates and a harsh
employer towards the peasants, but the stories does not seem to be based on
facts. She had no children, and lived (ca. 1545-1604).
1586-1618 Sovereign Countess Sabine Katharina Cirksena von Ostfriesland of
Rietberg (Germany)
She was four years old when her mother and predecessor, Walburgaof Rietberg,
died, and her father, Enno III Cirksena von Ostfriesland, acted as regent. She
was married to her uncle, Count Johann von Ostfriesland - who had converted to
catholism - with papal dispention because they were too closely related. She
also converted and introduced the catholic faith to her county. She died giving
birth to her 11th child, and lived (1582-1618).
1586-1616 Hereditary Lady Agnes Cirksena von Ostfrisland und Rietberg of
Dietrichstein-Wichelstädt, Esens Stedesdorf and Wittmund (Germany)
The sister of Countess Sabine Katharina of Rietberg, Agnes was the first wife of
Gundacker von Liechtenstein, Lord of Wilffersdorf and Riegelsdorf, Governor of
Austria (1614-17) and 1st Prince of Liechtenstein (1623-58). Mother of two sons.
Her husband's second wife was Sovereign Duchess Elisaberh Lukretia of Teschen
(1599-1653). Agnes lived (1586-1616).
1586-1612 Princess Zofia Olelkowicz-Slucki of Sluck (Russia)
The daughter of Jerzy and Barbara Kiszczanka, she married Prince Janusz
Radziwill, Castellan of Wilno (1579-1620) in 1600. She lived (1585-1612).
1586-1600 Regent Dowager Princess Barbara Kiszczanka of Sluck (Russia)
Reigned during her daughter's minority after her husband, Jerzy
Olelkowicz-Slucki's death. She was daughter of Mikolaj Kiszka, Voivode Podlaski
and Barbara Chodkiewicz, and (d. before 1608).
1586-95 Reigning Dowager Duchess Barbara of Brandenburg of Brieg (Brzeg)
(Poland)
Also known as Brandenburska, she was widow of Duke Georg von Brieg (Jerzy II of
Brzeg) and held the Slesian Principality as her dowry
Until 1586 County Sheriff Karen Krabbe of Amtofte Len and Strekhals Len, Denmark
Married to Nils Skeel (d. 1561). After her death her daughter, Ingeborg Skeel,
took over her fiefs.
1586-93 Princess-Abbess Dorothea Maria von Anhalt of Gernrode (Germany)
The last of four sisters to occupy the post, she resigned in order to marry Duke
Johann von Sachsen-Weimar (1570-1605) and became mother of 10 sons and 1
daughter. She was daughter of Prince Joachim Ernst von Anhalt and Eleonore von
Württemberg, died after a fall from a horse, and lived (1574-1617).
1586-1604 Princess-Abbess Magdalena I zur Lippe of Herford (Germany)
Her sister, Margareta, had been sovereign of the territory 1563-78.
1586-87 County Sheriff Kirstine Andersdatter Lindenov of Vesterstad Len, Denmark
(now Sweden)
Widow of Steen Bille (1527-86) she held the fief, which is situated in the
Landscape of Skåne, now Sweden.
1586-1626 County Sheriff Beate Hvitfeldt of Møllerud Len and Epholt Len (Skåne),
Denmark (now Sweden)
1615-26 County Sheriff of Lunde and Skt. Peders Kloster Len
She was widow of Knud Ulfeld and held the small fiefs as security for some
loans.
1587-93 Regent Dowager Duchess Christine von Hessen-Kassel of Holstein-Gottorp
(Germany)
Her oldest son, Friederich II succeeded his father, Adolf (1526-33-86) as Duke
of Gottorp at the age of 18. He died after one year and was then succeeded by
the second, Philipp (1570-87-90) and after his death for the youngest, Johan
Adolf (1575-1590-1616). Her husband had been given the duchy after the death of
his father, King Frederik I of Denmark and his older brother, Johann was given
Hadersleben (Haderslev) but he died without issue in 1591. She was mother of a
total of 10 children, and lived (1543-1604).
1587-90 and 1596-99 Reigning Abbess-General Inés Enríquez of the Monastery of
Santa Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
The first Abbess to be elected for a three years period - and to be reelected.
1587-95 County Sheriff Pernille Gøs of Vesterstad Len, Denmark (now Sweden)
Vesterstad is situated in the Landscape of Skåne, now Sweden, in succession to
Kirstine Lindenov.
1587-90 County Sheriff Tale Tot of Åhus and Åsum Len, Denmark, (now Sweden)
Also known as Thale Thott she was in charge of Åhus and Åsum which are situated
in the Landscape of Skåne, conquered by Sweden in 1658.
1588-94 Regent Dowager Queen Sophie von Mecklenburg-Schwerin of
Schleswig-Holstein (Slesvig-Holsten) (Denmark and Germany)
1588-1631 Royal County Sheriff of Lolland-Falster and Ravnsborg Len
Widow of Frederik 2., she was regent for son Christian 4. in Slesvig-Holsten
1588-94. She was engaged in a power struggle with the Regents of Denmark, The
Council of State, which had Christian declared of age in 1593, but she did not
give up her position in the Duchies before the following year. She then withdrew
to Lolland-Faster, where she managed her estates extremely well and became very
rich and she lend her son a lot of money for his warfares. She lived
(1557-1631).
1588-94 Titular Duchess Charlotte de La Mack of Boullion, Princess of Sedan,
Jametz and Ravcourt (France)
She succeeded brother, Guillaume-Robert and after she died giving birth to a
still-born daughter, she was succeeded by husband, Henri de la Tour d'Auvergne.
The duchy today is held by the Dukes of Rohan, via succession trough female
lines. She lived (1575-94).
1588-1613 Titular Marchioness Maria Mencia van Wittem van Beersel of Bergen op
Zoom, Countess van Walhain, Dame of Beerssel, Duffel, Gheel, Leefdael, Waver,
Eigenbrakel etc. (The Netherlands)
Daughter of Jan van Wittem, Vicomte de Sébourg etc (d. 1588), who was joint
superintendent with his wife, Marie Marguerite de Mérode, Marchioness van Bergen
op Zoom (d. 1588). Maria Mencia was first married to Herman van Berg
s'Heerenberg, count of Bergh, Governor of Spanish Gelre (1558-1611), and
secondly to Guillaume de Melun, Prince d'Epinoy (d. 1635), and was succeeded by
daughter Maria Elisabeth Clara. Maria Mencia's sister Margareta inherited the
title of Baroness van Bautershem and Ernestine inherited the title of Countess
de Walhain, Viscountess de Sébourg. She lived (1581-1613).
1588-98 Princess-Abbess Elisabeth VIII von Manderscheid-Blankenheim of Essen
(Germany)
She was the sister of Elisabeth VI, who had resigned in 1578 in order to marry
an Evangelican count. The abbey was very damaged during the wars of the time. In
1590 she appointed her brother Amtmann (Governor) in Breisig, a small territory
claimed by the Duke of Jüllich.
1589-93 Governor Luisa Grinalda, Espírito Santo (Brazil)
After the death of her husband, Vasco Fernandes Coutinho, she acted as governor
for the King of Portugal, until she returned to her homeland and died in a
Chapter in Èvora some years later.
1589-1602 Sovereign Countess Amelie von Neuenahr-Alpen of Neuenahr und Limburg,
Acting Hereditary Marshal of the Diocese of Köln, Acting Lady of Alpen,
Helpenstein and Lennep (The Netherlands and Germany)
She was in charge of Vianden and a number of attatched possessions 1579-87 as an
inheritance from her first husband, Heinrich von Brederode (1531-68). She
married Friedrich II von der Pfalz in 1569, but he died in 1576. In 1589 she
inherited Limburg from her halfbrother, Anton. The county had been occupied by
the Diocise of Köln since 1584. In 1590 she was was given the rights of use of
Alpen, Helpenstein, Lennep and Erbvogtei of Köln by her half-sitster, Magdalena,
who was the owner of the territories after the death of their brother. Alpen was
occupied by the Republic of the Netherlands in 1597 and the following year by
the Spanish Low Countries wich also occopied. Helpenstein and the Stewardship of
Köln. 1600 she took possession of Alpen and, she still held the right of Linnep
and Limburg, and was succeeded by sister, Magdalena, the basis of the
inheritance-settlement (erbvertrag) from 1575. Also known as Amalia, she was
daughter of Gumprecht II. von Neuenahr-Alpen, Count of Limburg (1505-1552/1556)
and Carda von Schaumburg (d. 1540) in her second marriage, and lived
(1539-1602).
1589-1601 Sovereign Duchess Louise de Lorraine-Vaudémont of Berry (France)
Widow of Henri III, count of Angoulême (1551), Duke d'Orléans, d'Anjou and
Bourbon (1566), King of Poland (1573). Louise lived (1553-1601).
1589-1605 Princess-Abbess Ursula II von Stotzingen of Heggbach (Germany)
She was Prioress and second-in-command for a number of years before her
election. At the time of her reign, her family was Free Lords (Reichsfreien
Herren) of a territory in Württemberg and were later appointed Counts.
1589-1611 Princess-Abbess Anna Erika zu Waldeck-Eisenberg of Gandersheim
(Germany)
The first Evangelican ruler of the territory and for the first time since 1206
no Papal confirmation was sought for her election. The chapter burned down in
1597 and was rebulid in renaissance-style. She was daughter of Wolrad II Count
of Waldeck-Eisenberg and Anastasia von Schwarzenburg, and lived (1551-1611)
1589-94 County Sheriff Anne Pedersdatter of Nederby Len, Denmark (now Sweden)
Nederby is situated in the Landscape of Skåne.
Ca. 1590-1660 Mwan and Yau Lundij Rweej of Lunda (Congo)
She was succeeded by husband Cibinda Ilunga as ruler of the marshy environment
of the Upemba depression, the source of the Zaire River, which encouraged the
formation of a state. It demanded that its inhabitants develop forms of
large-scale cooperation if they were to maintain a secure and productive
lifestyle. In the Upemba environment of lakes, marshes and river channels, they
needed dikes to protect homes against seasonal flooding, drainage channels, and
dams to retain lake waters for dry-season fishing. Reefe believes that the need
for large-scale cooperation in public works projects led the people of Upemba to
develop political unity.
Before 1590 Datuk I Sambo of Tallo (Indonesia)
She succeeded father, I Daeng Padulu, and was succeeded by husband, Tunijallo,
who was also Somba of Gowa, and ruled in Tallo until 1590.
1590-1607 I-Dangka We Tan-ri Tuppu, Arumpone of Bone (Indonesia)
Succeeded her father, and abdicated in favour of her husband as rule by females
was not in keeping with Islam, but he was deposed after one year for urging his
people to accept Islam. Her ceremonial name was MatinroE-ri Sidenreng.
1590 Regent Dowager Princess Isabel de Mendoza of Elba and Piombino (Italy)
After the death of her husband, Alessandro, she was regent for son, Giacopo VIII
who was later succeded by his sister, Isabella, who was deposed by the Spanish
in 1603. Isabel de Mendoza dei Conti di Binasco lived (1577-1661).
1590-1603 Joint Sovereign Countess Gabrielle of Joigny (France)
Jointly with Countess Anne.
1590-? Joint Sovereign Countess Anne of Joigny (France)
Jointly with Countess Gabrielle.
1590-93 Reigning Abbess-General Beatriz Manrique of the Monastery of Santa Maria
la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
Held both secular and temporal powers of the abbey and the surrounding
territories.
1591-1604 Guardian Dowager Electress Sophie von Brandenburg of Sachsen (Germany)
1591-1622 Reigning Dowager Lady of the Offices and Castles of Rochlitz, Colditz
and Borna, the Office and Castle of Leisnig with the Cities of Leisnig and
Döbeln in Sachsen
After the death of her husband, Christian I (1560-86-91) she was guardian for
their son, Christian II (1583-91-1611) and other children. She was very much
involved in the religous fights during her lifetime and on her demand the
Kalvinist Chancellor Nikolaus Crell and a big part of the Saxon nobility were
arrested and after a lenghtly process executed in 1611. A very able
administrator, she extended her dorwy over the years, held a large court with
many civil servants, and Colditz expereinced a time of cultural and commercial
growth. The castle remained the dowry of Saxonian Dowager Electresses until
1753. She lived (1568-1622).
1591 Dowager County Sheriff Anne Gyldenstierne of Malmøhus Len, Denmark (now
Sweden)
1591-92 Dowager County Sheriff of Kalundborg Len, Denmark
Malmøhus is situated in the Landscape of Skåne, now Sweden.
1591-1637 Feudal Duchess Isabella Gonzaga of Sabbioneta e Treatto, Contessa di
Roddi e Ricalta, Baronessa di Caramanico e Tutino, Marchesa di Ostiano, Contessa
di Fondi (Italy)
She succeeded her brother, Vespasiano I, married to Don Luigi Carafa Principe di
Stigliano (d. 1630), and succeeded by granddaughter, Donna Anna Carafa de
Stigliano-Gonzaga (1637-44) who was married to the Duke de Medinas de Torres,
Don Ricardo de Guzmán. She lived (1565-1637).
1592-1600 Regent Dowager Duchess Dorothea af Danmark of Braunschweig-Lüneburg
(Germany)
From 1582 her husband, Wilhelm, suffered fits of insanity and she fled in
security. After his death, she was regent for son, Duke Georg (1692-1644) who
inherited the duchies of Carlenberg-Göttingen from a relative. She mistrusted
the Councillors who had thrown the country into chaos during her husband's
illness. She took matters in her own hand and became known as an energetic and
charitable regent. She was daughter of Christian III and lived (1546-1617).
1592-1609 Politically Influential Princess Sibylla von Jülich-Kleve-Berg of
Jülich-Kleve-Berg-Mark (Germany)
Contemporary sources described her as power-mad, stupid and vendictive. She
supported Marshal Wilhelm von Waldenburg, who became more and more powerful. In
1595 she handed over a petition against her sister-in-law, Jakobäa von Baden, to
the Landtag in Grevenbroich, where she accused her of among others infidelity.
She and von Waldenburg claimed to working for the healing of the insane Duke,
and in this way they managed to keep power. They were rumoured to have caused
the sudden and mysterious death of Jakobäa, and the rumours continued for
centuries. After the death of her brother, Johann Wilhelm, she engaged in a war
of succession together with her husband, Archduke Karl of Austria (d. 1618) with
the husbands and children of her sisters; Marie Eleonora (1550-1608), Anne
(1552-1632) and her husband, Pfalzgraf Philipp Ludwig von Pfalz-Neuburg (d.
1614), Magdalena (1553-33) and Pfalzgraf Johann von Pfalz-Zweibrücken (d. 1604).
It was the oldest daughter of Marie Eleonora, Anna von Preussen, who inherited
the duchies. Sibylle lived (1557-1627).
1592-98 Politically Influential Queen Anna von Habsburg of Poland
The beginning of the 17th Century in Poland was a very unrestfull time, and she
was influential during the reign of her husband Zygmunt III Wasa, who was
elected as successor of Stefan Batory as King of the Polish and Lithuanian
Commonwealth. Sigismund was son of Johann III Vasa of Sweden (1537-1592) and
Katarina of Poland (1526-83), the daughter of Sigismund I the Old and his wife
Bona Sforza. On his father's death Sigismund was offered the Swedish throne, and
he was crowned in 1594. He tried to rule Sweden from Poland but his uncle (duke
Charles, later king Charles IX) took full control of Sweden. In 1598 Sigismund
tried to defeat him with a mixed army from Sweden and Poland but was defeated in
the battle of Stångebro. Anna was daughter of Archduke Karl II of Austria,
mother of four children, and lived (1573-98).
1592-1608 Guardian Dowager Duchess Sophie von Holstein-Gottorp of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
and Güstrow (Germany)
1592 Reigning Dowager Lady of the Administrative Offices of Rehna, Wittenburg
and Lübz
1603-08 Administrator of Schwerin
After her husband, Duke Johann VII of (1558-76-92) committed suicide at Stargard,
she became guardian for her sons, Duke Adolf Friedrich I of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
(1588-92-1628) and Johann Albrecht II of Mecklenburg-Güstrow (1590-92-1610-36)
and yielded substantial influence over the government in Schwerin. After the
death of her brother-in-law Sigismund August was Duke (1576-1603) and his uncle,
Ulrich III (1603) she signed a treaty with the new Duke Karl which left her with
the administration of Schwerin until her sons came of age. She was engaged in
heavy disputes with the Treasurer Andreas Meier, whom she accused of fraud and
she demeaned to have the financial control transferred to her at the Assemblies
of 1604 and 1606, but it was denied. She was active in trade and commerce and
modernised her residence in her dowries where she possessed full sovereignty
over her dowries except the role as fief-overlord over the nobility. But her
territories were occupied several times during the Thirty Years War. Her sons
accused her of mismanagement and their relationship was never good. She lived
(1569-1634).
1592 Dowager County Sheriff Hilleborg Daa of Hald Len, Denmark
Following the death of her husband, Jørgen Skram, she took over the
administration of the fief. Daughter of Claus Daa af Ravnstrup.
1593-1604 Sovereign Countess Magdalene von Nassau-Wiesbaden of Virneburg
(Germany)
The widow of Joachim von Manderscheid-Schleiden (1540-82), two relatives were
appointed regents and guardians for her children, and she spend lot of energy
keeping on to her dowry Neurburg and preventing her young son from being taken
abroad for "proper catholic education" by the Spanish Duke of Alba, the governor
of the Southern Netherlands (Manderscheid was within the Luxembourgian
interestsfere). Her son Philipp Dietrich died in 1590 and her daughters and
son-in-laws were engaged in a fight over the succession, which was solved in the
way that the three son-in-laws alternated in reigning the country one year at a
time. In the end the county of Schleiden was divided among the three. She later
inherited the country of Virneburg from her brother-in-law, Count Dietrich IV
von Manderscheid-Scheleiden-Virneburg, who was the last male member of the line.
She secured the succession for her oldest, and only daughter Elisabeth, who took
over the inheritance in 1604 and transferred the county to her husband and son.
Magdalene lived (1546-1604).
1593-1616 Reigning Dowager Lady Anna von Nassau-Dillenburg of Weilburg in
Nassau-Ottweiler (Germany)
Widow of Count Albrecht von Nassau-Ottweiler, Ottweiler, Hohenburg, Kircheim,
Lahr and Mahlberg, a leading follower of the reformation and diplomat. Mother of
14 children and lived (1541-1616).
1593-1610 Princess-Abbess Sophie Elisabeth von Anhalt-Dessau of Gernrode
(Germany)
After she resigned in order to marry her cousin, Georg Rudolf (Jerzy) von
Liegnitz (1595-1653) as his first wife, the Ecclesiastical Territory was
secularised and incorporated into Anhalt-Bernburg. She was daughter of Johann
Georg I von Anhalt-Dessau and his first wife, Dorothea von Mansfeld-Arnstein,
did not have any children, and lived (1589-1622).
1593-96 and 1599-1601 Reigning Abbess-General Juana de Ayala of the Monastery of
Santa Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
Her title was noble Lady, the superior, prelate, and lawful administratrix in
spirituals and temporals of the royal abbey.
1594-1613 Queen Kusumasanadevi of Kandy (Sri Lanka)
Also known as Queen Doña Catherina Kusumasana Devi, she was the daughter of
previous King of Kandy, Karaliadde Bandara, who died when she was three years
old, and she grew up with the Portugese, who installed her as "puppet-ruler"
with the title of Empress, only as cover for Portuguese occupation of the
Kandyan Kingdom, lasting only for four months with Lopez de Souza, the
Portuguese Conquistador on her side. The latter was killed at the battle of
Danture in l594 whem Catherina fell into the hands of Konappu Bandara He was a
Kandyan aristocrat who had mastered Portuguese military skills by feigning to
have become a Christian became the king of Senkadagalapura (Kandy) in 1592,
after deposing the Portuguese puppet Don Juan, set up by them. Konappu Bandara
assumed the name of Vimaladharmasuriya I, (1592- 1604) marrying Dona Catherina
and thereby strengthening his claim to the throne. After his death, she married
his first cousin Senarat (1604-1635), a priest, who threw off his robes and
married. She lived (1578-1613).
1594-1608 Princess-Abbess Margaretha II Mufflin of Obermünster in Regensburg
(Germany)
She was elected as successor of Magdalena von Gleissenthal.
1594 County Sheriff Tale Ulfstand of Malmøhus Len, Denmark (Now Sweden)
In various documents she wrote her name as Thaale Wlffstandt til Skabersøe. She
took over as Lensmand after the death of her brother Hack Holgersen Ulfstand,
who had been Government Councillor, Councillor of State, Marsk, Knight of the
Order of the Elephant and after the dath of King Frederik 2, guardian for his
son, Christian 4, but in 1590 he was exceuted for treason.
1594-1610 Princess-Abbess Eléonore von Montfort of Buchau (Germany)
She was daughter of Count Hugo von Montfort and Magdalena von Schwarzenberg and
niece of the former abbess, Margarete von Montfort (1540-56).
The carriage presented to Safiye as a present by Queen Elizabeth I of England
1594-1603 Politically Influential Safiye Vailde Sultan of The Ottoman Empire
(Covering Turkey, Greece, The Balcans, parts of the Middle East and Northern
Africa)
Already as Chief Wife of her husband, Murat III from 1574 she was the power
behind the throne especially after the death of her mother-in-law Nurbanu. She
continued the pro-Venetian policy of Nurbanu and maintained an extensive foreign
correspondance, most notably with Queen Elizabeth I of England. When her husband
died, she kept the news secret, because wanted to give her son, Mehmet, time to
return from Manisa, where he was governor. In 1599 Queen Elizabeth presented
Mehmet with an organ and Safiye with a splendid carriage, which she used to
excursions into the town. When Mehmet died in 1603 her grandson, Ahmet I, sent
her to the Old Seray where she died 15 years later. She lived (1550-1618).
1594-1600 (†) Politically Influential Esperanza Malchi in the Ottoman Empire
(Covering Turkey, Greece, The Balcans, parts of the Middle East and Northern
Africa)
Throughout the ages the Queen Mothers had carried out their financial dealings
through a series of Jewish women (kira), who acted as commercial agents for the
secluded Harem women. Safiye's kira was Esperanza Malchi, who became enormously
rich, and the Secretary to the British embassy in the 1600s even attributed her
influence to the the fact that she and Safiye were lovers. In 1600 the imperial
cavalry rose up in a revolt because of the devaluation of the currency. Their
fury was directed towards Malchi, who was killed together with her son.
1595-96 Dowager County Sheriff Birgitte Braade of Åkjær and Sønderlyngherred
Len, Denmark
In charge of the administration of the fief after her husband died.
1595-99 Duchess Gabrielle d'Estree of Beaufort and Verneuil, Marquise de
Monceaux (France)
She was the mistress of Henri IV of France, and was active in persuading him to
convert from Protestantism to Catholism. She died after having given birth to a
still-born child, her third, and lived (1571-99).
Until 1595 Princess-Abbess Madeleine I d'Eynatten of Munsterbilzen, Dame of
Wellen, Haccourt, Hallembaye and Kleine-Spouwen (Belgium)
It is not known when she took over from Marie II d'Eynatten, who had reigned
since 1582. They were both members of a Belgian noble family.
1595-1615 Princess-Abbess Maria III von und zu Eltz of Munsterbilzen, Dame of
Wellen, Haccourt, Hallembaye and Kleine-Spouwen (Belgium)
Possibly the daughter of Bernhard, Herr von und zu Eltz zu Üttingen und
Wolmeringen, Governor of Diedenhofen, Stattholder of Luxemburg, (d. b.1550) and
Jutta de Villers (d. before 1534).
1592-1632 Politically Influential Urszula Meierin in Poland
The senior governess and very close and unofficial advisor of king Zygmunt III
Waza (1566-87-1632) of Poland and his wifes Queen Anna Austriaczka and Queen
Konstancja Austriaczka. Also known as Meyerin and her er real name was Urszula
Gienger, Gänger or Giengerin. She lived (around 1570-1635).
1596-1616 Reigning Dowager Duchess Anna von Württemberg of Hainau (Chojnów)
(Poland)
Also known as Anna Wirtemberska, and she held the Slesian Duchy as her dowry
after the death of her first husband, Duke Jan Jerzy of Oława (Johan von Ohlau).
In 1594 she was married (as the third wife) to Duke Friederich IV von Liegnitz (Fryderyk
of Legnica). She was daughter of Duke Christopher von Württemberg and markgräfin
Anna Maria von Brandenburg-Bayreuth, mother of two children, and
lived (1561-1616).
1596-99 Dowager County Sheriff Margrethe Rosenkrantz of Hindsgavl Len, Denmark
After the death of her husband, Hans Johansen Lindenov.
1596 Governor and Admiral Isabel Barreto de Castro, Santa Cruz (Solomon Islands
- then a Spanish Possession)
After the death of her husband, Alvaro Mendana de Neyra, Spanish navigator
(1541-96), she proclaimed herself governor and took command of the fleet as the
only Admiral of the Spanish Amada. Her husband had been given command of a small
fleet by his uncle, the Governor-General of Peru in 1567. After his return they
married and in 1594 Philip II appointed him as governor of the island of San
Cristobal in the Solomons, and gave orders to found a colony there. They left
for the islands in 1595 and on the way they discovered the Marquesas de Mendoza
Islands and another large island which they named Santa Cruz, and resolved to
establish the colony there. Some of the crew murdered one of the native chiefs,
and a bloody war was begun against the invaders. Afterward there was a mutiny
among the troops. These adversities undermined Mendana's health, and he soon
died, leaving the government to Isabel. Soon after she and the chief pilot,
Quiros resolved to abandon the colony, and she directed her ships to the
Philippines. She held the title “La Amiranta de la Mar Oceana”. She lived
(1570-1612).
1597-1603 Crown Councillor Dowager Empress Hamalmal Malik Mogasa of Ethiopia
1604-1607 Politically Influential
Following the death of her husband, Emperor Sartsa Dengel (or Malik Sagad I)
(1563-97), she was member of the regency for stepson, Yaqub (Malik Sagad II)
(1590-97-1603 and 1604-07), and remained influential after he came of age. He
was deposed by a cousin in 1603 and killed in battle against another, who took
over the throne. She was born as Mariam Senna, and (d. 1614).
1597 Regent Dowager Feudal Baroness Isabella Della Tolfa (Italy)
The widow of Agostino and regent for son, Nicola, she sold the feudal the barony
to Dalmazio Arcalla Caracciolo.
1597-1611 Regent Dowager Lady Metta van Limburg-Bronckhorst of
Holstein-Schaumburg-Gemen (Germany)
When her husband, Heinrich V von Holstein-Schaumburg-Gemen died, their only son,
Jobst Herman, was four years old and, she took over the government of the
territories in Northern Germany and the Netherlands, among others' the Water-castele
(Wasserburg) Gemen van Schaumburg.
1597-1628 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Countess Erika von Isenburg-Birstein of
the Castle and Administrative Office of Burgschwalbach in Nassau-Weilburg
(Germany)
Widow of Count Wilhelm von Nassau-Weilburg, she died in Berleburg where her the
youngest of her 2 daughters, Elisabeth Juliane (1598-1647) was married to Count
Ludwig Kasimir von Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg (d. 1643) and Count Georg von
Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg (d. 1680). The oldest, Anna (1597-1645) was married
to Count Friedrich X von Leiningen-Dagsburg. She lived (1569-1628).
1597-1608 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Duchess Katharina Sophia von Leignitz of
the Administrative Office of Flossenbürg and parts of Parkstein-Weiden in
Pfalz-Zweibrücken-Velden-Parkestein (Germany)
She was the widow of Pfalzgraf Friedrich II. von
Pfalz-Zweibrücken-Veldenz-Parkestin, who had been given the Offices of Parkstein,
Weiden und Flossenbürg, when his father died. Since both their sons and their
daughter died as infants the seigneurial rights returned to the Principality of
Pfalz-Neuburg, but she remained in charge of her dowry and resided at the Castel
of Friedrichsburg bei Vohenstrauß, that her husband had buildt. She was daughter
of Heinrich XI. von Liegnitz, Brieg und Goldberg., and lived (1561-1608).
1598 De facto reigning Zarina Irina Godunova of Russia (7.-17. January)
She was considered to be the effective ruler throughout the reign of her weak
husband Fedor I Ivanovich from 1584. In 1598 she took the throne for ten days
before retirering to a convent to become a nun. After a brief interregnum, her
brother Boris Godunov, was elected to succeed her. (d. 1603).
1598-1621 Isabel Clara Eugenia, Infanta of Spain, By the Grace of Good
Archduchess of Austria, Joint Duchess of Burgundy, Lothringen, Brabant, Limbourg,
Luxembourg and of Gelders, Joint Countess of Vlaanderen, Artois and Bourgogne
and Tirol, Palatine of Hainault, Holland, Namour and of Zuytphen, Margravine of
the Holy Roman Realm, Joint Lady of Friesland, Salins, Mechelen, of the City,
Cities and Lands of Utrecht, Overijssel and Groeningen
1589-1633 Countess of Franche-Comté (Belgium)
1621-33 Governor of the Southern Low Countries (Belgium-Luxembourg)
Daughter of King Felipe II of Spain and Elisabeth de Valois. In 1598 she married
Archduke Albrecht of Austria (son of Maximilian II of Germany) and they became
joint Governors of the Southern Netherlands, which was in theory an independent
state, but in reality dependent on Spain. After Albrechts death the Duchies
reverted to the Spanish crown, and she was appointed governor, but remained
Countess of Franche-Comté until her death. She had no children and lived
(1566-1633).
1598-99 Sovereign Countess Anna von Stolberg-Königstein-Rochefort of Wertheim
and Rochefort (Germany)
Daughter of Ludwig zu Stolberg-Königstein. In 1532 he had inherited the
possessions of the House of Eppstein-Königstein and in 1556 he inherited the
county of Wertheim She was married to Count Ludwig zu Löwenstein-Scharffeneck
(1530-1611), who added Wertheim to his name and was Stadtholder of Styria,
Carinthia and Carnolia. She lived (1531/48-99).
1598-1625 Princess-Abbess Elisabeth IV Hartmann of Baindt (Germany)
In 1607 she introduced the more strong clausures and the common meal, that had
been demanded already in 1573. And in 1622 she build the long-building (Langbau)
and reconstructed the Mill of the Chapter, which was financially very important
for the territory
1598-1604 Princess-Abbess Margaretha-Elisabeth von Manderscheid-Gerolstein of
Essen (Germany)
From 1586 she was Abbess of the Stift Gerresheim, from 1598 of Freckenhorst, in
1590 she had become Probstin (Vice-Abbess) of Relinghausen and around 1600 she
was elected Abbess in Schwarzrheindorf. She was daughter of Count Hans Gerhard
and Margarethe, Wild und Rheingräfin, and lived (1569-1604).
1598-1605 Princess-Abbess Katharina II Scheiffl of Niedermünster in
Regensburg (Germany)
She was member of the Assembly of the Bavarian Circle. The function of each
Circle was primarily the administration of Imperial law and the maintenance of
order, but the assemblies also served to assess local opinion and to direct
regional efforts as circumstances dictated. The system was formalized in 1500,
when Emperor Maximilian I created 6 circles (Bavaria, Franconia, Lower Saxony,
Swabia, Upper Saxony, Westphalia), and reorganized twelve years later into ten,
with the addition of Austria, Burgundy, the Rheinish Electorates, and the Rhine
Palatinate.
1599-1610 Reigning Dowager Lady Katharina av Sverige of Pewsum, Woquard Loquard
and Campen in Ostfriesland and Neeuwarden (Germany)
She was the widow of Edzard II and after her death the four lordships were
united into the office of Pewsum, which was inherited by her son Enno III. Also
known as Catharina Wasa, she travelled, with her one-year old son, to her
estates in Ostfriesen and Neeuwarden, and took care of those for a month, and
while there she felt the murmur, the more open talks of rebellion, the
Calvinists urge to throw of the Spanish King. After a couple of months she went
to Madrid, where the King used her as a sort of "Advisor of Protestant affairs".
She was daughter of king Gustav I Vasa, mother of 10 children and lived
(1539-1610).
Until 1600 Queen Nganja of Kalembe (Angola)
Kalembe was part of a large cluster of Ovimbundu States, founded a various times
from around 1600 - today the principality is situated on the border to the
Democratic Republic of Congo.
Around 1600 Queen Mbuyambwanbwa of Barotse (Zambia)
The Lozi or Barotse is a Bantu-speaking people. They are cereal cultivators on
the fertile flood plain of the upper Zambezi, but hunting and animal husbandry
are still important. Political authority is vested in a divine king and
subordinate Queen who rule from separated northern and southern capitals with a
council of ministers and regional chiefs.
Around 1600 Queen Nana Ikuro of Nsuta (Ghana)
Succeeded by Nana Yita as head of the Akan speaking people, which is closely
related to the Asante (Ahanti) royal family. In 1701 it was one of the founding
states of the Asante Confederation.
Around 1600 Queen Nana Ankeyeo Nyame of Kokofu (Ghana)
Succeeded by Nana Aberewa Ampen as head of the Akan speaking people, which was
another of the founding states of the Asante Confederation.
Around 1600 Queen Nana Adifa of Juaben (Ghana)
She was ruler of an Akan speaking people, closely related to the Asante (Ahanti)
royal family, and alto took part in the founding, of the Asante Confederation
100 years later.
Around 1600 Aru We Cella of Alitta (Indonesia)
Succeeded her father, Adatuang/Raja La Cellemata of Sawito, who founded the
Buginese principality in South-West-Sulawesi. She was succeeded by her son La
Masora.She was married to the Adatuang of Sidenreng (La Pancaitana).La Masora
was in his turn succeeded by his daughter We Tenrilekke, who married to the Aru
of Rappang, La Tone(e).
Around 1600 Datuk Tosappae (Indonesia)
Reigned until the beginning of the 1600s. Married a distant relative, and was
succeeded by another distant relative Prince La Pancaitana.
Around 1600 Datuk We Passulle of Supa (Indonesia)
Reigned in the beginning of the 1600s. She succeeded her father, La Pancaitana,
married La Patiroi and was succeeded by her son La Tenrisessi.
Around 1600 Military Leader Shen Yunying in China
Took over her father’s command when he was killed in battle. Later by special
decree she was made a second captain so that she could legitimately succeed her
father and command troops. Approximately 90 years later Chin Liang-Yu fought at
her husband's side and after his death continued to lead her army to many
victories in a civil war.
1600-24 Regent The Dowager Begum of Maler (India)
After the death of her husband, Khan Sahib Fath Muhammad Khan, Rais of Maler
(1566-1600) she was regent for their son, Nawab Muhammad Bayazid Khan Bahadur
(1593-1600-59), who later changed the state's name to Malerkolta. She was born
in Rupar in Afganistan.
1600-14 Princess-Abbess Ursula Giel von Gielsberg of Säckingen (Germany)
One of her relatives, Roman Giel von Gielsberg, was Prince-Abbot of Kempten
(1639-73).
1600-01 Dowager County Sheriff Mette Gregersdatter Ulfstand of Lykå Len and
Sølvitsborg Len in Blekinge and Høgby and Vefre Len in Skåne, Denmark (Now
Sweden)
Following the death of her husband, Knud Grubbe til Alslev (1542-1600), she took
over as County Sheriff - Lensmand, and acted as the King of Denmark's
representative in the fiefs also in the landscapes of Blekinge and Skåne which
only became part of Sweden after 1658. She lived (1554-1602).
1600-12 County Sheriff Mette Urne of Vemb Skibrede Len, Norway
Administered the fief in her own name after the death of her husband, Alexander
Durham, until she passed away herself in 1612. She was the official local
representative of the King of Denmark-Norway.
16.... Queen Regnant Keakamahana of Hawaii
19th Alii Aimoku of Hawaii. Succeeded on the death of her father, Keakealanikane.
She married her Iwakakualii, son of Makakaualii. She had issue, a daughter and
was succeeded by her only daughter, Keakealani who reigned until the year 1700.
16... Sultan Adji di Kurin-dana-Malaka of Berau (Borneo) (Indonesia)
She succeeded father Adji di Kotoh, as ruler of the large sparely inhabited
area, located in the northwestern and quite isolated part of the East Kalimantan
province in Central Java.
16.... Princess Sinaitakala-'i-Langileka, Tu'i Tonga Fefine, Tonga
Daughter of 'Uluakimata I Tele'a, Tu'i Tonga and Mata'ukipa, Ma'itaki. She
married Tapu'osi, from Fiji. Her son, Fonomanu, married Princess 'Ekutingapipiki,
Tu'i Tonga Fefine, daughter of Fatafehi, Tu'i Tonga. Her daughter was the Tamaha
Princess Fonokimoana. As Tu'i Tonga Fefine she held higher rank than her father,
her mother or her brothers. She was forbidden from marrying any Tongan mortal.
16.... Princess Fonokimoana, Tamaha, Tonga
The daughter of Princess Sinaitakala-'i-Langileka, Tu'i Tonga Fefine. As Tamaha,
she was the highest dignity on earth, to whom both her mother and grandfather,
paid homage.
16... Princess 'Ekutingapipiki, Tu'i Tonga Fefine, Tonga
She was daughter of Fatafehi, Tu'i Tonga and Kaloafutonga, Ma'itaki. She married
Fonomanu, son of Tapu'osi, from Fiji, by his wife, Sinaitakala-'i-Langileka,
Tu'i Tonga Fefine, daughter of Uluakimata Tele'a, Tu'i Tonga and was mother of
five children. Her daughter, Princess Tu'imala, became the Tamaha.
16.... Princess Tu'imala, Tamaha, Tonga
Daughter of Princess 'Ekutingapipiki, Tu'i Tonga Fefine and married to
Mataeletu'apiko, 3rd Tu'i Kanokupolu.
16... Princess Sinaitakala-'i-Lotunofo, Tu'i Tonga Fefine, Tonga
Daughter of 'Uluakimatata II, Tu'i Tonga and Toa, Ma'itaki. Married to
Tungimana'ia, 2nd Tu'i Ha'ateiho, son of Fakatakatu'u, 1st Tu'i Ha'ateiho.
Mother of two daughters of whom the oldest became the Tamaha.
16.... Princess Simuoko, Tamaha, Tonga
Daughter of Princess Sinaitakala-'i-Lotunofo, Tu'i Tonga Fefine.
16... Princess Sinaitakala-'i-Fanakavalilangi, Tu'i Tonga Fefine, Tonga
Daughter of Fakana'ana'a, Tu'i Tonga and Tongotea, Moheofo. Her son,
Latunipulu'i-teafua, 2nd Tu'i Lakepa, was first married to Princess Nanasipau'u,
Tu'i Tonga Fefine.
16... Princess Fonokimoana, Tamaha, Tonga
Daughter of Princess Sinaitakala-'i-Fanakavalilangi, Tu'i Tonga Fefine. Her
brother Fonomanu. married Princess 'Ekutingapipiki, Tu'i Tonga Fefine. It is not
known when she held office, but it must have been towards the end of the
century.
1601-10 Princess-Abbess Maria von Sachsen-Weimar of Quedlinburg (Germany)
The daughter of Duke Johann Wilhelm and Pfalzgräfin bei Rhein Dorothea Susanna,
she lived (1571-1610).
1601-04 Princess-Abbess Anne Marguerite de Namur of Nivelles, Dame Temporaire
and Spirituelle of Nivelles (Belgium)
She was daughter of Philippe de Namur, Seigneur de Trivieres and Jacqueline van
Liedekerke. The paternal lordship was inherited by her sister, Marie (d. 1603),
who was married to Jacques de la Hamayde.
1601-04 Reigning Abbess-General María de Navarra y de la Cueva of the
Monastery of Santa Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
The abbess of the Abbey held quasi-episcopal powers.
1601-02 Acting County Sheriff Lisbeth Turesdatter Trolle of Dalby Len in Skåne,
Denmark (Now Sweden)
Acted after her husband, Gabriel Sparre til Svanholm, had died. (d. 1611).
1601-02 Acting County Sheriff Else Lindenov of Dalum Len, Denmark
Widow of Absalon Gø til Kærstrup.
1601-02 Acting Joint Dowager County Sheriff Agate Sefeld of Bygholm Len, Denmark
Took over after the death of her husband, Niels Skram til Urup together with
daughter.
1601-02 Acting Joint County Sheriff Elsebet Skram of Bygholm Len, Denmark
Acted together with her mother.
1602-11 Arumpone We Tenri Tuppu of Bone (Indonesia)
Succeeded cousin of grandfather La Patawang (1595-1602) .Succeeded by son La
Tenriruwe.
1602-27 Sovereign Countess Magdalena von Neuenahr-Alpen of Neuenahr und Limburg,
Hereditary Marshall of the Diocese of Köln, Lady of Alpen, Helpenstein and
Linnep
1610-12 Regent of Bentheim-Steinfurt (The Netherlands and Germany)
She inherited Helpenstein, Linnep, Erbvogtei Köln, Alpen and Hackenbroich from
her brother, Anton, in 1589 and the following year she gave her half-sister,
Amalia, the right of use to the lordsphis. On the basis of the
inheritance-settlement (erbvertrag) from 1575 she inherited Limburg after the
death of Amalia in 1602. The Archbischopcy Köln had occupied Limburg since 1584,
but gave it back to her in 1610. She installed her son Konrad Gumprecht as
Commissioner and resigned Limburg and Linnep in his favour in 1616. The
territory of her husband was also occupied by troops from Köln, and it was not
until four years after the death of her husband, Arnold III, that she was able
to take over the regency for her son, Konrad Gumprect von Bentheim-Steinfurt
(1585-1618) After Konrad Gumprecht's death she installed his widow, Johanette
Elisabeth as regent in Limburg and transfers Linnep to her as dowry. Magdalena
was daughter of Gumbrecht II von Neuenahr-Alpen of Limburg and Amöna von Dhaun,
and remained influential to her death. She lived (1551-1627).
1602-05 Regent Dowager Duchess Anna Maria von Anhalt-Dessau of Liegnitz and
Brieg (Legnica-Brzeg)
1602-05 Reigning Dowager Duchess in Ohlau (Oława) (Poland)
Also known as Anna Maria Anhalcka. After the death of her husband, the Slesian
Duke Joachim Friederich von Liegnitz und Brieg, she governed in the name of
their son and at the same time she held Ohlau as her dowry. She was daughter of
Duke Joachim Ernest of Anhalt-Dessau and Agnes von Barby, mother of 6 children,
and lived (1561-1605).
1602-08 Sovereign Lady of the Realm Amalia von Leiningen-Westerburg of
Reipoltskirchen (Germany)
Born as Gräfin zu Falkenstein she inherited the Lordship after the death of her
relative, Count Johann III von Honhenfels-Reipoltskirchen. According to her will
the sons of her sister Sydonia zu Falkenstein; Casimir and Steino von Löwenhaupt
inherited the Lordship. Steino's daughter married Elisabeth Amalia married Count
Philipp von Manderscheid and the family thereby inherited parts of the lordship.
Amalia lived (1546-1608).
1602-11 Princess-Abbess Elisabeth I de Salm of Remiremont, Dame of Saint Pierre
and Metz (France)
Around 1605 the copper production in the mines at Thillot reached its maximum.
She was daughter of Friedrich I de Salm, Wild- und Rheingraf in Dhaun et
Neuviller-sur-Moselle and Franziska zu Salm (of the French and German branch of
the same family).
Until 1602 Princess-Abbess Margaretha von Manderscheid
-Blankenheim-Gerolstein of Eltern and Vreden (Germany)
Her sister, Elisabeth, was Fürstäbtissin of Essen (1575-78) until she abdicated
in order to marry Count Wirich von Daun-Falkenstein. They were daughters of
daughter of Count Arnold and Margaretha von Wied, Fürstäbtissin Margaretha lived
(1539-1602).
1602-45 Princess-Abbess Agnes Elisabeth von Limburg-Styrum und Bronckhorst of
Elten, Vreden, Freckenhorst and Borghorst (Germany)
1640 Hereditary Countess of Holstein-Schaumburg-Gemen
In 1619 she gave the Vredener Hungertuch (Cloth of Hunger) to the city of Vreden,
which depicts 11 passion-pictures and an incription in Latin stating: "Agnes, by
the Grace of God, Abbess to Elten, Vreden, Freckenhorst und Borghorst, Countess
von Limburg und Bronckhorst, has given this ornament in the honor of the
suferings of Christ..." In 1635 her sister's son; Jobst-Hermann von
Holstein-Schaumburg-Gemen, Count of Bückeburg, died unmarried. He was first
succeeded by his cousin, Otto, but he died after four years, and she managed to
secure the inheritance of Gemen against the claims of the
Holstein-Schaumburg-family, and then ceeded the lordship to her nephew, Count
Hermann-Otto I von Limburg-Styrum. Agnes was Abbess of Vreden. She was daughter
of Count Jobst von Limburg und Bronckhorst and Maria von Schauenburg und
Holstein-Pinneberg, and lived (1563-1645).
1603-11 Sovereign Signora Isabella Appiani of Elba and Piombino
1611-24 Sovereign Princess of Piombino, Marchioness of Populonia, Lady of
Scarlino, Populonia, Vignale, Abbadia del Fango, Suvereto, Buriano and the
Islands of Elba, Montecristo, Pianosa, Cerboli and Palmaionla (Italy)
Daughter of Alessandro, Lord of Piombino and Isabel de Mendoza dei Conti di
Binasco (1577-1661), who had been regent in 1590. Isabella first married Jorge
de Mendoza, Count di Binasco, and secondly Paolo Giordano II Orsini, Duke of
Bracciano. She succeeded her brother, Cosimo Jacopo VII, Lord and Prince of
Piombino, Margrave of Populonia, who died 1603. Isabella was deposed by the
Spanish. (d.1628).
1603-05 Handan Valide Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (Covering Turkey, Greece, The
Balcans, parts of the Middle East and Northern Africa)
Her full title was Daulatlu Ismatlu Hansam Validi Sultan 'Ahiyat us-Shan
Hazratlari, during the reign of her son Ahmed Khan I (1613-17), but never
attained the prominence and power of her predecessors Nurbanu and Safie, because
she has little influence on her son, but in some aspects the Valide Sultan was
still considered as a joint-ruler with theoretical jurisdiction over the women
in the empire. Handan lived (1576-1605).
1603-16 Dowager County Sheriff Viveke Gris of Sandby Len in Skåne Denmark (Now
Sweden)
1608-40 Lensmand of Hørjre Len in Skåne, Denmark (Now Sweden)
She was widow of Peder Munk, and held the fief of Hørjre for life. Her surname
means "Pig". Skåne was conquered by Sweden in 1658.
1603-04 Dowager County Sheriff Anne Brok of Onsø Len, Norway
Following her husband, Erik Mortensen (Mormand) had died. She was the official
local representative of the King of Denmark-Norway.
1604-05 Dowager County Sheriff Anne Rønnow til Skousborg of Hagenskov and
Eskebjerg Len
1604.... County Sheriff of Strynø Len, Denmark
After the death of her husband, Erik Hardenberg.
1604-05 Dowager County Sheriff Anne Lykke of Lundegård Len, Denmark
When her husband, Mourids Stygge til Holbækgård, died she took over the
administration of the fief.
Until 1604 Paramount Chiefess Fatima I of Bullom (Sierra Leone)
She succeeded husband and was succeeded by sister-in-law, Fatima II.
From 1604 Paramount Chiefess Fatima II of Bullom (Sierra Leone)
She succeeded her sister-in-law.
1604-21 Sovereign Countess Elisabeth von Manderscheid-Schleiden of Virneburg in
the Eifel (Germany)
Her mother, Magdalene von Nassau-Wiesbanden, had inherited the country from her
brother-in-law Dietrich IV von Manderscheid-Scheleiden-Virneburg in 1593.
Elisabeth took over the inheritance after her mother's death, and her husband,
Count Christoph Ludwig (1568-1618) assumed the name of
Löwenstein-Wertheim-Virenburg, and their descendants reigned as Counts
co-regnant of the immediate County of Werthem. In 1613 the emperor confirmed the
title for her son, Count Friedrich-Ludwig zu Löwenstein-Wertheim-Virneburg
(1598-1657), who lost his entire estates 1622 for siding with the Elector
Palatine, but was reinstated by the Treaty of Westpahlia 1648. Elisabeth lived
(1569-1621).
1604-21 Princess-Abbess Felicitas II von Eberstein of Herford (Germany)
The Countess had apparently been Abbess of Gerresheim until 1585, and in 1803
she is named as Koadjutorin of Herford.
1604-31 Princess-Abbess Anna von der Marck of Thorn (The Netherlands)
Daughter of Johann II von der Marck and Margareta van Wassenaer, she succeeded
her sister, Josiana, as sovereign, and she managed to keep the principality
relatively unharmed in spite of the 30th year war. Anna lived (1551-1631).
Ca. 1604-23 Princess-Abbess Marguerite VI van Hennin of Nivelles, Dame
Temporaire and Spirituelle of Nivelles (Belgium)
Took over from Anne-Marguerite van Namur, who died 1604.
1604-08 Reigning Abbess-General Francisca de Villamízar Cabeza de Vaca of the
Monastery of Santa Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
As abbess she exercised an unlimited secular authority over more than fifty
villages, held her own courts, granted letters dismissorial for ordination, and
issued licenses authorizing priests, within the limits of her abbatial
jurisdiction, to hear confessions, to preach, and to engage in the cure of
souls.
Ca. 1604-1614 Countess Báthory Erszébet of Transylvania (Hungary)
Known as the Blood-Countess or The Vampire, she began killing young virgins
after her husband, Count Ferencz Nasdasdy, had died, because she thought their
blood would keep her young. She was member of one of the oldest and wealthiest
families in Transylvania, who counted - a cardinal, princes, and a cousin who
was Prime minister of Hungary. The most famous Bathory was King Stephan of
Poland. 1575-86. Her husband spent a great deal of time away from home fighting,
and while he was away, and she surrounded herself with people claimed to be
witches, sorcerers, seers, wizards, alchemists, and others who practiced the
most depraved deeds in league with the Devil. Her deeds were discovered and her
castle was raided. Erzsébet was put under house arrest. A trial was held in
1611, but she refused to plead guilty or innocent and never appeared at the
trial. A complete transcript of the trial was made at the time and it survives
today in Hungary. Johannes Ujvary, major-domo, testified that about 37 unmarried
girls has been killed and Erzsébet's old nurse testified that about 40 girls had
been tortured and killed. Erzsébet was never convicted of any crime, but the
windows and doors of the bedchamber were walled up with only a small hole
through which food could be passed. King Mathias II demanded the death penalty
for her but because of her cousin, the Prime minister, he agreed to an
indefinitely delayed sentence, which really meant solitary confinement for life.
She was mother of three daughters and a son, and lived (1560-1614).
1605 (†) Regent Dowager Tsarina Maria Grigorevna Skuratova-Bel'skaya of Russia
Her husband, Boris Godunov, had been the real power behind the throne since the
succesion of his brother-in-law, Fedor II, who was mentally deficient, and after
his death in 1598 Boris was elected Tsar. It was a period with widespread famine
16-03, and during the ensuing discontent, a man emerged who claimed to be
Dmitriy, Ivan IV's son who had died in 1591. This pretender to the throne, who
came to be known as the first False Dmitriy, gained support in Poland and
marched to Moscow, gathering followers among the boyars and other elements as he
went. In 1605 Boris died and Maria became regent for her son, Tsar Fedor II, who
was murdered and Dmitriy was crowned tsar Maria was also muredered. She lived
(ca. 1560-1605).
1605-14 Regent Dowager Queen Ketevan of Kakheti and Kakhet (The Kingdom of
Georgia)
Both her father-in-law, King Alexander II of Kakhetia (1577 - 1605) and her
husband, Crown Prince David were assassinated by her brother-in-law, Constantine
the Accursed, who had adopted Islam, on the instigation of Shah Abbas I of
Persia. She took up arms against Constantine, and together with a multitude of
Persian warriors, he suffered an ignominious death. Under her wise rule, peace
and justice settled in Kakhetia, and Shah Abbas I returned her son Teimuraz to
her. Later, making threats that he could decimate Georgia, Shah Abbas forced the
Kakhetian vassals to give up some important hostages, and she volunteered to be
one them. 2 of her grandsons were also held hostage, they were castrated and
tortured to death or insanity. She spent ten years in her "honorary"
imprisonment in Iran in the house of Imam-Kuli-Khan Undiladze, a Georgian who
had accepted Islam. Her body became exhausted through fasting, prayer, and
nights spent on cold stone floors, but she remained vigorous and cheerful,
taking care of her small flock of about twenty Georgians. Finally, Shah Abbas
decided to force her to renounce Christ and accept Islam. He even offered her to
become a member his harem, but she refused and was tortured. She became a saint
and is known as Holy Great-martyr Ketevan. She was of the royal house of
Bagration, and (d. 1624).
1605-14 Princess-Abbess Elisabeth IX van Berge-s’Heerenberg of Essen (Germany)
Her election to the post of abbess took place under dubious circumstances. At
the time, the Chapter only consisted of three protestant Ladies of the Chapter,
and according to the regulations the abbess had to be elected among the three.
But the Archbishop of Köln gave dispensation so that she could be elected. She
was catholic and reintroduced Catholicism to the Chapter. She was daughter of
Count Willem van Berg-s’Heerenberg and Maria van Oranje-Nassau, and lived
(1581-1616).
1605-10 Princess-Abbess Veronica von Freyberg of Heggbach (Germany)
1605 and 1606 heavy "Turk Taxes" were imposed on the territory, which was also
hit by the plague. The right of High Court was transferred from the Chapter to
the Paternal Abbey of Salem during her reign and in 1610 th nuns and other
inhabitants of the convent fled for the plague to Biberach and Weitenau. She
resigned because of bad health. (d. 1613)
1605-16 Princess-Abbess Eva von Uhrhausen of Niedermünster in
Regensburg (Germany)
The chapter was placed directly under the king as the other states in Germany
and it was granted royal protection and, immunity in 1002. In 1494 the
Fürstäbtissin was granted a seat in the College of Swabian Prelates who had a
joint vote in the Ecclesiastical Bench in the Council of Princes of the Diet of
the Holy Roman Diet and in 1521 she was mentioned as Imperial Prelate in an
inventory of the Reichsstände - the territories of the Realm.
1605-17 Joint Guardian Dowager Duchess Dorothea Maria von Anhalt af Sachsen-Weimar
und Jena (Germany)
After the death of her husband, Duke Johann, the Duchy and her sons came under
the guardianship of the unpopular Electors of Sachsen-Albertine (Albertinischen
Kurfürsten). She concentrated on the education of her 8 surviving sons who
shared and expanded the inheritance: Duke Johann Ernst von Sachsen-Weimar
(1594-1626), Friederich (1596-1622), Duke Wilhelm von Sachsen-Weimar, zu Remda,
in Eisenach, Creuzburg, Gerstungen, Salzungen, Gotha, Heldburg, Eisfeld, Weimar,
Jena, Burgau, Berka, Buttsadt, Lobeda, Eisenach, Ilmenau, Kaltennordheim, etc,
(1598-1662), Duke Albrecht of Sachsen-Eisenach, (1599-1644), Duke Ernst I the
Pious von Sachsen-Gotha, in Tenneberg, Waltershausen, Wachsenburg, Ichtershausen,
Königsberg und Tonndorf, Heldburg, Eisfeld und Salzungen, Frauenbreitungen und
Wasungen, Kranichfeld, Altenburg, Leuchtenburg, Orlamünde, Krainburg, Eisenberg,
Stadtroda, Ronneburg, Saalfeld, Grafenthal, Probstzella, Coburg, Sonneberg,
Haldburghausen, Themar, Untermassfeld, Meiningen, Behringen und Römhild
(1601-75), Friedrich Wilhelm, (1603-19) and Bernhard (1604-39), who became Duke
of Franken in 1633, and the posthumously born daughter, Johanna (1606-09).
Dorothea Maria lived (1574-1617).
1606 De-Facto Ruler Zarina Marina Mniszech of Russia (18.-25. May)
Daughter of Jerzy Mniszech, Voivode of Sandomierz in Poland. In 1605 the False
Dmitri I, Russian pretender, married her, in a failed attempt to establish a
firm foothold in Moscow. She was the first crowned Zarina in Russian history,
but the fact that she was catholic and her husband's favouritism toward Poland
aroused the opposition of the boyars, led by Prince Vasily Shuiski. Dmitri was
killed, and Shuiski was crowned czar as Vasily IV. In 1607 another Dmitri
appeared. Aided by the Poles after Marina identified him as her husband, he
marched on Moscow and had some success, but in 1610 he was killed. She even
produced an heir, Ivan Dmitrievich. Then she was married to ataman Ivan Zarudzki.
After 1610 she fought for Russian throne. She was probably killed in Russian
jail, and lived (around 1588-1614).
1606-08 Sovereign Countess Anna-Elisabeth von Sayn of Sayn-Sayn (Germany)
The Daughter of Count Hermann von Sayn zu Sayn (1543-88), she was the heir to
her uncle, Count Heinrich IV and married to Wilhelm Count Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn,
who became ruler of the territories. After her death, the county was disputed
and some territories were occupied by foreign powers. Wilhelm was succeeded by
their oldest son, Ernst in 1626. She lived (1572-1608).
1606-39 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Countess Palatine Dorothea Maria von
Württemberg of Hilpoltstein in Pfaz-Neuburg (Germany)
As the Protestant line of Duchy of Duchy of Pfalz-Neuburg place their "surplus
sons" in the Church, they began to secure them an income through samll parts of
lands, which they held for life and reverted to the Duchy of Pfalz-Neuburg. She
was widow of Duke Otto Heinrich II von Pfaz-Neuburg of Hilpoltstein, Heideck,
Allersberg and Sulzbach.
1606-31 Politically Influential Queen Konstancja Austriaczka of Poland
Archduchess Konstanze von Habsburg was the second wife of king Zygmunt III Waza
(1566-87-1632), and very political influential during his reign. She was a
daughter of Archduke Karl von Habsburg of Austria, and lived (1588–1631).
1606-07 Dowager County Sheriff Adel Hansdatter of Sorø Len, Denmark
After the death of her husband, Anders Kristensen, she took over the
adminstration of the fief.
1607-09 Sultan Kuda Kala Kamanafa’anu, Sultana of Land and Sea, Lady of the
Thousand Islands and Sultans of the Maldive Islands
In spite of the fact that the island was Islamic, the rulers continued to use
ancient Sanskrit titles alongside their Islamic styles until the middle of the
twentieth century. The sultanate was attacked by the Portuguese in the fifteenth
century but regained its independence in 1573. They also fell prey to the
marauding raids of the Ali Rajas of Cannanore, who frequently kidnapped princes
and influential nobles and carried them off to the Laccadives. Although close
trading relations were established with the Dutch in Sri Lanka, the Maldives
remained aloof from the Western powers for another two centuries. She was never
secure as ruler due to a long civil war. She died at sea or on Mahibadu Island,
Ari Atol, while on pilgrimage to give alms.
1607-27 Panembahan Putri Bunku of Sukudana (Indonesia)
Succeeded husband, Panembahan Giri Kusuma. She was the daughter of Ratu Prabu of
Landak, who was ruler, and was succeeded by her son, Sultan Muhammad Safiuddin (Giri
Mustaka).
Before 1607 Ruler Malangkanae of Rapang (Indonesia)
She succeeded her husband, La Pasampo, and succeeded by their son, La
Pakolongi,who ruled for sure in 1607, and was succeeded by daughter.
After 1607 Ruler We Dangkau of Rapang (Indonesia)
Succeeded mother and married to a relative, La Patiroi
1607-08 Dowager County Sheriff Maren Jul of Visborg in Gotland Len, Denmark (Now
Sweden)
Acted as administrator of the fief (Lensmand) after the death of her husband,
Herman Jul til Aabjerg.
1607-08 Dowager County Sheriff Birgitte Brun of Frølands Skibrede Len and
Ejdsberg Sogn, Norway
She administered the fief after the death of her husband, Peder Knutsøn (Maaneskjold)
til Akervik. She was the official local representative of the King of
Denmark-Norway.
Until 1608 Queen of the Jam Chiefs of Gersoppa (India)
Her family, the Jam Chiefs of Gersoppa, was established in power in 1409 by the
Vijayanagar kings, but subsequently became practically independent and
established its capital in Nagarbastikere. The chieftaincy was several times
held by women, and on the death of the last Queen it collapsed, having been
attacked by the chief of Bednur. Among the Portuguese the North Kanara district
of Bombay was celebrated for its pepper, and they called its Queen Regina da
pimenta (Queen of pepper).
1608-56 Sovereign Duchess Henriette Catherine de Joyeuse, Countess du Bouchage
and Baroness des Roches (France)
Succeeded father, and married to Henri de Bourbon, Duc de Montpensier de
Châtellerault de Saint-Fargeau and Prince souverain des Dombes etc., who was
succeeded by their daughter, Marie de Bourbon. The Duchy of Joyeuse passed
trough another line. (1585-1656).
1608-27 Sovereign Duchess Marie de Bourbon of Montpensier, Châtellerault et de
Saint-Fargeau and Princesse Souveraine des Dombe, Countess de Mortain etc.
(France)
Daughter of Henri de Bourbon, who was killed. She married Gaston of France, who
was Duc d'Orléans, Chartres, Valois, d'Alençon, Comte de Blois, de Monthéry et
de Limours etc. Succeeded by daughter, Anne-Marie, and lived (1605-27).
1608-14 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Duchess Sybilla von Anhalt of Leonberg in
Württemberg (Germany)
Widow of Herzog Friedrichs I, and in spite of their apparently unhappy marriage,
they had 15 children. She was very rich and used a lot of money on the
renvovation and decoration of the Castle of Leonberg, which she held as her
dowry. She lived (1564-1614).
1608-49 Princess-Abbess Katharina Praxedis von Perckhausen of Obermünster in
Regensburg (Germany)
1219 the reichsunmittelbare Chapter came under direct Papal protection and in
1315 Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian appointed the Abbess as Princess of the Realm.
Heinrich II granted the Chapter immunity and during Konrad II, the abbess even
recieved a royal cepter. 1484 it was turned into a Chapter for Noble Ladies (Adeliches
Damenstift) a seat and vote in the Diet of the Realm and the Princess-Abbess
also sat on the Bavarian Landtag.
1608-11 Reigning Abbess-General Juana de Leiba of the Monastery of Santa Maria
la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
By the favour of the king, she was invested with almost royal prerogatives, and
exercised an unlimited secular authority over more than fifty villages. Like the
Lord Bishops, she held her own courts, in civil and criminal cases, granted
letters dismissorial for ordination, and issued licenses authorizing priests,
within the limits of her abbatial jurisdiction, to hear confessions, to preach,
and to engage in the cure of souls. She was privileged also to confirm Abbesses,
to impose censures, and to convoke synods.
1608 Revolt Leader Princess Anna of Koda in Sibiria (Russia)
A Native woman, also branded “a Tartar Joan of Arc” almost succeeded in uniting
the entire native population of Western Siberia in revolt against the Russians.
After 1609-before 1630 Sri Paduka Ratu Sepudak of Sambas (Indonesia)
She was a descendant of the Majapahit Kings and the last Hindu ruler of the
kingdom. Her youngest daughter, Putri Mas Ayu Bungsu's husband, Radin Sulaiman,
became Sultan of Sambas. He was son of the Sultan of Brunei.
1609-25 Hereditary Countess Anna zu Hohenzollern von Preussen und
Jülich-Kleve-Berg of Kleve, Mark, Ravensberg and Ravenstein
1618-25 Hereditary Duchess of Prussia (Germany)
Also known as Duchess Anna von Preussen und Jülich-Kleve-Berg, she was daughter
of Marie Eleonore von Jülich-Kleve-Berg, the heiress of the three duchies and
some counties, and Albrecht II Friedrich von Preussen. 1594 she married her
distant relative, Elector Johann Sigismund zu Hohenzollern of Brandenburg
(1572-1619), and was the dominant force during his reign. He was regent for her
father from 1609, and in 1611 he was given Prussia as a personal fief. After the
death of her uncle, Johann Wilhelm zu Jülich in 1609, a succession-dispute
followed with the Pfalz-Newburg's until a division was agreed upon in 1614, and
the counties of Kleve, Mark, Ravensberg and Ravenstein went to Brandenburg,
though she primarily considered it as her personal possessions. After her
father's death in 1618 she and her son, the kurprinz Georg-Wilhelm, took over
the government, since her husband had been hit by a stroke two years earlier,
and she remained in charge until her death. She lived (1575-1625).
1609-14, 1620-26 and 1629-32 Reigning Abbess-General Isabel de Mendoza II of the
Monastery of Santa Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
Her official title was "noble Lady, the superior, prelate, and lawful
administratrix in spirituals and temporals", and she reigned over vast
territories in Castilla and Leon.
1610-17 Regent Dowager Queen Marie de' Medici of France
1612-19 Governor of Normandie (Normandy)
1619-28 Governor of Anjou
1628-39 Countess d'Anjou
Daughter of Francesco de' Medici, grand duke of Toscana and became the second
wife of King Henri IV in 1600. After his assassination she became regent for her
son Louis XIII. She reversed the policies set by her husband. Having remained in
power for three years beyond the king's majority, Marie was forced into exile
after the murder of Concini in 1617. In 1619 her partisans rose in revolt, but
she was reconciled to her son in 1622. After the rise to power of her former
favourite, Cardinal Richelieu, she attempted to regain influence by urging the
king to dismiss his minister of state; instead Louis forced his mother into a
new exile at Compiègne, whence she fled to the Netherlands in 1631, never to
return to France. One of her children was the politically influential Henrietta
Maria, Queen of Charles I of England. Marie lived (1573-1642).
Ca. 1610 Queen Dodi Akaibi of Ga-Adamge (Ghana)
She was succeeded by son, Okai Koi, who was killed 1677.
1610-14 Regent Dowager Electress Luise-Juliana van Oranje-Nassau of the Pfalz
(Germany)
Also known as Luisa Juliane, she reigned in the name of her son, who later
became known as king Friedrich V (The "Winther-King" of Bohemia). Her sisters
Elisabeth was regent of Sedan, Catharina Belgica in Hanau-Munzenberg and Amalia,
the Dowager Landgravine zu Hessen-Kassel, played a major role in the Thirty
Years War and acted as leader of the Evangelican States at the Westphalian
Congress (1637-after 1647). The Daughter of Willem I van Oranje-Nassau and his
second wife, Charlotte de Bourbonhe she lived (1576-1644).
1610-16 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Duchess Anna
Schleswig-Holstein-Sønderborg-Plön of Neustettin in Pommern-Stettin
(Germany/Poland)
She married Bogislaw XIII (1544-1618), who was Duke of Pommern-Barth und
Neuenkamp 1569-1603 and of Pommern-Stettin (1603-06) as his second wife in 1601.
Two of her sisters; Sophia and Elisabeth, married one of his 11 children by his
first wife, and she therby became their mother-in-law. The marriages of all
three sisters were childless. After Bogislaw's death, she took over the
government in her dowry and died on a journey from Sachsen to Pommern, after
having lived (1577-1616).
1610-50 Princess-Abbess Katharina II von Spaur-Pfaum und Valier of Buchau
(Germany)
She was in dispute with the bishop on Konstanz and the College of Counts,
defending her own position and traveled to Vienna to discuss her affairs with
the emperor, and during the Thirty Years War, she was able to keep the territory
out of trouble - not the least because of the connections with her brother,
Dominikus Virgil, who was Colonel in the Army of the League and Erbschenk and
Governor of Tirol. Her sister, Maria Clara, was Princess-Abbess of Essen
(1614-44) and another sister, Anna Genvra, was Abbess of Sonnenberg (1622-52).
Katharina was daughter of Leo Freiherr von Spaur, Pfaum und Valier and Juliane
Barbara, Countess Federici, and lived (1580-1650).
1610-17 Princess-Abbess Dorothea von Sachsen of Quedlinburg (Germany)
1615 she started printing her own coins. Daughter of Kürfürst Christian I and
Margravine Sophia von Brandenburg, and lived (1591-1617).
1610-27 Princess-Abbess Barbara II Hörburger of Heggbach (Germany)
She was the former Secretary and around the time of her reign, the Abbesses of
the Chapter used the title of: "Die hochwürdige Frau des hochlöblichen
Reichstifts und Gotteshauses Heggabach Äbbtissin und Frau - (The high-worthy
Lady of the Highly praisable Chapter of the Realm and House of God Abbess and
Lady). And the Abbess was hailed as their ruler by the inhabitants the towns and
villages of her territory after her election by the other nuns.
1610-30 Princess-Abbess Anna Segesser von Brunegg of Gutenzell (Germany)
Succeeded Maria Segesser von Brunegg, who had been in office since 1567.
1610-11 Dowager County Sheriff Beate Hvidtfeld til Møllerød of Gersherred Len,
in Skåne, Denmark (Now Sweden)
She was Mistress of the Court of the Queen and widow of Knud Ulfeld.
1610 Dowager County Sheriff Elsebet Jul of Hammershus Len, Denmark
After the death of her husband, Hans Lindenov til Øsløf.
1611-22 Regent Dowager Queen Kristina of Holstein-Gottorp of Sweden of Värmland
and other Duchies
1611-1625 Reigning Dowager Lady of Norrköping, Gotland, Öland, Ösel, Wolgast and
the Pommerian lands, Poel and Neukloster in Mecklenburg (Sweden and Germany)
After the death of her husband, king Karl IX (1550-1611), Duke Johan av
Östergötland became regent for her son Gustav Adolf, and she instead took over
the regency for her younger son Karl Filips in his Dukedom until his death in
1622. Her dowry were She was daughter of Adolf of Holstein-Gottorp. (1573-1625).
1611-32 Olangio to hoelialio Mboheleo Raja To Huliyalio (Ju Balu) of the
Downlying Parts of Gorontalo (Indonesia)
The principality in North Sulawesi was devided between to branches of the same
dynasty, which reigned a part each. She belonged to the Raja To Huliyalio Branch
and her title means ruler of the downlying parts. She followed her mother,
Wulutileni, on the throne, and was succeeded by her husband's adopted daughter,
Bumulo.
1611-43 Reigning Dowager Lady Magdalena von Nassau-Dillenburg of Öhringer
Schloss in Hohenlohe-Neuenstein (Germany)
After the death of her husband, Wolfgang von Hohenlohe-Langenburg und Neuenstein
(1546-1610), she took over her dowry. During her tenure, the socalled Lange Bau
(Long Building) was constructed. She was mother of 16 children, and lived
(1547-1643).
1611-48 Princesse-Abbesse Catherine IV de Lorraine-Vaudemont of Remiremont
(France)
1638 the troops of Turenne occupied Remiremont for a month. The following year
she obtained the neutrality of Vosges (for Epinal, Remiremont, Bruyère, St Dié,
Arches) for the rest of the Thirty Years War war. She tried to reform the
convent, but failed and also founded the Monatery of the Ladies du Saint
Sacrement in Nancy, and was daughter of François II de Vaudemont, duke of
Lorraine, and lived (1576-1648).
1611-38 Princess-Abbess Anna IV von Bellheim of Schänis (Switzerland)
After the chapter had burned down in both 1585 and 1610 all its documents,
treaties and privileges were destroyed. This lead to more and more conflicts
with the Cantons of Glarus and Schwyz, the guardians of the chapter, but they
considered the noble chapter to be an alien body and treated it as such.
1611-25 Princess-Abbess Dorothea Auguste von Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel of
Gandersheim (Germany)
She had to flee for the army of Tilly which was on its way to Wolfenbüttel.
Daughter of Julius von Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel and Dorothea von Sachsen.
1611-37 Reigning Abbess Louise II de Bourbon-Lavedan of the Royal Abbey of
Fontevraud (France)
Aided by the famous Capuchins, Ange de Joyeuse and Joseph du Tremblay, she
sought to improve the status of the monks of St-Jean de l'Habit and made various
attempts to establish theological seminaries for them. Daughter of Charles de
Bourbon, Vicomte de Lavedan - son of Jean II, Duke of Bourbon and Auvergne - and
Jeanne Louise d'Albret.
1611-12 Dowager County Sheriff Ellen Marsvin of Odensegård Len, Denmark
1620-39 County Sheriff of Dalumkloster Len
1626-38 Dowager County Sheriff of Davinde Len
Fru Ellen was of high noble family and one of the biggest landowners of her time
Fru means Mrs but at the time the title was only used for noble ladies. Her
daughter, Kirsten Munk, was married to King Christian IV. The local
administration and juridical system was in the hand of royal appointed lensmænd
(fiefholders) who each administered a len (fief). It was normally the local
manor-owner, and if that was an unmarried woman she was in some cases appointed
Lensmand in her own right, in other cases she administered the len after her
husband's death. She lived (1572-1649).
1611-28 Member of the Junta Empress Nur Jahan of India
Born to parents of royalty in Persia, who moved to the Mughal court of Akbar.
Nur Jahan became a handmaiden in the imperial harem in Agra and married Emperor
Jahangir in 1611. He was not bothered at all by the facts that she was in her
mid-30’s and had her first child from her first husband, a Turkish soldier. She
soon became Jahangir’s last and most influential wife, and challenged the social
and cultural conventions of her day and pushed them to the greatest limits with
out breaking them. Her patronage explored and utilized the structures of power
available to her without straining their integrity. She won admiration and
gained honor from the people of the empire by stretching the rules rather than
breaking them. Nur Jahan gained great political power after her marriage and
with the formation of the Junta. The Junta was a group that consisted of her
self, her father Itimaduddaula, her brother Asaf Khan and her stepson Khurram
who came to the throne as Shah Jahan. The group’s power was substantial and they
were able to promote their own concerns while protecting the king. As the years
went by Nur Jahan became ever more powerful. Her husband took on less and less
responsibility as he sank further and further into clouds of opium smoke. She
was able to influence political decisions, coins, designs in materials,
architecture, the structure and layouts of gardens, both royal and public and
many other aspects of Mughal life. After his death in 1627 she resided in Lahore
until her own death. Born as Mehr un-Nissa in Persia. (d. 1645).
1611-29 Reigning Abbess-General Doña Ana de Jesus de Austria of the Monastery of
Santa Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
Natural daughter of Dona Maria de Mendoza and Don Juan de Austria, a Spanish
Prince and Army Leader. She is well noted for her indirect involvement in a
conspiration of an alleged king Sebastian of Portugal.
1611-41 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Electress Hedwig af Danmark of the Calstle
and Administrative Unit of Lichtenberg bei Prettin and and Administrative Units
of Schlieben, Schweinitz und Seyda in Sachsen (Germany)
The first to reside at the castle, which had been, build between 1574-82. As
reigning dowager lady she was in charge of the police and courts, she shared her
authority with the Elector but her subjects considered her as their lady. She
founded churches, aided the poor, the sick and the weak. As the sister of the
Danish king and the sister-in-law of the British king she became an important
figure for her brother-in-law, Elector Johann Georg I, and she was involved in
arranging the marriages of five of his seven children. Because of her positions
her territories were hardly attacked during the Thirty Years War, and she acted
independently granting letters of free passage etc., something that was normally
the prerogative of the Elector, and she maintains her independence against her
brother-in-law also when it came to trade and commerce. She did not have any
children with her husband, Kurfürst Christian II. (1583-91-1611). She was the
7th and youngest child of Frederik II of Denmark and Norway (1534-59-88) Sofie
von Mecklenburg-Wismar and lived (1581-1641).
1612-26 Regent Dowager Countess Catharina-Belgica van Oranje-Nassau of Hanau-Lichtenberg
(Germany)
1626-48 Reigning Dowager Lady of Windecken in Hanau
Also known as Katharina-Belgica, she took over the reins of government after the
death of her husband, Philipp Ludwig II, for their son, Philipp Moritz. In 1619
when the Emperor Ferdinand II was on his way to Frankfurt for his coronation, he
wanted to pass through with 1.500 soldiers but Catharina Belgica refused him
entry into the city of Hanau. In 1621 Spanish and Imperial armies ravaged her
territories but her complaints to Spanish and Imperial officials were of no
avail. In 1626 her son took over the rule from her; however, in 1634 the family
had to flee to Holland and was able to return only in 1637. Her sisters were
regents in Sedan and The Rhine. She lived (1578-1648).
1612 Regent Dowager Duchess Margherita di Savoia of Mantua and Monferrato
(Italy)
1612-29 Governor of Lisboa (Portugal)
1633-40 Vice-reine of Portugal
Following the death of her husband, Francesco IV Gonzaga, she became regent for
daughter Maria in Mantova until her brother-in-law took over as Duke after
having renounced his position of Cardinal. Her only son died a few months before
Francesco. She was later appointed Governor of Lisbon and Vice-Queen of Portugal
by her cousin King Felipe IV of Spain and Portugal (1605-21-65). In 1640 the
Spanish were driven out of Portugal by the Duke of Bragança, King João IV and
she was taken prisoner. She was daughter of Duke Carlo Emanuele I di Savoia,
Prince of Piemonte, Count di Aosta, Moriana, Asti e Nizza, titular King of
Cyprus and Jerusalem, and Marchese di Saluzzo and Infanta Catalina Michaella of
Spain, whose sister was Isabella Clara Eugenia von Habsburg, Governor of the
Southern Netherlands. Margarita lived (1589-1655).
1612 Sovereign Duchess Maria Gonzaga of Mantua and Monferrato (Italy)
1631-47 Regent Dowager Duchess of Nevers and Rethel etc. (France and Belgium)
1637-51 Regent Duchess of Monferrato
Succeeded her father, Duke Francesco IV Gonzaga, who only reigned 10 months, but
she was soon replaced by uncle, Ferdinando I, who had renounced his position of
Cardinal. He died in 1615 and was succeeded by his brother, Vinzenco II, also a
former Cardinal. She was engaged to Carlo Emanuele I of Savoia, but married
Carlo Gonzaga Nevers, Duke de Nevers et Rethel, de Mayenne et d'Aiguillon,
Marquis de Villars, Comte du Maine, de Tende et de Sommerive in 1627 (d. 1631),
and their son, Caro II (1629-65), inherited Mantua in 1637 from her
father-in-law, Carlo I Gonzaga, who had inherited the Duchy in 1627 from
Vinzenco II, but Mantua was conquered by one of the other rulers in Italy. Also
mother of one daughter, Eleonore, she lived (1609-60).
1612-26 Acting Lord of Mann Elizabeth de Vere (Territory of the English Crown
(United Kingdom))
Also known as Elizabeth Stanley. Her husband, William Stanley, Sixth Earl of
Derby, must have passed control to her around 1612, as she is associated with
reforms in household officers of the Isle of Man at that period. One year after
her death, her husband transferred estates and Lordship of Man to their son
James. She was daughter of the Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, mother of
five children and lived (1575-1626).
1612-35 Reigning Duchess Anne de Croÿ of Arschot (Belgium)
She succeeded her brother, Charles II, Duc d'Arschot et de Croy etc., and was
married to Fürst Karl von Arenberg (d. 1615).
1612 Dowager County Sheriff Margrethe Brade, Landskrona Len in Skåne, Denmark
(Now Sweden)
Acted after the death of her husband, Kristen Bernekov.
1612-13 Dowager County Sheriff Anne Lykke of Arnsborg Len, Denmark
After the death of her husband, Klavs Maltesen Sehested.
1613-14 Dowager County Sheriff Else Bilde of Århusgård Len, Denmark
Following the death of her husband, Karl Bryske.
1613-19 Regent Dowager Grand Duchess Ksenia Ivanovna Shestova of Russia
Her son, Mikael Romanov (1613-45), was elected czar, but left the direction of
the state affairs to her. She had left the convent where she had been placed by
Boris Godunov. In 1619 her husband, Philaret Romanov, returned from his
banishment to Poland, was elected patriarch, and assumed the reigns of
government. Her name is also transcribed as Kseniya Šestova and she is also
known as Martha, and lived (1596-1631).
1613-33 Sovereign Marchioness Maria Elisabeth I Clara van Bergh 's-Heerenberg of
Bergen op Zoom, Countess van Walhain, Dame of Beerssel, Duffel, Gheel, Leefdael,
Waver, Eigenbrakel etc. (The Netherlands)
Daughter of Maria Mencia van Wittem van Beersel, titular marchioness
(1581-88-1613) and Herman van Berg s'Heerenberg, count of Bergh, Governor of
Spanish Gelders (1558-1611), she was succeeded first by uncle, and in 1638 by
cousin Maria Elisabeth II. Maria Elisabeth Clara lived (1610-33).
1613-26 Sovereign Countess Josina von der Marck of Rochefort (Germany)
It is not quite clear to me if she succeeded her father, Philipp von der Marck,
Baron von Lummen, who died 1613, or another relative. Her mother was Katharina
von Manderscheid (d. 1594) and she was married to Johann Dietrich von Löwenstein-Wertheim
(d. 1644), who added her name to his, and she lived (1583-1626).
1613-26 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Duchess Elisabeth af Danmark of the Castle
and Administrative Unit of Hessen in Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (Germany)
After the death of her husband, Duke Heinrich Julius von Braunschweig-Lüneburg.
In 1617 she founded the Retreat for the Poor with a chapel (Elisabeth Stift)
During the Thirty Years War (1618-48) the castle was raided and was not reparied
until 1654. Elisabeth lived (1573-1626).
1613-48 General Qin Liangyu in China
Married to Ma Qiancheng, the military commander of Shizhu district who was
ordered to lead 3,000 soldiers to suppress a rebellion in 1559. She led another
500 men, and they fought side by side in battle and suppressed the rebellion
quickly. In 1613, Ma offended a court eunuch, was arrested and died in prison,
and she was ordered to take her husband’s former military office. She became
famous for fighting the Qing invaders at the end of the Ming dynasty 1620
crushed numerous rebellion. In 1646 Emperor Longwu of the southern Ming gave her
the title of Loyal Marquis. She lived (1547-1648).
1614-29 Sovereign Princess Louise-Marguerite de Lorraine of Château-Regnault
(France)
Daughter of Catherine, and married in 1605 to François de Bourbon, prince de
Conti, first cousin of Henri IV of France (d. 1614 without issue). In 1629, she
ceeded Château-Regnault to the king of France in exchange for Pont-sur-Seine,
and 3 years later she secretly married François de Bassompierre. The sovereignty
of Château-Regnault included Linchamp, la Tour-à-Glaire, Macaucourt, Mohon,
Montcy-Notre-Dame. In practice, since Château-Regnault is so small (it had 1.200
inhabitants in the mid-19th c.), the substantial prerogative was the right to
mint coins and excelled in copying coins from the neighboring countries, and she
minted coins with the titulature: "Louise-Marguerite de Lorraine par la grâce de
Dieu princesse souveraine de Château-Regnault". She lived (1574-1631).
1614-16 Dowager County Sheriff Karen Skinkel of Holbæk, Denmark
She was in charge of the fief after the death of her husband, Anders Dresselberg
til Vognserup.
1614-44 Princess-Abbess Maria Clara von Spaur-Pflaum und Valier of Essen
(Germany)
From 1612 she had been Lady of the Chapters and Dechantess of Vreden, in 1616
she also became Abbess of Nottuln and 1621 of Metelen. In 1623, during the
Thirty Years War, Essen received a Spanish garrison and Maria Clara the military
power, the following year the re-catholisation-law was introduced, non-catholic
books banned and the obligatory church attendance reintroduced. In 1629 the
Spanish bastion fell to the Dutch, and a council dominated by protestants took
over power of the City of Essen, Maria Clara fled to Köln, only to return for a
short period in 1631. Her sister reigned as Princess-Abbess Katharina II of
Buchau, (1610-50). Maria Clara lived (ca. 1590-1644).
1614-34 Princess-Abbess Susanna von Bubenhofen of Lindau (Germany)
In 1628 the Emperor employed troops in the City of Lindau after internal riots,
and he tried to recatholisise the City and to tie it closer to Austria. The head
of the Catholic chapter, Fürstäbtissin Susanna, was member of an old Prussian
noble family.
1614-21 Princess-Abbess Maria Brümsi von Herblingen of Säckingen (Germany)
The City of Bad Säckingen was occupied several times during the Thirty Years
War. The last male member of her family, Hans Brümsi, had died 1551.
1614 "The Legitimate Representative of the past Sovereign Incas of Peru" Doña
María de Loyola y Coya-Inca in Peru
She was given the title of "representante legítima de los antiguos soberanos
incas del Perú" by King Felipe III of Spain, who also named her I Marquesa de
Santiago de Oropesa, I Adelantada del Valle de Yupangui and Lady de Loyola. She
married Don Juan Enríquez de Borja, and was daughter of Don Martín García de
Loyola, Señor de Oñaz, Capitán General of the Bodyguard of the Vicerey of Perú
around 1569, governor of Potosí ca. 1579 and Governor and Captain General of the
Kingdom of Chile ardound 1591 and Doña Beatriz Clara Coya, Señora del Valle de
Yucay, the only daughter and heiress of Inca Sayri-Tupac, sovereign of
Tahuantinsuyu and his wife, the sovereign of la Coya Cusi Huarcay.
1615-16 Regent Dowager Princess Nang Nawn Pe of Yawng Hwe (Myanmar - Burma)
Saw Hkam was king in 1615 followed by a 12 year vacancy on the throne of state,
which is also known as Nyaungywe and was one of the Shan - ethnic Thai - states
in Burma.
1615-46 Olangio to tilaiot Molie Raja To Tilayo of the Upper Parts of Gorontalo
(Indonesia)
The principality in North Sulawesi was devided between to branches of the same
dynasty, which reigned a part each. She belonged to the Raja To Tilayo Branch
and her title means ruler of the upper parts. She succeeded her her father
Pangoliwudaa, who was the second muslim ruler of the Raja To Tilayo branch, and
was followed by husband, Eiato, who reigned until 1674.
1615-32 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Countess Palatine Anna von
Jülich-Kleve-Berg of the Castle and Administrative Office of Höchstädt in
Pfalz-Neuburg (Germany)
The death of her brother Johann Wilhelm in 1609 led to the Jülich-Kleve
Succession War where the families of her own and her 3 sisters fought over the
inheritance. She transferred the rights of inheritance to the areas of the Low
Rhine (niederrheinischen) she possessed as the oldest surviving daughter to her
oldest son Wolfgang Wilhelm. She was chocked and kept her own Evangelical faith
when he converted to the Catholic Faith in order to marry the daughter of
Maximilian I of Bavaria to gain the support of the Catholic League in 1613, but
in the end it helped him secure his mother's inheritance as Duke of Jülich and
Berg in 1614. Her husband, Count Palatine Philipp Ludwig, died the same year,
and she moved to her dowry the following year, she moved to her dowry. She was
daughter of Duke Wilhelm IV. of Jülich, Kleve und Berg and Maria von Österreich,
mother of 4 sons and 4 daughters, and lived (1552-1632).
1616-24 Raja Ratu Biru of Patani (Thailand)
She succeeded her sister, Ratu Hijau; 'The Green Queen' and became known as Ratu
Biru; 'The Blue Queen'. Her rise to the throne, does suggest that the orangkaya
class of merchant aristocrats, in the words of the seventeenth-century French
visitor to Siam Nicholas Gervaise, 'were weary of obeying kings who maltreated
them, and shook off their yoke' in favour of queens. It became a political
preference, and increasingly a recognised system. When she in turn died in 1624,
a third sister, who would have had to be nearly sixty, came to the throne as
Raja Ungu; 'the purple queen'.
1616 Regent rGyal Khatun of Ladakh-Balistan (Tihbat-I-Khurd) (Tibet)
Acted as regent for Seng-ge who ruled 1616-23 and sometime later.
1616-61 Sovereign Duchess Marguerite Charlotte of Luxembourg of Piney-Luxembourg,
Princesse de Tigny, Countess de Piney and Baroness de Dangu (France)
Succeeded her father, Henri de Luxembourg (1583-1613-16) and first married to
León d'Albert de Luynes, and then Charles Henri de Clermont-Tonnerre - both
dukes de Luxembourg et de Piney by the right of their wife. She resigned the
duchy in favour of son, Henri León d'Albert de Luxembourg, who then resigned in
favour of his half-sister in order to become a deacon.
1616-52 Princess-Abbess Anna Maria von Salis of Niedermünster in
Regensburg (Germany)
Member of an old noble family from Graubünden in Switzerland. During her reign
the church of the Chapter was redecorated in Barock-style.
1616-36 Politically Influential Dowager Duchess Augusta of Denmark of Holstein-Gottorp
1616-39 Reigning Dowager Lady of the Castle and Administrative Unit of Husum in
Holstein-Gottorp (Germany)
After the death of her husband, Johan Adolf, she was politically influential
during the reign of her son, Duke Friedrich. She governed Husum as her dowry and
here she promoted arts and culture, music and gardening. She lived (1580-1639).
1616-17 Dowager County Sheriff Mette Hardenberg of Bøvling Len, Denmark
Following the death of her husband, Preben Gyldenstierne til Vosborg.
1616-17 Dowager County Sheriff Kristine Hardenberg of Dalum and Strynø Len,
Denmark
She was in control of the fief after her husband Axel Brade til Elved passed
away.
1616 Dowager County Sheriff Hilleborg Krafse of Søbygaard Len, Denmark
Acted after the death of her husband, Mogens Gø.
1616-40 County Sheriff Karen Andersdatter of Hven Len, Denmark (Now Sweden)
The mistress of King Christian 4. in the years 1613-16 and mother of two
daughters, who died in infancy, and the son; Hans Ulrik Gyldenløve with him. She
(d. 1673).
1617-18 Dowager County Sheriff Sofie Belov of Skivehus Len, Denmark
After the death of her husband, Kristen Tot til Boltinggård.
1617-18 Dowager County Sheriff Jutte Gyldenstierne of Verne Kloster Len and
Ingedals Skibrede Len, Norway
Acted as fiefholder after the death of her husband, Kristoffer von der Grøben
til Fitseband. She was the official local representative of the King of
Denmark-Norway.
1617-1623 Valide Sultan of the Ottoman Empire
1617-18 and 1622-23 Regent Naib-i-Sultanat of the Empire (Covering Turkey,
Greece, The Balcans, parts of the Middle East and Northern Africa)
After the death of her husband, Sultan Ahmed Khan I (1603-17), she ruled in the
name of her mentally unstable son, Mustapha Khan I (1717-23). When he was
deposed she was sent off to the Old Saray, where her predecessor Safiye was
alread living. She was probably sent back again in 1623 but her fate is not
known after her son was deposed for the second time and killed. She escaped
punishment because of her privileged status as the mother of Mustafa, whose
madness led the populace to considerham a saint. Her name is not known, she was
probably born in Europe (b. 1576-?).
1618-20 Kahadija Mahfiruz Valide Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Covering Turkey,
Greece, The Balcans, parts of the Middle East and Northern Africa)
There is evidence that she might not have taken up the position as Sultan Valide
when her son Osman II (1618-22)came to the throne, and she seems to have
remained in the Old Saray, where she had been sent after the death of her
husband, Ahmet I the year before. She lived (1590-1620).
1618-54 Regent Dowager Countess Johannetta Elisabeth von Nassau-Katzenelnbogen
of Bentheim- Limburg und Burg (Germany)
After the death of her husband, Count Konrad Gumprecht, her mother-in-law,
Magalena von Neuenahr-Alpen (see 1602) installed her as regent for her son,
Wilhelm, and after his death in 1626 for he second son, Friederich Ludolf who
already died in 1639. She then became regent for his successor - a nephew -
Count Moritz von Bentheim-Tecklenburg-Rheda and in 1638 they made a treaty that
secured her the regency of the County for life. She was in charge of in Limburg
and Burg during the Thirty Years War, which left the county devastated. In 1633
she had to flee to her sister's residence in Fürstenau, and the same year the
county was hit by plague. She returned in 1637 and managed to keep the county
within the Bentheim family. She lived (1592-1654).
1618-19 Joint Administrator Elizabeth Stuart of Kurpfalz (Germany)
Already as a child she was involved in intrigue as part of the intent of the
Gunpowder Plot of 1605 was to put her onto the throne of England and Scotland as
a Catholic monarch, after assassinating her father and the Protestant English
aristocracy. In 1613 she married Elector Palatine Friedrich V. (1596-1632) and
soon became a dominating force at her husband's court because of her energy and
strong personality. In 1618 her husband came to the asssistance of the Bohemians
who had deposed their king, Ferdianand von Habsburg (future Emperor) and won the
battle at Pilsen. He had appointed a relative as administrator and it seems that
she was given a joint role in the government during his absence. The following
year the Bohemians offered the crown to her husband as an influential member of
the Evangelical Union. But after he accepted the crown, his allies in the
abandoned him, and his brief reign as the King of Bohemia ended with his defeat
at the Battle of White Mountain only two months after their coronation - and
earned him the nickname of 'the Winter King'. After this battle Imperial forces
invaded the Palatinate lands and they had flee to Holland in 1622. An Imperial
edict formally deprived him of the Palatinate in 1623. He lived the rest of his
life in exile with his wife and family at the Hague, where she remained for
another 28 years until the Restoration of the British monarchy, when she
travelled to London to visit her nephew, King Charles II, and died while there.
Among their 13 children was Karl Ludwig (1617-1680), who regained the Palatinate
at the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, Elizabeth, Princess-Abbess of Herford
(1618-1680) and the later Electress Sophie of Hannover and Heir to the English
throne (1630-1714). She was the eldest daughter of James of Scotland and Great
Britain and Anne of Denmark, and lived (1596-1662).
1618-58 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Duchess Sophia von
Schleswig-Holstein-Sønderborg-Plön of Treptow an der Rega in Pommern-Stettin
(Poland)
After the death of her husband, Philipp II, Duke of Pommern-Stettin
(1573-1606-18), she took over the government in her dowry. She was daughter of
Duke Johann von Schleswig-Holstein-Sønderborg-Plön and Elisabeth von
Braunschweig-Grubenhagen, who had a total of 23 children. Her sister, Anna, had
married Philipp's father, Bogislaw XIII (1544-1618) in 1601. Sophia's marriage
was childless, and she lived (1579-1658).
1618-45 Princess-Abbess Dorothea-Sophia zu Sachsen of Quedlinburg (Germany)
The 30-year war reached the city in 1622 and four years later the city is hit by
the plague. In the Neustadt 2.374 people died within six months. 1632 Wilhelm
von Weimar passed through Quedlinburg and the following year the city was
occupied by - and forced to accommodate - Imperial and Swedish troops, who also
looted the city and forced the citizen to supply them with money and goods. 1636
the city was hit by another epidemic of plague. The regiment of the Swedish
colonel Bleicke occupied the city from 1639-41 when fightings broke out between
the imperial colonel Laba and Count Johann Ludwig of the Rhine. 1642 General Königsmark
was in Quedlinburg. Duchess Dorothea-Sophia daughter of Duke Friedrich Wilhelm
and Duchess Sophia von Württemberg, and lived (1587-1645).
1618-25-? Princess-Abbess Anna Raitz von Frentz of Burtscheid (Germany)
She was the first of four members of the Freiherrliche family of Raitz von
Frentz to reign the state in the period until 1669. It is not known how long she
reigned, but Henrica Raitz von Frentz is mentioned in 1643.
Before 1618 District Chief of Appamattuck (Appomattox) of the Pamunkey Tribe,
Virginia (USA)
The sister of the great chief Powhatan, she governed the strategically
important town at that river's junction with the James. The chiefly position was
also inherited matrilineally; thus his children could not succeed the Chief.
Powhatan's three brothers, in order of age, were his successors, followed by his
two sisters, and then by their two daughters.
1618-19 Dowager County Sheriff Anne Hansdatter Baden of Kronborg Len, Denmark
She acted after the death of her brother, Kristen Hansen (Baden) til Nørård.
1618-... County Sheriff Else Galde of Verne Kloster Len and Ingedals Skibrede
Len, Norway
The fief was given to her and her husband, Siverd Gabrielsen (Akeleje) til
Krengerup and Kambo for the duration of their lifetimes. She was the official
local representative of the King of Denmark-Norway.
1618-19 Dowager County Sheriff Sofie Oldeland of Brunla Len and Numedalen Len,
Norway
After her husband, Kasper Markdanner, had passed away.
1618-19 Dowager Princess Eléonore-Charlotte de Bourbon-Condé of Oranje (France)
Married to Filips Willem, Prince d'Orange in 1606, who she followed during his
frequent travels between Brussels and Orange. He had grown up under the
protection from the Duke of Alba, Governor of the Netherlands, during his
studies in Leuven, until he was taken out of university at the age of 14 and
brought to Spain while his family fleed to Germany. As a captive by the king
Philip II, he guaranteed the attitude of the princes d' Orange towards Spain.
His father was assasinated in 1584, but he was not freed until 11 years later,
and marched to his northern possessions. His brother, Mauritz, was now head of
the family and his sister, Maria, looked after his domains during his absence.
1598 the Principality is returned to him, and compeets with his brother for many
years. After his death she fought with her in-laws over the inheritance of
Oranje until her own death. She lived (1587-1619).
1619-30 (†) Regent Dowager Countess Sibylle Elisabeth von Braunschweig-Dannenberg
of Delmenhorst (Germany)
After the death of her husband, Anton II, Count von Oldenburg-Delmenhorst
(1573-77) and Count von Delmenhorst (1577-1619), she was first regent for her
oldest son, Anton Heinrich von Delmenhorst who died at the age of 18 in 1622,
and then for the second son, Christian IX von Delmenhorst, (1612-1647), who was
unmarried. She had nine daughters, among others, Catharine Elisabeth,
Princess-Abbess of Gandersheim and Sibylle Marie, Dechaness in Herford. The
other daughters inherited the possessions of their brother, but the county
reverted to the Counts of Oldenburg and thereby to the Danish King. She lived
(1576-1630).
Around 1620 Queen Nana Bempomaa of Kokofu (Ghana)
Succeeded Queen Nana Ankeyo Nyame and was succeeded by son, Nana Akyempon Tenten.
Around 1620 Governor Elena de Caso, Dos Ilheus (Brazil)
The Vice-Kingdom of Brasil was a part of the Portuguese Empire. She was followed
on the post by Antonio Ribeiro.
1620-35 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Duchess Sophia von Sachsen of and
Administrative Unit of Wollin in Pommern (Poland)
She probably held Island and Administrative Unit as her dorwy after the death of
her husband, Franz von Pommern (1577-1606-20). As it was the case with all the
last Dukes of Pommern, their marriage was childless. She was daughter of Duke
and Elector Christian I. von Sachsen and Sophia von Brandenburg, and lived
(1587-1635).
1620 Dowager County Sheriff Sofie Rostrup of Kalundborg Len, Denmark
Follwoing the death of her husband, Sten Brade til Knudstrup.
1621-28 Regent Dowager Gand Duchess Chrétienne de Lorraine of Toscana (Italy)
Christine was widow of Ferdinando I de' Medici (1549-87-1609) and acted as
co-regent for grandson Ferdinando II (1610-21-70) after the death of her son,
Cosimo II. She was well-disposed to the scientist Galileo and as a favor in
return for some services rendered by him when he was still in Padua found a
position for his brother in law Benedetto Landucci. It was to Christina that
Galileo later wrote his letter on science and scripture, "Letter to the Grand
Duchess Christina of Lorraine." She was the daughter of Charles II and Claude de
France and lived (1565-1637).
1621-28 Regent Dowager Duchess Maria Maddalena de Austria of Toscana (Italy)
After the death of her husband, Cosimo II de' Medici, she acted as regent for
son Ferdinando II (1621-70). Her weakness led to the loss of Tuscany's right to
the Duchy of Urbino, which fell vacant, and which Pope Urban VII took as an
unoccupied fief of the Church. Also known as Maria Magalena von Habsburg, she
was mother of 8 children, and lived (1589-1631).
1621-42 Guardian Dowager Duchess Magdalena von Oldenburg of Anhalt-Zerbst
(Germany)
1621-57 Dowager Reigning Lady of the Administrative Office and Castle of Coswig
Her husband, Rudolf (1576-1603-21), died shortly after the birth of her son,
Johan, and her brother-in-law, August von Anhalt-Köthen-Plötzkau (1575-1653),
was named regent. Because of the upheavels during the Thirty Years War she had
to leave Zerbst and seek refuge with her children in Wittenberg until she moved
to Oldenburg with her children in 1633 and lived by her brother, Anton Günther,
and they did not move back until Zerbst until 1642. In 1646 she and her son were
named heirs of the Lordships Jever and Knyphausen after her childless brother,
and her son inherited the territories in 1667. The mother of 2 daughters and a
son, she was daughter of Graf Johann XVI. von Oldenburg (1540-1603) and
Elisabeth von Schwarzburg (1541-1612), and lived (1585-1657).
1621-37 Territorial Princess Olimpia Aldobrandini (Senior) of Rossano Calabro
(Italy)
Niece of Pope Clemente VIII (Ippolito Aldobrandini) (1536-92-1605) and universal
heir of her brother, Cardinal Pietro Aldobrandino (d. 1621). She administrered
her places, cities and feudal fiefs in Calabria, Romagna, Lazio with great
competence. and laid the foundations for the future Duchies of Carpineto, Maenza,
Gavignano, Montelanico and Gorga, and she transformed the feudal territory into
a dukedom also including several surrounding villages. In 1629, she ordered the
building of St. Peter's Church, which she provided with gorgeous reliquaries and
frescoes, the best known being a fresco attributed to the famous painter
Caravaggio. She was married to Gianfrancesco Aldobrandini and mother two
daughters and one son, who also died in 1637 and the family inheritance was
therefore taken over by her granddaughter, Olimpia Junior. She lived
(1567-1637).
1621-40 Princess-Abbess Magdalene II zur Lippe of Herford (Germany)
In 1631 Herford became a Free City (Reichstadt). Magdalene was daughter of Count
Simon VI zur Lippe (1554-1613) and his second wife, Countess Elisabeth von
Holstein-Schaumburg, and lived (1595-1640).
1621-58 Princess-Abbess Agnes III von Greuth of Säckingen (Germany)
The first Swedish Troops occupied the territory during the Thirty Year War, they
were soon driven out but in 1638 they came back, and the various cities,
including Laufenburg was plundered and heavely taxed. After the Swedes followed
the Imperial troops and on top of that the plague. The war lasted until 1650 and
Agnes III had escaped into exile in Baden.
1622-28 Regent Dowager Duchess Margherita Aldobrandini of Parma (Italy)
After the death of her husband, Rainuncio I (1569-1622), she chaired the
government in the name of their son, Odoardo I. She was Princess di Parpugnano
in her own right from 1601, and daughter of Olympia Aldorandini, Princess di
Rossano Calabro (1567-1623-37), and lived (1585-1646).
1622-84 Sovereign Princesse Anne de Rohan of Guémené, Châtellenie de Guémené,
Plouray and Corlay, Baroness de Montauban and Dame de Saint Maure
1660-84 Duchess of Saint-Maure
She succeeded her brother, Pierre de Rohan, who did not have any children in his
two marriages. During the Fronde she participated in all the complots against
Richelieu and Cardinal de Retz. In 1660 the king named her Duchess of Saint
Maure. She was married to Louis VIII de Rohan, Duke de Montbazon (1598-1667),
mother of a number of children and lived (1604-84)
1622-50 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Duchess Hedwig von Braunschweig-Lüneburg
of and Administrative Unit and Castle of Neustein in Pommern-Stettin
(Germany/Poland)
Her husband Philipp had taken over the Evangelical Bishopcy of Cammin, when his
brother, Franz succeeded their older brother as Duke of Pommern-Stettin. He
later recived the Offices of Neustettin and Rügenwalde until he succeeded his
brother as duke but died after only two years, and she took over Neustettin as
her dorwy. In 1640 she founded a Gymnasium (High School) in the Town of
Neustettin. Like the marriages of all the last Dukes of Pommern, theirs was also
childless. She was daughter of Duke Heinrich Julius von
Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel and Elisabeth af Danmark, and lived (1595-1650).
1622-70 Hereditary Sovereign Lady Anna Katharina von Hohenzollern of
Königsberg-Kynau (Germany)
The 9th child of Johann Georg von Hohenzollern, Herr zu Königsberg-Kynau, and
his second wife, Katharina Berka von Duba und Leipa. Her only surviving sister,
Anna Ursula (1607-67) did obviously not inherit the estate and title. Anna
Katharina first married Baron Moritz August von Rochow and after his death in
1657 Count Heinrich Christof von Hochberg-Rohnstock (d. 1675), she lived
(1618-70).
1622 Dowager County Sheriff Helle Jørgensdatter Marsvin of Arnsborg Len, Denmark
In 1601 she had inherited Vapnö, one of the three biggest manor houses in
Halland. She became acting County Sheriff after the death of her husband, Jakob
Bek til Beldringe.
1623-63 Queen Nzinga M'Bandi of Ngola and Kongo (Angola and Congo)
1623-26 Governor of Luanda for the Portuguese
Also Known as Pande Doña Ana Souza. Nzinga (or Jinga) was Queen of the N'dongo
and Matamba kingdoms. She assigned women important government offices.
Constantly driven east by the Portuguese, Nzinga organized a powerful guerrilla
army, conquered the Matamba, and developed alliances to control the slave
routes. She even allied with the Dutch, who helped her stop the Portuguese
advancement. After a series of decisive setbacks, Nzinga negotiated a peace
treaty with the Portuguese, but still refused to pay tribute to the Portuguese
king. Two of her war leaders were reputedly her sisters, her council of advisors
contained many women, and women were called to serve in her army. She was
daughter of N'Gola Kiluanzi Kia Samba and succeeded her brother. Lived
(1581-1663).
1623-48 Kösem Mahpeyker Valide Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (Covering Turkey,
Greece, The Balcans, parts of the Middle East and Northern Africa)
1623-32 Regent (Naib-i-Sultanat)
1648-51 Regent Büyük Valide Sultan
In 1623 Sultan Mustafa was deposed for the second time and replaced by her son
14 year old son, Murat IV, and she acted as his regent for some years an
corresponded frequently with the various Grand Vezirs about the state of the
empire. When Murat died as result of alcoholism in 1640, she had to have Murat's
corpse brought before the door of the Cage, where her younger son, Ibrahim, had
spend most of his life, like all princes in the Ottoman house, because he was
too scared of being killed by his older brother to come out. He was mentally ill
and power again fell to her together with the Grand Vezir Kara Mustafa Pasha,
but they were often at odds, trying to overthrow each other. 1648 Ibrahim was
deposed and killed. Her grandson Mehmed IV was only six, and Kösem again became
regent with the title of Great Mother Sultan because Mehmed's mother Hadice
Tarhan was only 23 and considered too young to rule. The period was the period
of corruption, bribery and anarchy, and a fierce rivalry grew between Kösem
Sultan and Turhan Hatice Sultan. Kösem tried to save herself and her followers
by plotting to poison the young sultan - and to replace him with his mad cousin
Süleymen. But Turhan Hatice Sultan learned of the plot and thwarted it with the
help of the palace black eunuchs and the sultan's personal guard, and Kösem was
strangled to death after a fight, where it took four men to subdue her. Other
versions of her name was Kiusem, Koisem, or Kieuzel Sultan, and she was probably
born as Anastasya, the daughter of a Bosnian priest, and lived (ca. 1589-1651).
1623-26 Regent Princess Dowager Elisabeth van Nassau of Sedan (France)
Her husband, de La Tour d'Auvergne, Duc de Bouillon tried to keep his small but
independent state of Sedan independent from France, but as more and more
Huguenots came for refuge, it became a Protestant center within an increasingly
hostile Catholic country. She acted as regent during his absence from the state
and after his death, she reigned in the name of her son, Frédéric-Maurice
(1605-52) and continued to act as temporary regent for him after he came of age.
Two of her sisters were regents in Hanau and The Rhine. She lived (1577-1642).
1623-30 Princess-Abbess Isabelle II de Schouteete van Zuylen of Nivelles, Dame
Temporaire and Spirituelle of Nivelles (Belgium)
She was member of an old Belgian family of high nobility.
1623 Dowager County Sheriff Anne Lykke of Kalundborg Len with Arts, Skippinge
and Samsø and County Sheriff of København Len, Denmark
A major landowner, she took over as County Sheriff after the death of her
husband Kaj Rantzau til Rantzausholm. She was owner of Harridslvesgaard Castle
1623-31.
1623/24-69 Sovereign Duchess Françoise de Lorraine of Mercoeur and Penthièvre,
Sovereign Princess of Martigues (France)
Daughter of Duchess Marie de Luxembourg-Saint-Pôl (1579-1602) married to Cécar
de Bourbon, Duc de Vendome, the son of Gabrielle d'Estree and King Henry IV. She
lived (1692-1669).
1623-43 Politically Influential Kasugano-tsubone in Japan
In 1604, she was given the postion as nurse of Tokugawa Iemitsu. When Iemitsu
became the third Tokugawa shogun in 1623, she became the power behind the
shogunate, particularly in his isolationist and anti-Christian policies. She was
daughter of Saito Toshimitsu, a warlord who chose the wrong side in the fight
between Hideyoshi and Akechi Mitsuhide, she was raised by her mother's
relatives, and lived (1579-1643).
1624-35 Raja Ratu Ungu of Patani (Thailand)
She was the last of three sisters to rule the kingdom since 1585 and must have
been well into her 60ies. She became known as 'The Purple Queen". During the
reign of the of three sisters the Malayan Kingdom-Sultanate was expanded its
borders to include Kelantan and Trengganu and became the most powerful Malay
state after Johor. It was during this time that Patani became renowned for
manufacturing cannon, producing three of the largest bombards ever cast in the
region - 'Mahalela', 'Seri Negara' and 'Seri Petani'. With each measuring over
six metres in length. She had previously married the neighbouring Sultan Abdul-Ghafur
Mohaidin Syah of Pahang, which caused some tension until it was established that
each would continue to live in their own state. She had had a daughter by him,
who became Raja Kuning; 'the yellow queen' in 1636.
1624-57 Sovereign Duchess Nicole of Lorraine (France)
Also known as Nikolaea or Nicoläa von Lothringen, she was daughter of Heinrich
der Gute von Lothringen, who was succeeded by Franz de Vaudemont in 1624, who
abdicated after 2 months. Her husband, Karl IV was Duke 1625-34 by the right of
his wife - until his abdication. France occupied the Duchy 1633-36 and 1641-75.
She lived (1608-57).
Until 1624 Sovereign Duchess Diane de Luxembourg-Saint-Pôl of Piney (France)
Daughter of Count Charles de Ligny (d. 1608) and Brienne and Marie de Nogaret.
Her sister was Louise, Countess de Brienne (1567-1647).
1624 Dowager County Sheriff Lisbeth Gyldenstierne of Dragsholm Len, Denmark
Acted after the death of her husband, Oluf Ronsensparre.
1624-? Dowager County Sheriff Kirsten Hansdatter of Kullegaard Len in Skåne,
Denmark (Now Sweden)
Widow of Bernd Vacke.
1625-39 Regent Dowager Margravine Sophia zu Solms-Laubach of Brandenburg-Ansbach
(Germany)
She had been very influential during the reign of her husband, Joachim Ernst,
since their marriage in 1612. After his death, she became joint regent for their
son Friederich, who died in battle just after reaching the age of majority in
1634 and then for the second son, Albrecht V, whom she send off to security in
France. She was overpowered by the ordeals of the 30th year war, its
devastation, famine and other problems and at one occasions she had to flee from
the Swedish, Imperial and other troops, and the occupation continued even after
she joined the socalled Peace of Prague in 1635. She lived (1594-1651).
1625-49 Politically Influential Queen Henrietta Maria de France of England
Very influential during the reign of her husband, Charles I (1625-49). She
married him in 1625 and although she was devoted and loyal to her husband, her
Roman Catholic faith made her suspect in England. By her negotiations with the
pope, with foreign powers, and with English army officers, she added to the
suspicions against Charles that helped to precipitate the English civil war in
1642. After 1644 she lived in France, making continual efforts to secure foreign
aid for her husband until his execution in 1649. She remained very active in the
fight for her son's restoration, and returned to England in 1660, but resumed
living in France five years later. Her influence may have affected the religious
beliefs of her sons Charles II and James II, although she herself was
unsuccessful in her attempts to convert them to Catholicism. She was daughter of
Henri IV of France, mother of seven children of whom only three survived into
adulthood, and lived (1609–69).
1625-53 Sovereign Duchess Elisabeth Lucretia of Teschen-Freistadt (Těšín/Cieszyn)
(Bohemia - Czech Republic)
Also known as Alžběta Lukrécie or Elżbieta Lukrecja, she succeeded brother,
Friedrich Wilhelm of the Slesian Duchy, which had become part of Bohemia, and
was successful in maintaining her independence against the co-regency of her
husband, Fürst Gundacar von Liechtenstein (who was first married to Countess
Agnes of Ostfriesland-Rietberg). She was an ardent follower of the
contra-reformation and mother of 3 children. After her death, the Duchy was
incorporated into Bohemia. She lived (1599-1653).
1625-30 Princess-Abbess Juliana Rembold of Baindt (Germany)
The Abbey was founded 1227, and it's Princess-Abbess had been Sovereign Ruler of
the Ecclesiastical Territory since around 1373 with the rank of a Princess of
The Empire.
1625-49 Princess-Abbess Catharina Elisabeth von Oldenburg-Delmenhorst of
Gandersheim (Germany)
The city of Gandersheim was occupied several times by Tilly's troops in 1626.
Also known as Katharina Elisabeth she was daughter of Duke Anton II of Oldenburg
Delmenhorst and Sibylle Elisabeth of Braunschweig-Dannenberg, regent of
Delmenhorst 1619-30. One sister, Sidonia, was sovereign of Herford (1640-49)
before her marriage to Duke August Philip von Schleswig-Holstein-Sønderborg-Beck,
and another, Sibylla Maria, was Dechantin of Herford until 1638. Catharina
Elisabeth lived (1603-49).
From 1626 Regent Aayat Bahs Bigum of Golkonda (India)
After the death of her husband, she reigned in the name of Sultan Abd Allah
(1613-26-72). The Golkonda state broke from Gulbarga in 1518 and remained
independent under eight sultans until 1687 when it was conquered by the Great
Mughal Aurangzeb.
1626 Feudal Baroness Donna Eleonore Mastrantonio Bardi Centelles of Calcusa
(Italy)
She succeeded her father, Vincenzo Mastrantonio, but sold the feudal title to
Giuseppe Bologna shortly after.
1626-ca.41 Princess-Abbess Madeleine II von und zu Elz of Munsterbilzen, Dame
of Wellen, Haccourt, Hallembaye and Kleine-Spouwen (Belgium)
Also known as Magdalena, she was daughter of Gottfried, Herr zu Üttingen,
Wolmeringen, Ennery, Clervaux und Kumeringen and Elizabeth de Heu. Her sister,
Maria (b. 1581) was a nun at the chapter.
Before 1626 and 1650-54 Princess-Abbess Maria von Effern, genant Hall of Keppel
(Germany)
The Chapter had been protestant since 1572, but as a result of the
counter-reformation initiated by Johann VIII VIII von Nassau (1623-1638), the
Chapter was abolished 1626 and transferred to the Jesuits. She managed to have
the Chapter restored as a double-convent with both Protestant and Catholic
canonisses, and until it's secularisation in 1806, the post of Abbesses
alternated between representatives of the two denominations.
1627-64 Duchess Marie-Claire de Croÿ-Havré of Havré (Belgium)
She succeeded her father, Charles Alexandre Havré, Prince and Duc of Croÿ, who
was murdered. She first married a relative Charles Philippe de Croy, Marquis de
Renty (d. 1640) and then his brother, Philippe Francois de Croy, Duc d'Havre (d.
1650). Her son, Phillippe Eugene, was Marquis de Renty and Bishop of Valencia
until his death in 1665. Then her daughter, Marie Ferdinande (d. 1683) succeeded
to the title. She was married to Count Louis van Egmond, Prince de Gavre (d.
1682). Marie-Claire lived (1605-64).
1627-31 Joint Guardian Dowager Countess Maria Magdalena von Waldeck-Wildungen of
Lippe (Germany)
Her son Simon Ludwig (1610-27-36) succeeded his half-brother, Simon VII.
(1587-1613-27) under the regency of her father, count Christian zu Waldeck. She
lived (1606-71).
1627-58 Titular Countess Kirsten Munk of Slesvig and Holsten, Denmark
She married King Christian 4 of Denmark to the "left hand" in 1615 and had 12
children with him (who had a total of 24 children with his two wifes and a
number of mistresses). In 1627 she and her daughters were given the title of
Countess, but in 1630 she was banned to her estates Boller and Rosenvold, which
she had inherited from her mother, Ellen Marsvin, because of an affaire with
Count Otto Ludwig zu Salm. One of her daughters was Leonora Christine (see
1643). Kirsten Munk lived (1598-1658).
1627-29 Princess-Abbess Barbara III Gräter of Heggbach (Germany)
The former Prioress, she died of the plague, and lived (1567-1629).
1628-... Sovereign Lady of the Realm Elisabeth Amalia von Löwenhaput of
Reipoltskirchen (Germany)
After the death of her father, Steino, she was joint heiress to the lordship,
which became a co-lordship (Erbgemeinschaft or Ganerbschaft). She was married to
Count Philipp von Manderscheid.
1628 Chief Guardian Dowager Duchess Barbara Sophie von Brandenburg of
Württemberg
1628-36 Reigning Dowager Lady of Kirchheim (Germany)
As Chief Guardian (Obervormünderin) of her 14 year old son, she was politcally
active. She had withdrawn to her dowry after her husband's death but returned to
Stuttgart in 1632. She lived (1584-1636).
1628-34 Reigning Dowager Lady Anna Amalia zu Solms-Sonnenwalde im Ort Döttingen
in Hohenlohe-Neuenstein (Germany)
Widow of Count Philipp Ernst von Hohenlohe-Langenburg-Neuenstein (1584-1628),
she buildt a hospital and other charitable institutions, and lived (1585-1634).
1629-43 Meishō Tennō of Japan
明正天皇 was the 109th imperial ruler of Japan, reigning from December 22, 1629 to
November 14, 1643. She was the 2nd daughter of Emperor Go-Mizunoo. Her mother
was Tokugawa Kazuko, daughter of the 2nd shōgun, Tokugawa Hidetada.
Her name was derived by combining the names of two previous empresses, Gemmei
(707-715) and her daughter Genshō (715-724). She became Empress after her
father, Emperor Go-Mizunoo suddenly abdicated in the Purple Clothes Incident. By
her enthronement, she became the first woman to occupy the throne since Empress
Shōtoku, who died in 769. During her reign, her father Emperor Go-Mizunoo ruled
in her name. In 1643, she abdicated in favour of her younger half-brother, who
became Emperor Go-Kōmyō. Her personal name was Okiko and her title was Onna
Kazu no miya. After her abdication, Meisho, lived in retirement for 53 years,
having lived (1624-96).
1629-30 Princess Regnant Katharina von Brandenburg of Transylvania
(Hungary/Romania)
She became ruler after the death of her husband, Bethlen Gábor (or Gabriel), who
was elected prince af the assassinaton of Báthori Gábor in 1613. A Protestant,
though tolerant toward all religions, he had allied himself with the Protestant
Frederick, the Winter King of Bohemia and overran Hungary in 1619 and was
elected its king the following year. After Frederick's defeat at the White
Mountain, Gábor signed with Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II the Treaty of
Nikolsburg, by which he renounced the royal title but retained control of seven
Hungarian counties and received the rank of prince of the empire. He continued
his relations with the Protestant powers opposing the emperor in the Thirty
Years War, but kept the interests of Transylvania paramount. He was a wise
administrator and encouraged the development of law and learning. Katharina was
succeeded by brother-in-law Istvan Bethlen, who died 1630. In Transylvania she
was known as Brandenburgi Katalin, and lived (1602-44).
1629-47 Guardian Dowager Countess Juliane Elisabeth zu Salm-Neufville of Reuss
zu Obergreiz (Germany)
After the death of her husband, Heinrich IV Reuss zu Obergreiz (1597-1629) she
was guardian for son, Heinrich I, who was raised to the status of Counts in
1673. His relative, Heinrich II von Reuss zu Schleiz was regent until 1637 and
Heinrich III zu Schleiz until 1647 of the state wich today is part of Thüringen.
She lived (1602-53).
1629-48 Politically Influential Vibeke Kruse in Denmark
She came into the service of Kirsten Munk, the second wife of Christian IV, and
later of Munk's mother, Ellen Marsvin. The long suffering relationship between
the king and his wife ended in divorce. Vibeke had a son, Ulrik Christian
Gyldenløve, and had a great influence on the King.He presented her with an
estate in Holstein and a house in Copenhagen. At the death of Christian IV, she
was expelled from Rosenborg by Kirsten Munk's son-in-law, Corfitz Ulfeldt. He
also tried to initiate a court case against her. She died a few months later.
(d. 1648).
1629-42 Dowager County Sheriff Dorote Hansdatter of Sællemarksgård Len with
Samsø, Denmark
In charge of the fief after the death of her husband, Jakob Brun.
1629-35 Princess-Abbess Margaretha II Täschler of Heggbach (Germany)
Daughter of a Mayor of Ravensburg and former nurse, gate-keeper and prioress
before her election. In 1632 the ladies of the chapter fled for the Swedish
troops first to Waldsee and Biberach and then further into Switzerland. 1634 she
was taken hostage in Ravensburg by Swedish troops together with the Abbess of
Gutenzell and the Abbots of Weissenau and Schussenried and only released against
a large ransum. In 1635 the first ladies returned, but Margaretha died of the
plague, after having lived (1591-1635).
1629-33 Reigning Abbess-General Ana Maria Manrique de Lara of the Monastery of
Santa Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
Member of a family of high nobility, decendants of the kings of Navarra,
Vicounts of Narbona, Lords of Molina and later counts of Aguilar which held high
state office and were very influential.
1630s Joint Reigning Princess Goshayah-biyche of The Karachai (Russia)
First reigned the Turkic people closely related to the Balkars together with
Kamgut. The tribe and were driven into the highlands of the North Caucasus by
Mongols in the 13th century. She then reigned together with then with Elbuzduk
and finally with Giliaksan.The territory was annexed by the Russian Empire in
1828 but they continued to resist Russian rule throughout the 19th century.
Ca. 1630-ca. 60 Queen Nana Yita of Nsuta (Ghana)
Succeeded Queen Nana Ikuro and succeeded by son Nana Dansu Abeo. In 1701 it was
one of the founding states of the Asante Confederation.
Ca. 1630 Queen Nana Aberewa Ampen of Juaben (Ghana)
Succeeded by son, Nana Ampomben Afera.
1630-52 Reigning Lady Anna Sophia von Anhalt zu Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt of the
Oberschloss zu Kranichfeld and its Villages (Germany)
Widow of Count Carl Günther zu Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, who acquired the
Oberschloss zu Kranichfeld in 1620, and she reigned there after his death. They
had no children and the county of Schwarzburg was inherited by her
brother-in-law, Anthon. Kranichfeld was divided in the Oberschloss and
Niederburg and it meant that many streets, houses and even rooms were divided
between the different overlords. Anna Sophia had the village given city rights
in 1651. She was preoccupied with youth and education and she founded an Academy
for women, she was a poet, philosopher, and lived (1584-1652).
1630-70 Sovereign Princess Charlotte di Madruzzo of Valangin, Countess de
Challant, Baronesse de Bauffremont etc. (France)
The daughter of Gabriele Ferdinando, who died in 1630, she succeeded her
brother, Carlo Enrico, 9th Barone di Madruzzo, Sovereign Prince of Valangin etc,
who died the same year. She married Charles de Lenoncourt Marquis de Lenoncourt
et Blainville, and lived (1602-70).
1630-54 Princess-Abbess Adrienne II de Lannoy of Nivelles, Dame Temporaire and
Spirituelle of Nivelles (Belgium)
She was member of an old and illustrious Belgian noble family, the Lords and
Dames of Lannoy etc.
1630-44 Princess-Abbess Katharina III Rueff of Baindt (Germany)
In May 1632 the Chapter was attacked by the Swedes for the first time, and most
of the nuns escaped. In the autum of 1635 seven of the nuns died of the plague
within a few weeks. And in 1643 the chapter was looted three times.
1630-31 Dowager County Sheriff Birgitte Brockenhuus of Nyborg Len, Denmark
Acted as administrator of the fief and local representative of the king after
the death of her husband, Jakob Ulfeldt til Ulfeldsholm. They were parents of
Corfitz Ulfeldt, Chancellor of the Realm etc. and husband of Leonora Christine,
the daughter of King Christian 4.
1630-63 Princess-Abbess Barbara Thumb of Gutenzell (Germany)
In 1632 the ladies of the Chapter fled the approaching Swedes and escaped to
Steiermark. As they left in 1646 they put the Chapter on fire.
1631-81 Politically Influential Jahanara Begum Sahib of the Mughal Empire
(India)
She was the eldest daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahall and is an
example of a tradition of unmarried Princesses in the Mughal Dynasty. When her
mother Mumtaz Mahall (Taj Mahall) died in 1631 giving birth to her 14th child,
Jahanara, became the uncrowned woman figure head, and her father's fondness for
her was reflected in the multiple titles he bestowed upon her, which include
Sahibat al-Zamani, Mistress of the Age, and Padshah Begum, or Lady Emperor.
Jahanara played an important role in the politics of the imperial family. This
is seen through the instrumental position she held in the marriage arrangements
of her three brothers. In addition she was politically active during the ‘War of
Succession’ that took place at the end Shahjahan’s reign as emperor in 1658 when
Azrangzib, Jahanara’s brother, challenged and eventually took power from
Shahjahan. During the conflict Jahanara supported her father’s claim to the
throne and cared for him during his forced imprisonment, which lasted until his
death in 1666. Upon her father’s death, Jahanara emerged from fort Agra and was
given a sizable monetary gift by Azrangzib. The title of Padishah Begum she was
permitted to disobey Aurangzeb's laws and criticize him. Jahanara composed many
poems, painted, and honoured her father and mothers' love of the arts, and lived
(1614-81)..
1631-32 Dowager County Sheriff Jytte Brok of Vestervig Len, Denmark
After her husband, Jørgen Skeel, died, she was in charge of the fief.
1631-42 Sovereign Countess Sophia Hedwig zu Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel of
Spiegelberg (Germany)
1632-42 Regent Dowager Countess of Nassau in Diez (Germany)
Following the death of her husband, Ernst Kasimir, Count of Nassau,
Katzenelnbogen, Vianden and Diez, Baron of Dillenburg, Governor of Rhineberk,
Lieutenant-governor of Gelderland and of Utrecht, Stadtholder of Friesland 1620
and of Groningen and Drenthe in 1625, she took over the regency of Dietz and in
1633 she moved to the old middle-age borough, with little furniture and without
any kind of luxury. She was in the middle of the 30-year war, with continuing
warfare, troops moving through the country and lootings with damaged the county
seriously. On top of it all came failed harvests, epidemics and famine. She
developed into a forceful and brave ruler and she was able to hand over the
power to her son, Hendrik Casimir, after he came of age in 1634, but he was in
Friesland as Stadtholder. After his death in 1640, her second son, Willem
Frederik, became Stadholder of Friesland, and she again takes over the reigns in
Dietz. She was very fat and of ill health. Only two of her nine children survied
into adholthood, and she lived (1592-1642)
1631 Princess-Abbess Josina Walpurgis von Löwenstein-Rochefort of Thorn (The
Netherlands)
She was only 15 when elected to the post of sovereign of the eccleastical
territory. She was not interested in her post and let herself be abducted and
married to Count Herman Frederik van den Bergh. Her father put her in the very
strict Chapter of Rochefort, but after four years she escaped and was reunited
with her husband.
1631-46 Princess-Abbess Anna Eleonora von Stauffen of Thorn (The Netherlands)
1645-46 Princess-Abbess of Essen (Germany)
She had been Dechantin or Decaness of Essen before she was elected
Princess-Abbes of Thorn, and was the first to be elected sovereign of both
territories. Both Chapters held a vote in the Geistlischen Fürstenbank (Bench of
Lords Spiritual) of the Westphalischer Kreis (Westphalian Circle), and therefore
held two votes in the regional assembly. She also had two votes in the College
of the Prelates of the Rhine, whose 17 members (Princess-Abbesses and
Prince-Abbots) had a joint vote in the Council of the Princes of the Imperial
Diet, where the representative of the Prelates sat on the Ecclesiastical Bench.
1631-96 "Heiress" Vittoria della Rovere of Urbino (Italy)
Her father, Hereditary Duke Federico Ubaldo, was poisoned at the age 18 and when
his father, Francesco Maria II, died in 1631 the duchy was re-icorpcorporated to
Papal State. Vittoria inherited the vast personal inheritance of the family. She
was married to Fernando II de' Medici of Toscana (1610-21-70), and lived
(1622-94).
1632-54 Christina, by the Grace of God of Sweden's, the Goths and Wends Queen,
Grand Duchess of Finland, Duchess of Estonia, Carelia, Bremen, Verden, stettin,
Pommeria, Cassuben and Wendia, Princess of Rügen and Mistress ower Ingermanneland
and Wissmar
When she succeeded her father Gustav II Adolf at the age of six, a regency under
Axel Oxenstierna reigned until she assumed full royal power in 1644. Throughout
her reign, she attempted to increase the authority of the Crown, and in this she
was supported by the lower estates against the nobility and the Council of the
Realm. The Thirty Years' War, however, had led Sweden into an economic crisis
that Christina was unable to resolve. Highly intelligent, she was interested in
intellectual pursuits and was influenced by the French philosopher René
Descartes, who lived in Stockholm in 1649-50. Christina never married, and in
1654 she abdicated in favour of her cousin Karl of the Pfalz. She moved to Rome
and later announced that she had converted to Roman Catholicism. She lived
(1626-89).
1632-44 Politically Active Dowager Queen Maria Eleonora zu
Hohenzollern-Brandenburg of Sweden
She engaged in disputes with the Regency-council for her daughter, Queen
Kristina. 1636 her parental right to Kristina was taken away from here and she
was taken to Gripsholms castle. 1640 she fled to Gotland where she got on board
a Danish warship which took her to Denmark. In Denmark she became the guest of
Christian 4 at Nykøbing Castle. Her intentions where to go to Germany, but as
her brother refused to accept her she didn't reach Brandenburg until her nephew
Fredrik Wilhelm, which succeeded his father in 1640, gave his permission in
1644. But soon she started to long for Sweden again and after the Westphalian
Peace she returned. Before she died in 1655 she had endured one last sorrow, her
daughters' abdication from the Swedish Throne. She lived (1599-1655).
1632/33 Sultan Alimah I of Nzwani, Comoro Islands
Formerly known as Anjouan, an Island in the Mozambique Channel off north west
Madagascar between Mayotte and Njazídja in the Indian Ocean. The hilly island
is only 424 square kilometers.
1632-47 Olangio to hoelialio Bumulo Raja To Huliyalio of the Downlying Parts of
Gorontalo (Indonesia)
The principality in North Sulawesi was devided between to branches of the same
dynasty, which reigned a part each. She belonged to the Raja To Huliyalio Branch
and her title means ruler of the downlying parts. She succeeded her adopted
father's wife, Mbohelo. Bumlo was succeeded by husband, Tiduhula, who in 1677
was succeeded by sons Bia (d. 1680) and Walangadi I (d. 1718).
1632-37 Regent Dowager Countess Agnes Reuss zu Gera of Mansfeld zu Heldrugen
(Germany)
After the death of her husband, Ernst Ludwig von Mansfeld, (1605-32), she became
regent for son, Christoph Heinrich (1628-37) until his death. She was daughter
of Heinrich II Reuss zu Plauen, Lord zu Lobenstein, Gera, Herr zu
Ober-Kranichfeld and his second wife n Magdalene von Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, and
lived (1600-42).
1632-46 Regent Dowager Archduchess Claudia de' Medici of Tirol (Austria)
Her husband had been Governor of Tirol, but later became Prince of the
Territory. After his death she reigned together with a 5-person Council of
Advisors for her minor son Archduke Ferdinand Karl von Habsburg of Austria
(1628-32-62). She was in charge of the government during the 30-year war, the
Swedes threatened Tyrol and she had a defence-line built at the northern
boarder, and she reorganised the army. She also promoted trade, cut spending,
limited the state-depths, reintroduced law and order, tried to limit the
persecution of witches. But she did not allow Protestants or other non-Catholics
in the County; she wanted it to be a "holy land".She lived (1604-48).
1632-4.. County Sheriff Karen Rachs of Kornerupgård Len, Denmark
Widow of Erik Vasspyd
1633-50 Sovereign Duchess Charlotte Marguerite de Montmorency and Dame de Saint-Liébault
et d'Arvilliers (France)
Succeeded brother, Henri II, Duc de Montmorency et de Damville, Governor of
Languedoc and Vice-Roy of New France, and married to Prince Henri II de Bourbon-Condé.
She attracted the attention of King Henri IV and therefore she was send out of
the country and her husband had to flee to escape the king's fury. After Henri
IV's assassination they returned. She was mother of three children and lived
(1594-1650).
1633-79 Reigning Territorial Princess Maria Polissena Landi of Val di Taro con
Val di Ceno (Valditaro), Marchioness di Bardi, Countess and Baroness di Compiano,
Lady di Valdena, Bedonia etc. (Italy)
From 1578 to 1682 the principality consisted solely of the two jurisdictions of
Bardi and Compiano, the only example of an “institutional territorial state” in
Italy, the life of which, however, is crystallized on foundations antiquated by
the imperial protection. All powers was in the hands of the lord, the Most
Excellent Prince. 1627 her father Federico I Landi optained imperial permission
to let her succeed all the fiefs of the Consanguin House of Svevi and Genoese
Princely family. 1630 was the year of the Manzonian plague and the golden era of
the State of Bardi and Compiano was about to end. She was married to Pagano
Giovanni Andrea II Doria, Principe di Melfi, Marchese di Torriglia, Santo
Stefano d’Aveto, Ottone, Carrega, Garbagna, Cabella e Fontanarossa, Conte di
Loano, etc., Viceroy of Sardinia (1607-40). 3 years after her death, the
principalty was incorporated into Parma. She lived (1608-1679).
1633-36 Reigning Abbess-General Catalina de Arellano of the Monastery of Santa
Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
Her full surname was Cortes y Ramirez de Arellano and she was daughter of Martin
Cortes, Marchese della Valle di Oaxaca (1532-89), and Ana de Arellano, the
daughter of Ana Ramirez de Arellano, 4th Countess di Aguila and Pedro Ramirez de
Arellano, 5th Count of Aguilar. Also related to Felipe Ramírez de Arellano,
Conde de Aguilar, who was Viceroi of Navarra 1618-20.
1634-49 Hereditary Sovereign Lady Anna Maria of Geroldseck und Sulz (Germany)
Heir to the large territory from her father, Jakob von Geroldseck und Sulz, who
was the last male of the family. But conflict broke out between the Overlord,
the Emperor of Austria, and the Margrave of Baden-Durlach. Austria occupied the
territory and appointed Hermann von Cronberg as Lord, who had already been
promised the post in 1620. Anna Maria's mother was Elisabeth Schenkin vom
Limburg and married Friedrich von Solms, and she lived (1593-1649).
1634 Adatuang We Abeng of Sidenreng (Indonesia)
She succeeded her father Adatuang La Patiroi, but the same year her
half-brother, La Makkaraka, took power in the Bugis state in South-Western
Celebes/Sulawesi.
1634-76 Princess-Abbess Anna Christiane Hundbiss von Waltrams of Lindau (Germany)
1646-47 the City of Lindau was under siege during the 30th Year War. Swedish
troops tried to conquer the city, the citizen fought back. After the Peace of
Westphalia in 1648, the Imperial Troops left the city and the Confessional
Independence of the City was confirmed - it remained Protestant. The Catholic
Fürstäbtissin Anna Christiane was member of a noble family from Württemberg,
which also spells its name as Hundpiß von Waltrams.
Around 1634 Feudal Baroness Isabella Filomarino Della Tolfa, Principessa del
Principe della Rocca d'Aspro (Italy)
In 1634 she sold the feudal barony to Beatrice de Grevara
1634-35 Dowager County Sheriff Birgitte Lindenov of Ålborghus Len, Denmark
Following the death of her husband, Otto Skeel.
1634-35 Dowager County Sheriff Margrethe von der Lühe of Ryfylke, Jøderen and
Dalerne (Stavangers Len), Norway
After the death of her husband, Jørgen Brukkenhus til Sebberkloster. She was the
official local representative of the King of Denmark-Norway.
1635-88 Raja Ratu Kuning of Patani (Thailand)
She was known as 'The Yellow Queen', she succeeded her mother Queen Raja Ungu as
the last of four succesive Queens. She was the last Queen that the Patani
chronicles acknowledge as legitimate. European traders found Patani less
attractive than some of its neighbours in the second half of the century, and
consequently sources are scarce. From the reports deposed in Nagasaki by Chinese
junk captains, however, we know that the system of queens continued at least
into the 1690s, through two debilitating invasions by Siam in 1674 and 1688. The
four queens were able rulers and they all survived several coup attempts amid a
fluctuating political situation in the region. All the men who challenged their
power were "dealt with" in different ways. Nobody knows what actually happened
to them, but they were never seen again.
Around 1635 Datu We Tan-ri Sui of Mario-ri Wawo (Indonesia)
She was daughter of I-Dangka We Tan-ri Tuppu, Arumpone of Bone (1590- 1607) and
her husband and successor La Tan-ri Ruwa Paduka Sri Sultan Adam (1607-08). She
was married to La Pakkou To' Angkone Taddampali, Prince of Bone and their son
became Sultan and Arumpone of Bone in 1672, at a time when he had already
succeeded her as Datu of Mario-ri Wawo. He lived (1635-96). It is not known when
she lived.
1635-40 Regent Dowager Duchess Luisa Juliana von der Pfalz-Simmern-Sponheim of
Pfalz-Zweibrücken-Veldenz (Germany)
After the death of her husband, Herzog Johann II (1591-1604-35), she was in
charge of the Duchy in the name of her son, Friedrich. Her oldest daughter,
Elisabeth Louise Juliana, Pfalzgräfin v.d.Pfalz-Zweibrücken, was Äbtissin zu
Herford 1649-67. She lived (1594-1640).
1635-59 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowger Duchess Anne Sabine von Holstein-Sonderburg
of Leonberg in Württemberg (Germany)
Also known as Anna Sabina von Schleswig-Holstein-Sønderborg-Plön, she was widow
of Duke-Administrator Julius Friedrich von Württemberg in Juliusburg (1588-1635)
and held the castle and landscape as her dorwy. She was daugher of Johann, Duke
von Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Plön (son of king Christian 3 of Denmark) and
Agnes Hedwig von Anhalt-Zerbst, mother of 8 children, and lived (1593-1659).
1636-43 Regent Dowager Countess Katharina von Waldeck-Wildungen of Lippe-Detmold
(Germany)
After the death of her husband, Simon Ludwig, she claimed the regency for her
Simon Philipp (1632-36-50), but since she was only 24 and therefore not fully of
age (25 years). She aspired to have her father, Christian von Waldeck named
Co-Guardian or Contutor - he had already been regent for her husband. Her claims
were supported by the courts and Imperial decrees, but her brothers-in-law
ignored her rights and were de-facto in charge of the regency. As she feared
that her sons were in danger of being taken away from her, she made contact with
some troops from Hessen-Darmstadt, who secured the children and placed them
under the protection of Landgrave Georg II. von Hessen-Darmstadt. Her
brother-in-law Johann Bernhard made plans to divide the county between him and
another brother, but this alienated the Land-states who were now on Katharina's
side. In 1640 Imperial troops attacked the Castle of Detmold, and disarmed her
brothers-in-law, and took up negotiations with her. 10 years later her son died
without heirs, and her brogher-in-law finally inherited the county two years
before his death. His brother Hermann Adolf succeeded him. Katharina lived
(1612-49).
1636-37 Designate Regent and Guardian Dowager Duchess Eleonora Maria von
Anhalt-Bernburg of Mecklenburg-Güstrow (Germany)
She was her husband, Johann Albrecht II's third wife and gave birth to his first
surviving son, Gustav Adolf, in 1633. He named her, as regent and guardian in
his will, jointly with the reformed Elector Kurfürst Georg Wilhelm von
Brandenburg. Johann Albrecht wanted his son to be raised in the Calvinist faith,
but the Lutheran duke Adolf Friedrich von Mecklenburg-Schwerin protested. He
demanted that she withdrew to her dowry in Strelitz and left the child with him.
At the funeral the present princes tried to mediate but failed, she refused to
close her Calvinist chapel. Her opponents tried to oust her from the castle with
all means. Adolf Friedrich kidnapped his nephew from the Castle of Güstrow and
raised him with his own children in the Lutheran faith in Bützow, and he also
took over the guardianship of Güstrow. She appealed at the Emperor tried to find
support in Sweden. Even though Adolf Friedrich harassed her, she did not move to
her dowry until 1644, and from then on her 11-year-old son lived at Güstrow
Castle. At the same time the Swedish, Imperial and Prussian troops crossed
through Mecklenburg several times, causing much looting and hardship. Also
mother of three daughters, she lived (1600-57).
1636-63 Princess-Abbess Maria Scholastica Erberhard of Heggbach (Germany)
She was elected Abbess by the ladies of the chapter in exile in Feldbach in
Thurgau, where they had fled for the Swedes. But they soon returned and
continued their life in the territory. 1644 she wrote to Emperor Ferdinand III
asking for a moratorium aganst the creditors, this was granted and the depts
were cancelled, but still the finances remained limited and it took years to
rebuild the convent.
1636-39 Reigning Abbess-General Magdalena Enríquez Manrique de Ayala of the
Monastery of Santa Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
Held both temporal and secular powers in more than fifty villages.
1637-38 and 1638-48 Regent Dowager Duchess Marie-Chrétienne de France of Savoia
and Pidmont (Italy)
Following the death of her husband, Victor Amadeus I (1630-37), she was regent
for two sons, Francesco Giacinto (d. 1638) and Carlo Emanuele II. Civil war
erupted between her and her brother-in-law, Thomas from 1639-42. Until the Peace
of the Pyrenees in 1659, France remained a threat to Savoy.
As Princess of France her official title was Madame Royale. She lived (1606-63).
1637-50 Regent Dowager Landgravine Amalie Elisabeth von Hanau-Münzenberg of
Hessen-Kassel (Germany)
1643-51 Lady of the Administrative Office of Schwarzenfels in Hanau
Even though she was with her husband Wilhelm V in Ostfriesland when he died, she
was immediately named regent for their son Wilhelm VI and was in control in
spite of the fact that she did not return to the Landgravate until 1640 because
of the upheavals during the Thirty Years War. She was an able ruler and managed
add new territory to the state. She made a truce with the emperor but formed an
alliance with France and became a leading force in the Protestant Group during
the warfare. As regent she chaired the Councils of Regency almost daily, she
chaired various Local Diets (Landtags), which she called when she felt the need
for it. She was daughter of Count Philipp Ludwig II von Hanau–Münzenberg, and
after the death of the last of Münzenberg line she claimed her rights on the
basis of a inheritance-treaty from 1643, and received the Office of
Schwarzenfels as security and handed over the territory as her own property. She
was mother of several children and lived (1602-51).
1637-48 Stadtholder Countess Ursula von Solms-Braunfels of the Principality of
Orange (France)
After the death of her husband, Christopher, Burgrave and Lord zu
Dohna-Schlobitten, she took over his post governor. She was daughter of Count
Johann Albrecht I von Solms-Braunfels in Braunfels and Gambit and Countess Agnes
zu Sayn-Wittgenstein. Ursula was succeded by her son, Friedrich (1621-48-60-88).
She and lived (1594-1657).
1637-47 Governor Ludowika Maria Gonzaga of Nivernais (France)
1649-67 De Facto Co-Ruler Queen of Poland
1655-67 Sovereign Duchess of Opole and Racibórz
Very political influential and de facto co-ruler after her marriage to Władysław
IV Waza (1595-1632-48) and during the reign of his younger brother, king Jan II
Kazimierz Waza (1609-48-68). Maria Ludvica Gonzaga, Princess of Mantua, was also
kown as Marie-Louise de Gonzague, and lived (1611–67).
1637-38 Regent Dowager Empress Eleonora Gonzaga of Austria
She was the third wife of Ferdinand II of Austria and after his death, she acted
as regent for stepson Ferdinand III, who was participating in the Thirty Years
War. She established Carmelite convents in both Graz and Vienna. The daughter of
Duke Vincenzo I Gonzaga of Mantua) and Eleonora de Medici, she did not have any
children of her own, and lived (1598-1655).
1637-53 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Duchess Elisabeth von
Schleswig-Hostein-Sønderborg-Plön of The Castle and Administrative Unit of
Rügenwalde in Pommern (Germany)
At the day of her marriage to Bogislaw XIV, who was the last Duke of
Pommern-Stettin (1620-25) and Duke of Pommern (1625-37) and Evangelican Bishop
of Cammin (1623-37) he transferred the Schloss and Amt (or Bezierk) von
Rügenwalde to her for life. Her husband was a weak ruler, intangled in the chaos
of the Thirty Years War. As his brothers and cousins died, he inherited all of
Pommern but the united duchies did not have an united administration. In 1633 he
suffered a stroke and until his death 4 years later, the Duchy was conducted by
a Council of Regency. Her sister, Anna, was the second wife of Bogislaw's father
and her sister, Sophia was the wife of her brother-in-law, Philipp II, and as
her sisters, she did not have any children. Elisabeth lived (1580-1653).
1637-46 Politically Influential Empress Maria Anna de Austria of The Holy Roman
Empire
Already by the time of her marriage to Archduke Ferdinand, she became very
influential at court. In 1637 he succeeded his father as Emperor Ferdinand III,
and she became involved in politics and was his closest aide. During the Thirty
Years War, the imperial family moved to Linz, and here she died of poisoning
during her last pregnancy, her daughter was still alive, and was born by a
cesarean, but died soon after. Maria Anne was daughter of Felip III of Spain and
Archduchess Margarete of Austria, and lived (1606-46).
1637-44 Politically Influential Queen Cecilia Renata von Habsburg of Poland
Influential during the reign of her husband, king Władysław IV Zygmunt Waza (Vladislav
IV Vasa) (1595-1632-48). Her son Zygmunt Kazimierz died in 1647 aged 7 and her
only daughter Maria Anna Isabella, died one month after her birth in 1642. After
Cecilia Renate's death her husband married Maria Ludovica Gonzaga (1611-67). The
daughter of Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II von Habsburg, Count of Tyrol,
Archduke von Steyer and King of Bohemia and Anna-Maria von Bayern, and lived
(1611-44).
1637-70 Reigning Abbess Jeanne-Baptiste de Bourbon of the Royal Abbey of
Fontevraud (France)
At the age of 10 she enterede the Abbey of Chelles and Louise de Bourbon-Lavedan
appointed her as coadjutrice at the age of 16, but she did not take over the
position until she was 25. She reigned with absolute "souverainty" and her
direct dependence on the Pope in Rome allowed her to act automously from the
church in France. In 1641 she obtained royal letters confirming the reform and
finally quashing the claims of the monks, who sought to organize themselves
independently of the authority of the abbess. The following year the Rule
approved by Sixtus IV was printed at Paris, but in 1658, the Sacred Congregation
of Rites categorically condemned that she of her own authority, obliged the
monks and nuns of her obedience to recite offices, say Masses, and observe rites
and ceremonies which had never been sanctioned or approved of by Rome.. She was
the legitimized daughter of king Henri IV and Charlotte des Essarts, and her
full sister, Marie Henriette de Bourbon (1609-29) was Abess of Chelles. She
lived (1608-70).
1637-81 Territorial Princess Olimpia Aldobrandini (Junior) of Rossano (Italy)
Daughter of Jorge Aldobrandini (1591-1637) and Hipólita Lodovisi, she succeeded
her grand mother, Olimpia Senior. First married to Paolo Borghese and after his
death to Camillo Pamphilj (Panfili) (1622-66), the nephew of Pope Innocenzo X
and son of another heiress, Olimpia Maidalchini. The Aldobrandini family's wide
domain enjoyed a great artistic and urban growth, and they maintained their
dukedom until 1816, when Pope Pius VI abolished feudalism. Mother of 5 children,
she lived (1623-81).
1537-44 Feudal Duchess Anna Carafa de Stigliano-Gonzaga of Sababioneta (Italy)
Succeeded by grandmother, Donna Isabella, and was married to Duc de Medinas de
Torres, Don Ricardo de Guzmán.
1638-48 Regent Dowager Landgravine Margareta Elisabetha von
Leiningen-Westerburg-Schaumburg of Hessen-Homburg (Germany)
After the death of her husband, Friedrich I (1585-1622-38), she took over the
regency for son, Wilhelm Christoph Landgraf zu Bingenheim (1625-81). She asked
her brother-in-law, Philipp von Hessen-Butzbach (1581-1661) to act as joint
regent, but he refused with reference to his high age, and the fact that he had
already acted as regent for his nephew, Georg II von Hessen-Darmstadt from 1621.
She was mother of 6 children, and lived (1604-67).
1638-45 Regent Dowager Countess Ernestine de Ligne of Nassau-Siegen (Germany)
Following the death of her husband, Johann VIII of Nassau-Siegen, Marchese di
Monte Caballo, (1583-1638), she reigned in the name of their son, Johann Franz
Desideratus, who was created Fürst of Nassau-Siegen, in 1652. He lived
(1627-99). In 1650 she signed the treaty re-establishing the Chapter of Keppel,
which was governed by a Princess-Abbess but under the sovereignty of Nassau with
the titulature "ihre fürstliche Gnaden, die fraw Princessin Ernestine de Ligne
und des Reichs verwittibte grävin zu Nassau Siegen". She lived (1594-1663).
1638-75 Sovereign Duchess Marie Madeleine de Vignerot of Aiguillon (France)
1649-61 Governor of Le Havre
The niece of the Cardinal Richelieu, as daughter of his sister Françoise (d.
1615) who was René Vignerot, seigneur de Pont-Courlay (d. 1625). She was an
renowned cultural personality of her times and her Salon was famous. Succeeded
by niece Marie-Thérèse Vignerot, and lived (1604-1675).
1638-52 Princess-Abbess Maria von Ramschwag of Schänis (Switzerland)
Member of an old Swiss noble family.
1638-71 Sovereign Marchioness Maria Elisabeth II van den Bergh 's-Heerenberg of
Bergen op Zoom, Countess of Walhain (The Netherlands)
She was given the Marchionate as a fief from in 1635, three years after her
aunt, Maria Elisabeth I, died, but she was not able to take the fief into
possession until after the Peace of Munster in 1648. Her aunt's widower, Albert,
Count van den Bergh, had claimed the succession of his wife, and he was given
the Marchionate as a fief by the king of Spain in 1641, and not until 1650 did
he give up his claims, after she gave up her claims to the County of Bergh.
Maria Elisabeth II ruled jointly with husband, Fürst Eitel Friedrich zu
Hohenzollern-Hechingen until his death in 1661. She was succeeded by daughter,
Franziska Henrica, and lived (1613-71).
Until before 1639 Lieutenant-Governor Mary Colles of Alderney (A Dependency of
the English Crown)
In charge of the island sometime during the 1630ies. John Chamberlain had been
given the lease by Queen Elizabeth I in 1584 after his brother George got
involved with the faction supporting Mary, Queen of Scots. He started the
hereditary rule of the Chamberlain family which lasted until 1640, through
several vicissitudes, mainly caused by the family’s Catholic faith; disputes
with the islanders; and a temporary holding of the lease by Elizabeth’s
favourite, the Earl of Essex from 1591. John Colles followed her on the post
around 1639.
Around 1639 Reigning Princess Giovanna Agliavia Aragona Cortes of Castevetrano,
Princess of the Holy Roman Empire, Duchess of Terranova, Marchioness of Avola
and Valle Oaxaca and Countess of Borghetto and Priego (Italy)
Also Grandee of Spain (noble) and married Ettore Pignatelli, Duke of Monteleone
and Count of Borrello.
1639-41 Reigning Abbess-General Catalina de Arellano y Zúñiga of the Monastery
of Santa Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
Her full title was "noble lady, the superior, prelate, and lawful administratrix
in spirituals and temporals of the said royal abbey, and of all the contents,
churches, and hermitages of its filiation, of the villages and places under its
jurisdiction, seigniory, and vassalage, in virtue of Bulls and Apostolical
concessions, with plenary jurisdiction, privative, quasi-episopal, nullius
diacesis."
Around 1640 Queen Regnant Pea of Morning (Myanmar-Burma)
Today Morning is a village in the Caching State, in northern or "upper" Burma,
inhabited by an ethnic Thai people.
Ca. 1640-ca.60 Moäng Ratu Dona Maria Ximenes da Silva of Sikka (Indonesia)
She succeeded her brother Moäng Ratu Pitang (alias Kapitan) as ruler of the
Roman Catholic principality on the sland of Flores. She was a daughter of the
first Moäng Ratu or King of Sikka, Don Alesu da Silva (or Alexius Ximenes da
Silva) who had converted to chrisitanity after meeting the Portugese in Malacca.
He established the principality around 1580. She was succeeded by her full
cousin Moäng Ratu Don Simao (Samaoh), who was the son of her father's sister
Lise.
1640-49 Princess-Abbess Sedonia von Oldenburg-Delmenhorst of Herford (Germany)
Also known as Sidonie, she was daughter of Anton II von Oldenburg-Delmenhorst
and Sibylle Elisabeth von Braunschweig-Danneberg. Her sister, Katherine
Elisabeth, was sovereign of Gandersheim (1625-49). Sedonie resigned in 1649 and
married Duke August Philip von Schleswig-Holstein-Sønderborg-Beck (1612-27-75),
whose second wife was Marie Sibylle von Nassau-Saarbrücken und Ottweiler
(1628-99). Sedonia lived (1611-50).
1640-53 Guardian Dowager Countess Juliana Elisabeth zu Salm-Newville of Reuss zu
Schleiz (Germany)
After the death of her husband, Heinrich III, she was guardian for son, Count
Heinrich (1639-92) while some male members of the family were regents. She was
born as Wild- und Rheingraf zu Salm, and lived (1602-53).
Until 1641 Princess-Abbess Agnes Elisabeth von Limburg und Bronckhorst of Elten
(Germany)
Daughter of Count Jobst von Limburg und Bronckhorst and Maria von Schauenburg
und Holstein-Pinneberg.
1641-75 H.H. Paduka Sri Sultana Ratu Safiat ud-din Taj ul-'Alam Shah Johan
Berdaulat Zillu'llahi fi'l-'Alam binti al-Marhum Sri Sultan Iskandar Muda
Mahkota Alam Shah, Sultana of Aceh (North Sumatra) (Indonesia)
Her father Sultan Iskandar Muda extended Aceh's sway to most of the Malayan
Peninsula and the coastal regions of the northern half of Sumatra. Internally he
was a scourge to the mercantile elite, concentrating power, property and trade
in his own hands by a series of tyrannical devices. Her husband was adopted as
his heir and succeeded as Sultan Iskandar Thani 1637-41. After his death, some
days of dispute among the leading factions in the capital led to her elevation
to the throne. Under her rule the state was orderly and prosperous, with a
climate favourable to foreign commerce. Four of the principal
merchant-aristocrats formed a kind of executive council which took many
decisions, and her authority was partly derived from a careful balancing of the
two major factions at the court. Land grants to the Sultan's loyal war leaders,
which had been at the king's pleasure under the two previous male rulers, became
hereditary under Safiyyat ad-Din. She in fact resolved one major dispute by
ruling that only grants of land made by her father would be recognised as valid
in perpetuity, thus invoking his name to support a policy he would never have
approved. Born as Raja Permusairi Putri Sri 'Alam, her throne name was Safiat ud-din
Taj ul-'Alam Shah, which means "Purity of the Faith, Crown of the World", and
she was succeeded by Sultana Nagiat.
1641-94 Sovereign Duchess Claire-Clémence de Maillé-Brézé of Fronsac (France)
She was daughter of the Marshall of France, Urbain de Maillé, marquis of Brézé,
and Nicole du Plessis, who was insane and died in 1635. Claire-Clémence
succeeded her uncle , Cardinal Richelieu, Premier Minister of France the same
year she married Louis II de Bourbon-Condé, Duke d'Enghien, Prince de Condé
(1621-86), but like her mother, she was mentally instable, a condition inherited
by her son, Henri Jules de Bourbon-Condé, who married Anne de Baverie, Duchesse
de Guise and Joyeuse. Claire-Clémence lived (1628-94).
1641-92 Sovereign Princess Marie de Bourbon of Condé-en-Brie (France)
After the death of her brother, Louis de Bourbon (1604-1641) his inheritance
(including Soissons and Condé) was divided between and her niece Marie
d'Orléans-Longueville, heiress of her sister Louise (1603-37) and Henri II
d'Orléans-Longueville. She was married to Thomas-François de Savoie, prince de
Carignan, and lived (1606-92)
1641-ca. 50 Princess-Abbess Isabelle van Kerckem of Munsterbilzen, Dame of
Wellen, Haccourt, Hallembaye and Kleine-Spouwen (Belgium)
She was member of a Countly family of the Low Countries.
1641-44 Reigning Abbess-General Francisca de Beaumont y Navarra of the
Monastery of Santa Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
She was member of a side-line of the family of the former Kings and Queens of
Navarra.
1641-42 Dowager County Sheriff Maren Skram of Mariæ Kirkes Domprovsti (Oslo),
Norway
After the death of her husband, Hartvig Hvitfeldt til Skjelbred. She was the
official local representative of the King of Denmark-Norway, and Mariæ Kirke is
the Cathedral of Oslo.
Around 1642 Ruler Karenga I Pucu of Sanrabone (Indonesia)
Her brother Tumenanga ri Buttana was ruler of the Makkasarese state in South
Western-Celebes/Sulawesi until 1647.
1642-4.. Lieutenant-Governor Madame Colles of Alderney (A Dependency of the
English Crown)
During the English Civil War the island was held by the Parliamentarians, and
she took over after the death of William Colles (1639-42). Peter Le Febvre,
surier de L'Epine was pretender from November 1643.
1643-51 Regent Dowager Queen Anne d'Austrice of France
1646-54 Governor of Aunis
1647-66 Governor of Bretagne
She had been Governor of Paris 1636-49. She was Infanta of Spain and the eldest
daughter of Felipe III of Spain, and married Louis XIII, King of France, in
1615. After some political maneuvering she attained full powers as Regent and
as such she placed the well-being of France before anything else. She ignored
the representatives of the Catholic party and made Cardinal Mazarin Prime
Minister. Both continued the policies laid out by Richelieu, which decided
against a peace treaty with Germany and The Netherlands. At one stage, Anne even
went to war against her brother, King Felipe IV of Spain, and in negotiations
refused to make any compromises. In 1648 the revolution called "the Fronde"
began and would last until 1653. This rebellion started in Paris and was
supported by the higher nobility as well as by the common people who had had
enough of war and the ever increasing taxes. The rebels blamed Mazarin and not
only demanded his removal but also wanted him expelled from France. In 1661
Mazarin died and Louis XIV took over control of the country. From then on Anna
was given only representative roles. In 1666 she died of cancer, after having
lived (1601-66).
1643-51 Regent Dowager Duchess Anna Eleonora von Hessen-Darmstadt of
Braunschweig-Lüneburg in Calenberg (Germany)
Widow of Duke Georg of Braunschweig-Lüneburg-Calenberg and Celle (1582-1636-41),
she was regent for oldest son Duke Christian Ludwig (1624-65), who was Duke of
Calenberg (1641-48), Duke of Celle (1648-65) of Harburg (1651-65). Her second
son, Georg II Wilhelm was Duke of Calenberg (1648-1703), of Celle (1665-1703),
of Dannenberg (1773-1703), her third son, Johann Friedrich of
Braunchweig-Lüneburg zu Hannover (1665-79), the fourth Ernst August of
Braunschweig-Lüneburg in Hannover (1679-92) and Elector from 1698. His wife,
Sophie von Simmen became Heir to the Throne of United Kindom in 1702. One of
Leonora's daughters, Sofie Amalie, married Frederik III of Denmark. Anna Leonora
lived (1601-59).
1643-64 Politically Influential and Active Leonora Christine, Countess of
Slesvig og Holsten in Denmark
In 1643 her husband, Corfitz Ulfeldt was appointed Chancellor of the Realm (Rigskansler)
by her father, King Christian 4, and since there was no Queen, she was de-facto
first-Lady at the court. The death of her father in 1648 was followed by a
power-struggle, which she and her husband lost. Her half-brother, Frederik 3,
was elected king, but she and her husband continued to provoke the reigning
couple. In 1651 Leonora Christine and Ulfeldt left the country and stayed by
Queen Christina of Sweden until 1654, and then in Germany. In 1657 her husband
sided with the Swedes during the war with Denmark, which Denmark lost. In 1659
Ulfeldt was charged with treason against the Swedish king, Ulfeldt was hit by a
stroke, and Leonora Christina was in charge of his defence. They escaped to
Denmark, where they were held in captivity until they were freed in 1662, after
signing a number of humiliating declarations. Later the same year they were
permitted to go abroad for treatment of Ulfeldt, who had never recovered from
the stroke, and during their travels, Ulfeldt made all kinds of plans against
his brother-in-law. In 1663 she went to king Charles II to claim an old loan,
but he gave her up to the Danes, she was transferred to Copenhagen and was put
in prison in Blåtårn at the Royal Castle of Copenhagen, where she spend 22
years, while her husband died already in 1664. She was not freed until the death
of her sister-in-law, Queen Sophie-Amalie, in 1685. During her time in Blåtårn,
she wrote "Jammersmide" (Memory of Lamenting), one of the first Danish
autobiographies by a woman, which was not published until 1869, though. She
spend the rest of her life at the castle, Maribo Kloster. She was the mother of
10 children, and lived (1621-98).
1643-76 Hereditary High Sheriff Lady Anne Clifford of Westmoreland (United
Kingdom)
She was the third and only surviving child of George Clifford, 3rd Earl of
Cumberland, and his wife Margaret Russell and heiress of the Baronies of
Clifford, Westmoreland and Vesci. When she was 15, her father died, and the vast
estate was inherited by his brother, and from that moment her mission in life
was to regain her inheritance. She married and had five children, but her
husband was obstructive to her claim for the inheritance. Six years later he
died, and she married Philip Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, who did support her
claim. Eventually she did inherit the estate in 1643 in the middle of the Civil
War raging. She was now 60 years old, and spent the next 26 years rebuilding
churches and castles. Skip ton, Pen dragon, Appleby, Borough and Brougham
Castles were restored to their former glory. As a devout Christian she built and
restored churches and almshouses. She lived (1590-1676).
Ca. 1643-46 Sovereign Countess Elizabeth zur Lippe-Alverdissen of Schaumburg
(Germany)
Succeeded her son, Count Otto von Schaumburg, who died without issue. In 1643
she transferred her rights to her brother Count Philip zur Lippe-A. and ruled
with him as co-regent till her death three years later. Her descendants assumed
the name Schaumburg-Lippe. (d. 1643).
Around 1643 Princess-Abbess Henrica Raitz von Frentz of Burtscheid (Germany)
The first member of the family started her reign in 1618, but it is not known
for how long and when Henrica took over the reigns of the state. But in 1643 she
build the Monnikenhof in the Chapter. Next abbess is mentioned in 1649,
1644-ca. 57 Queen Regnant Cockacoeske of the Pamunkey in Virginia (USA)
Possibly known as Queen Betty to the Colonists, she is described as diplomat and
suzeraine, she shrewdly used her connections with the Virginia colonist to
rebuild her tribe's primacy over the neighboring tribes. She seems to have
directly succeeded her Opechancanough, who might have come to power after having
been Prince-Consort to a previsous reigning Queen - Cockacoeske's mother
"Cleopatra", the daughter of King Powhatan. Succeeded by her niece, Queen Anne
Totopotomoi.
1644-53 Princess-Abbess Barbara I Weglin of Baindt (Germany)
Around 1649 the ladies of the chapter resumed the life in the convent after the
lootings during the Thirthieth Year War.
1644-45 Reigning Abbess-General Ana María de Salinas of the Monastery of Santa
Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
She died within the first year of her three year election period.
1644-46 Dowager County Sheriff Anne Bek, Laholm Len in Halland, Denmark (Now
Sweden)
After the death of her husband Kresten Bülow til Ingelstad.
1644-55 Politically Influential Olimpia Maidalchini in The Vatican
At the age of 20 she married her second husband, Pamphilio Pamphilj. When her
brother-in-law a few years later became Pope Innocent X, she exerted a strong
influence upon him, and soon becoming the only person whose advice the pope
fully relied on. For this reason ambassadors, artists, tradesmen, politicians,
and any important person in Rome presented her with rich gifts, to gain her
favour and be well introduced to the Pope. When he died, the new pope, Alexander
VII, exiled her to San Martino al Cimino - a small village just north of Rome -
and asked to give back the gold she had taken away. She refused ande died of
plague four years later. She lived (1592-1657).
1645 Regent Dowager Empress Yudokia Lukyamanova Stresneva of Russia
Евдокия Лукьяновна Стрешнёва in Russian, her name is also trancribed as Evdokia
Lukianova Streschneva. Following the death of her husband, Mikhail I Fedorovich
Romanov, in February 1645, she acted as regent for son Alexei Mikhailovich until
her own death in July. Her sitation at the royal court was difficult. It appears
that the tsaritsa totally depended on her mother-in-law Marfa Ivanovna, whose
firm grip had been felt in their everyday life, and who accompanied her
daughter-in-law during all of her visits to monasteries and other places. She
also chose tutors for her grandchildren. It also appears that Eudoxia Streshneva
had no influence over Mikhail I even after the death of Marfa. She was daughter
of Lukian Stepanovich Streshnev and Princess Anna Konstantinovna Volkonskaya,
she was mother of 10 children and she lived (1608-45).
1645-54 Dowager County Sheriff Regitze Grubbe of Hven Len, Denmark (Now Sweden)
She was widow of Hans Ulrik Gyldenløve til Vindinge (1615-45), son of Karen
Andersdatter and Christian 4, who was given the fief Kronborg for life in 1641,
and apparently took over as acting fiefholder of Hven from his mother in 1640.
Regitze lived (1618-1689).
1645-67 Politically Influential Electress Luise Henriette van Oranje-Nassau of
Brandenburg (Germany), Heiress of the Counties of Lingen and Moers (The
Netherlands)
Involved in politics during the reign of her husband, Kurfürst Friedrich Wilhelm
(1620-40-88), and enhanced the relationship between Brandenburg-Prussia and the
Netherlands. She initiated commercial and economic reforms and helped revive the
state after the devastations of the Thirty Years War. She was also a patron of
culture and learning. Her father, Stadtholder Frederik Hendrik van Oranje had
stipulated in his will that she was to inherit the Counties of Lingen and Moers
in the case that her brother, Willem III, should die with out issue. When this
happened in 1702, her son, King Friedrich I. von Prussia, too over the regency
and in 1707 it was united with Tecklenburg. She lived (1627-1667).
1645-48 Reigning Abbess-General Jerónima de Navarra of the Monastery of Santa
Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
Elected as successor of Ana María de Salinas.
1645-80 Princess-Abbess Anna-Sophia I von der Pfalz-Zweibrücken und Birkenfeld
of Quedlinburg (Germany)
Daughter of Pfalzgraf Georg Wilhelm von der Pfalz-Zweibrücken-Birkenfeld,
Pfalzgraf bei Rhein and Gräfin Dorothea von Solms-Sonnenwalde. She lived
(1619-80).
1646-62 Regent Dowager Countess of the Empire Ämilie Antonia von Oldenburg-Delmenhorst
of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt (Germany)
Also known as Amalia Antonia, she acted as regent for son Albrecht Anton
(1641-1710), after the death of her husband, Reichsgraf Ludwig Günther. Her son
became the first Prince (Fürst) of the state in 1697. Her two sisters were
Princesses-Abbesses; Catharina Elisabeth of Gandersheim (1625-49), and Sedonia
of Herford (1640-49). Ämilie Antonia lived (1614-70).
Until 1646 Queen Saw Nin Mein of Wuntho (Myanmar-Burma)
She succeeded her husband, Thankin Kaw Nyo (1616-?) as head of the Karen state.
ca. 1646-1664 Princess Regnant Nyai Cili of Solor (Indonesia)
Also known as Nyai Pertawi, she reigned after the death of her husband, Kaicil
Partana alias Sultan Sili Pertawi. Western travellers called her a pagan Queen.
Succeeded by daughter, Nyai Cili Muda.
Around 1646 Countess Regnant Maria Cristina di Altemps of Altemps (Italy)
She was daughter of Angelica de' Medici and Count Gianpetro di Altemps and
married Ipollito, Duke Lante delle Rovere.
1646-before 1654 Captain-Donatary Branca da Gama Freire of Santa Maria in the
Azores (Portugal)
Daughter of Luis da Gama Pereira and Violante Freire and married to Vasco da
Gama, capitão de Chaul. The captains-donataries were like governors who had full
control over their domain. They held the office of judge. They could make land
grants. They also monopolized the gristmills, public baking
ovens, and salt sales.
1646-47 Dowager County Sheriff Anne Lunge of Kalø Len, Denmark
After the death of her husband, Jost Høg til Gjorslev.
1646-88 Princess-Abbess Anna-Salome I von Salm-Reiffenscheidt of Essen (Germany)
In the period 1640-74, she was also Dechantess of Thorn and Lady of the Chapter
(Stiftfrau) in Elten and St. Ursula (Köln). She was able to assert the princely
sovereignty against the protestant city, and thereby secured the continued
existence of the Damenstift (Ladies Chapter). Since 1661 she used the title "Des
heiligen römischen Reiches Fürstin und Äbtissin in Essen, Frau zu Breisig,
Huckard und Rellinghausen" Princess and Abbess of the Holy Roman Realm of Essen,
Lady of Breisig etc. Daughter of Count Ernst Friedrich von Salm-Reifferscheid
in Bedburg and Countess Maria Ursula zu Leiningen. One sister, Maria Sophie,
reigned as Fürstäbtissin of Elten another, Anna Katharina of Thorn. A fourth,
Sidonia Elisabeth, was stiftdame in Thorn, Essen and St. Ursula before she
married Hartmann Fürst von und zu Liechtenstein in 1640, and became mother of 24
children. Anna Salome lived (1622-88).
1646-47 Princess-Abbess Anna Catharina zu Salm-Reiffenscheidt of Thorn (The
Netherlands)
1660-68 Regent Dowager Countess of Rietberg (Germany)
She resigned in order to marry Count Johann IV von Rietberg, and after his death
she was regent for son Friedrich Wilhelm (1650-77) who fell by Straßburg, and
was succeeded by his brothers Franz Adolph Wilhelm, (1677-80) and ( 1687-88) and
Ferdinand Maximilian (1680-1687), who were both Diachons and Domherrs of the
Cathedral Straßburg, and Anna Catharina remained the virtual ruler of the
territory. Ferdinand Maximilian was succeeded by his niece, Maria Ernestine
Franziska. Anna Catharina's older sister, Maria Sophie (1620-74) was Abbess in
Elten and the other Anna Salome (1622-88) in Elten. They were daughters of
Altgraf Ernst Friedrich, (1583-1639) and Countess Maria Ursula zu Leiningen
(†1649). Anna Catharina's daughter, Bernhardine Sophia was Fürstäbtissin of
Essen 1691-1726. Anna Katharina lived (1624-91).
1647-90 Princess-Abbess Anna Salomé von Manderscheid-Blankenheim of Thorn (The
Netherlands)
1689-91 Princess-Abbess of Essen (Anna-Salome II) (Germany)
She was daughter of Ernst Friedrich von Manderscheid-Blankenheim and Maria
Ursula zu Leiningen. Her sister, Marie Sofie (1620-74), was Abbess in Eltern.
Anna Salomé had to raise taxes in the principality because of the ongoing wars,
and worked closely together with her sister, Clara Elisabeth, who was her
second-in-command. In 1688 Anna-Salome was elected Fürstäbtissin of Essen, and
lived (1622-91).
1647-58 Regent Dowager Countess Barbara Magdalena von Mansfeld-Hinterort of
Mansfeld-Eisleben (Germany)
After the death of her husband, Johann Georg II von Mansfeld-Eisleben, took over
the regency for his oldest son Hoyer Christoph II von Mansfeld-Eisleben,
(1636-53) from his marriage to Barbara Maria zu Stolberg in Schwarza
(1596-1636). Barbara Magdalena became regent for her own son, Johann Georg III,
when he succeeded older half-brother at the age of 13.She was daughter of Count
David von Mansfeld zu Schraplau (1573-1628) and his second wife, Juliane Marie
Reuss zu Gera (1598-1650). She later married Anton von Werthern, Georg Andreas
Schwab von Lichtenberg and Georg Albert von Mansfeld-Vorderort (1642-96/97), and
lived (1618-96).
1647-51 Exequtrix and Acting Lord Proprietor Margaret Brent of Maryland (USA)
1648 she appeared before the assembly and requested two votes. She asked for one
for herself as a landowner and one as Lord Baltimore's attorney. Together with
two brothers and a sister, she had arrived from England to Maryland 10 years
before. She became a substantial landowner and she was named with Governor
Leonard Calvert as joint guardian for Mary Kittamaquund, daughter of the chief
of the Piscataways. Margaret Brent was not the only woman to claim land in her
own right or to pursue her own interests in court. However, she chose to do so;
she was not forced. Her continuing unmarried state was unusual in a settlement
where the male/female ratio was about six to one. In 1645, the civil war raging
in England between Charles I and Parliament spilled over into Maryland. Richard
Ingle, a Protestant and a partisan of the English Parliament, invaded St. Mary's
City, destroyed the property of Catholic settlers. Governor Leonard Calvert and
other settlers fled to Virginia, and the population of the colony dropped
drastically. Late in 1646, the Governor returned with soldiers to reestablish
Calvert control. However, Governor Leonard Calvert died in 1647 with his own and
Maryland's affairs still in turmoil. From his deathbed, exhorting her to "Take
all and pay all," he appointed Margaret Brent his executor, a testimony to his
faith in her abilities. The most pressing problem was paying Leonard Calvert's
soldiers, who were on the verge of a mutiny. Margaret averted that disaster by
having the assembly transfer to her Leonard Calvert's power of attorney for his
brother Lord Baltimore. Because Leonard Calvert's estate was not sufficient, she
sold some of Lord Baltimore's cattle to pay the soldiers. Her most famous
action, requesting two votes in the assembly, occurred while she was trying to
resolve the Calvert affairs. Ultimately, Margaret's actions in averting disaster
were commended by the assembly to Lord Baltimore, who could not see beyond the
loss of his cattle. The Brents never regained his favour and relocated to
Virginia by 1651, where she set up a large planetation. She lived (1610-71).
1647-53 Royal County Sheriff Dowager Hereditary Princess Magdalene Sibylla von
Sachsen of Denmark of Lolland-Falster Len, Denmark
After her husband, Hereditary Prince Christian died, she withdrew to her dowry
in the south of Denmark, but in 1652 she married Duke Friedrich Wilhelm II zu
Sachsen-Altenburg (d. 1669), with whom she had her first child Johanna Magdalene
in 1656 and the next, Friedrich Wilhelm II, in 1658. She lived (1617-68).
1647-86 Hereditary Duchess Elisabeth Marie of Münsterberg-Oels (Ziębice-Oleśnica)
(Poland)
1664-72 Regent Dowager Duchess of Württemberg-Oels (Germany)
The only child of the Slesian Duke Karl Friedrich, she was married Silvius
Nimrod von Württemberg (1622-64), and after her father's death, he was granted
the Duchy by emperor Ferdinand III and he founded the line of Württemberg-Oels ,
the first Slesian line, and after his death, she was regent for two sons,
Silvius Friederich (1651-97) and Christian Ulrich (1652-1702), who were declared
prematurely of age by the Emperor against her protests. She lived (1625-86).
1648-51 Regent Dowager Countess Juliane von Hessen of Ostfriesland (Germany)
She was widow of Count Ulrich II and governed in the name of her son, Enno
Ludwig, 1st Prince of Ostfriesland. Her reign was marked by the Thirty Years War
and plague, but she managed to bring the territory trough the worst ordeals. She
lived (1606-59).
1648-1652 Regent Dowager Countess Luise Juliane of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Hohenberg
and Altenkirchen (Germany)
After the death of her son, the hereditary count, the county was occupied by the
Archbishop of Köln, but Luise Juliane continued to fight for her rights. In the
Peace-treaty of Westphalia in 1648 both she and her two daughter: Johanette and
Ernestine's right to rule the county was confirmed. She continued to act as
regent for her two daughters who split the County among them, until she withdrew
from Hachenburg Castle to Friedenwald Castle. She lived (1603-70).
1648-61 Sovereign Countess of the Realm Ernestine Salentine of
Sayn-Wittgenstein-Hachenburg (Germany)
In the beginning co-ruler with sister, Johanette, but they split up the county
in 1648, when their reight to the inheritance was confirmed by the Peace of
Westphalia. Her part became known as Sayn-Hachenburg for short. She was married
to count Salentin Ernst von Manderscheid-Blankenheim, Kirchenberg and the
Nassau-Weilburg families, and is now one of the titles of the Grand Duke of
Luxembourg, Ernestine zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn-Hachenburg was succeeded by son
and in 1676 by her daughter, Magdalena-Christina. She lived (1626-62).
1648-1701 Sovereign Countess of the Realm Johanette of
Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn-Altenkirchen (Germany)
Initially co-ruler with sister, Ernestine, but in 1648, they later split up the
county in 1648. Her part is normally known as Sayn-Altenkirchen for short.
Married to Johannes-Georg I von Sachsen-Eisenanch. Their daughter, Eleonore
Erdmute Louise, died 1696 in 1741 her grandson, Margrave Carl Wilhelm Friedrich
von Brandenburg-Ansbach inherited the Reichsgrafschaft from his childless uncle,
Duke Wilhelm Heinrich von Sachsen-Eisenach. Johanette zu
Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn-Altenkirchen lived (1632-1701).
1648-83 Khadija Turhan Hadice Valide Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (Covering
Turkey, Greece, The Balcans, parts of the Middle East and Northern Africa)
1651-56 Regent Naib-i-Sultanat of the Empire
When her son, Mehmed IV (1648-51-87), became sultan, she would normally have
become regent, but instead her mother-in-law, Kösem was appointed to rule the
empire, because she was considered too young. Turhan Sultan used the next years
gathering support to undermine Kösem. The imperial guards revolted and Kösem
desided to have Mehmet overthrown, but the plot was thwarted and Kösem
strangled, and Turhan became regent, exercising her power through a series of
twelve Grand Vezirs over the next five years. She took her responsibilities very
seriously and tried to make up for her inexperience by learning everything there
was to know about her job. She also took part in the deliberations in the
Imperial Diet seated behind a curtain, she authorized all appointments and
cooperated closely with the Grand Vizier as "The Guardian and Representative of
the Sultan". She was sister of Yusuf Agha, of Russian origin, and lived
(1627-83).
1648-84 Sovereign Duchess Marguerite de Rohan-Frontenay of Rohan, Duchess de
Porhoët-León et Soubize, Princess de León, Countess de Porhoët and Lorges,
Marquise de Blain and La Garnache, etc (France)
In 1645 Louis XIV allowed her to keep her status and dignity of Princess if she
married Henri Chabot, Seigneur de Sainte-Aulaye, who was created Duke de Rohan
in 1648. Their children got the surname Rohan-Chabot. Succeeded first by son and
then by daughter, Anne in 1686. Marguerite lived (1617-84).
1648-53 and 1659-62 Reigning Abbess-General Isabel de Osorio y Leiva of the
Monastery of Santa Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
Elected for two three year periods.
1648-57 Princess-Abbess Elisabeth II d'Alençon of Remiremont, Dame of Saint
Pierre and Metz etc. (France)
Elisabeth-Marguerite d'Orléans, Mademoiselle d'Alençon was two years old when
she was elected as sovereign of the chapter, and therefore her parents, Gaston
Jean Baptiste de France, Duke d'Anjou, d'Orléans, Chartres, Valois, d'Alençon,
comte de Blois, Monthéry et de Limours, baron d'Amboise, seigneur de Montargi
and Marguerite de Lorraine, reigned for her. In 1657 Elisabeth-Marguerite left
the Abbey and married Duke Louis Joseph de Guise (1650-71) with whom she had one
child François Joseph de Guise (1670-75). The former Princess-Abbess lived
(1646-96).
1648-49 Dowager County Sheriff Anne Rammel in Skåne Len, Denmark (Now Sweden)
Took over after the death of her husband, Knud Ulfeld til Østergaard. Skåne in
Southern Sweden was part of Denmark until 1658.
1648-49 Dowager County Sheriff Margrethe Lunge of Koldinghus Len, Denmark
In charge of the fief after her husband, Mogens Bilde til Tirsbæk died.
Before 1649 Regent Rani Lakshimi Natasiha Malla of Khatmandu (Nepal)
Khatmandu was one of the principalities which was later untied into the Kingdom
of Nepal.
1649-67 Princess-Abbess Elisabeth II Louise Juliane von der Pfalz-Zweibrücken of
Herford (Germany)
She was daughter of Johann II, Pfalzgraf von Zweibrücken and Luise Juliane von
Simmeren, and lived (1613-67).
1649-83 Princess-Abbess Maria-Elisabeth von Salis of Obermünster in Regensburg
(Germany)
Member of a Swiss noble family.
Around 1649 Princess-Abbess and Steward Baroness Raitzvon Frentz of Burtscheid
(Germany)
Apparently the Freiin (Baroness) was elected as the successor of Fürstäbtissin
Henrica, who was mentioned in 1643, but of whom not much more is known. The last
of the baronial (Freiherrliche) family of Raitz von Frentz to govern the
territory was in office until 1669.
1649-51 Dowager County Sheriff Kristense Lindenov of Hindsgavl Len, Denmark
After the death of her husband, Klavs Sehested til Tim og Ørslev.
1649-ca. 55 Feudal Baroness Giulia Bardi Pignatelli Centelles Spatafora of
Calcusa (Italy)
Married to Giulio Pignatelli.
1649-67 Politically Influential Electress Louise Henriette van Oranje-Nassau in
Brandenburg (Germany)
1650-67 In charge of the Administrative Unito of Bötzow (Oranienburg)
She was given the Amt of Bötzow for life by her husband, Kurfürst Friederich
Wilhelm and renamed it Oranienburg in 1652. She was strongly interested in
politics and her influence cannot be underestimated. In spite of her bad health,
she joined him on his journeys, sometimes even in warfare. During the
Swedish-Polish war, she advocated a truce with Poland and Habsburgs. She was
daughter of Frederik Hendrik van Oranje-Nassau (1584-1647) and Amalia von Solms
(1602-72) and heir to the title of Princess of Oranje and the Prince of Preussen
still uses this title today, and died one year after the birth of her 6th child.
Her husband later married Dorothea von Holstein-Glücksburg (see 1665). Louise
Henriette von Oranien lived (1627-67).
Ca. 1650-80 Queen Regnant Ama Tuan of Sonbai (Besar) (Indonesia)
Head of the kingdom or rather empire in Eastern Timor. Timor was one big empire
ruled by the divine Maromak Oan, who was based in the Belu area.
1650-57 Captain-Donatary Dame Beatriz Mascarenhas of the Islands of Flores and
Corvo in the Azores (Portugal)
The Capitana Donataria and 3rd condessa de Santa Cruz was daughter of Don
Martinho Mascarenhas, 2nd conde de Santa Cruz and Joana de Vilhena and married
her relative João Mascarenhas (Ca. 1600-68). Las Ilhas das Flores e Corvo are
remote part of the Azores. Beatriz was mother of 4 sons and 2 daughters, and
lived (Ca. 1610-57).
1650-63 Lady Sophia Eleonora von Hessen-Darmstadt of and Administrative Unit and
Fief of the Castle Bingenheim in Hessen (Germany)
When she married Prince Wilhelm Christoph von Hessen-Homburg (1625-81) in 1650,
her father transferred and Administrative Unit and Fief of Schloss Bingenheim,
and as her husband preferred Bingenheim for Homburg he was mainly known as the
Landgrave zu Bingenheim, since his younger brother, Friederich II succeeded
their father, Friederich I as Landgrave of Homburg. Wilhelm Cristoph and Sofie
Eleonore had 8 sons and 4 daughters, who all died before their father, who
married in a second childless marriage Anna Elisabeth von Sachsen-Lauenburg. She
lived (1634-63).
1650-60 Politically Active and Guardian, Dowager Princess Mary Stuart of England
of Oranje-Nassau (The Netherlands)
Her son Willem III was born 8 days after the death of her husband, Willem II,
and she acted as his guardian and worked actively for his reinstatement as
Governor-Stadtholder of the Netherlands. Willem was married to Mary's niece,
Mary, and they later became king and Queen of England. Mary lived (1630-60).
1650-65 Princess-Abbess Maria Sabine zu Solms-Lich of Gandersheim (Germany)
Daughter of Count Ernst II zu Solms-Lich and Countess Anna von Mansfeld, she
lived (1600-65).
1650-69 Princess-Abbess Maria-Franziska I von Montfort of Buchau (Germany)
Before she became Canoness in the free-worldly chapter for noble ladies, she was
probably Lady-in-waiting to Archduchess Claudia von Tirol. She reigned during a
very peaceful period.She was daughter of Count Hugo von Montfort, Councillor of
the Bavarian-Palatinate and Imperial Council and Chamber, and Euphrosina
Truchsess von Waldburg-Wolfegg, and lived (Ca. 1622-69).
1650-86 Princess-Abbess Isabelle Henriette d'Aspremont-Lynden of Munsterbilzen,
Dame of Wellen, Haccourt, Hallembaye and Kleine-Spouwen (Belgium)
After the death of her brother, Count Ferdinand van Aspremont-Lynden in 1665,
she was named guardian for his 16 children together with Prince-Bishop Frans
Egon von Furstenberg of Liege, the brother of her sister-in-law, Elisabeth von
Fürstenberg-Heiligenberg. The county can be passed down both in the male and in
the female line.
1650-51 Dowager County Sheriff Jutte Styggesdatter Høg of Århusgård Len, Denmark
Acted as administrator of the fief after the death of her husband, Niels Krag
til Trudsholm. She lived (1589-1659).
1651-57 Regent Dowager Electress Maria Anna von Habsburg of Bavaria (Germany)
Second wife of Kurfürst Maximillian I von Bayern she was very interested in
politics and well instructed about developments. She was not bound to the
Habsburgs, but rather completely advocated the Bavarian standpoint.
Additionally, she conducted lively exchanges of opinion with high officials of
the Munich court and took part in meetings of the cabinet. After Maximillian's
death she was regent for their son, Kurfürst Ferdinand Maria (1636-51-79).
Generally described as clever, cautious, energetic, stern, frugal, and
experienced in matters of financial administration, she was daughter of Emperor
Ferdinand II and Maria Anna von Bayern (1574-1616), mother of two sons, and
lived (1610-65).
1651-61 County Sheriff Anne Gyldenstierne of Hagenskov Len, Denmark
Married to Jørgen Brahe to Hvedholm (1585-1661), she was daugther of Predbjørn
Gyldenstierne (1548-1616) and Mette Hardenberg (1569-1629), mother of a number
of children, and lived (1596-1677).
1651-52 Dowager County Sheriff Dorote Bjekke of Bakke Kloster Len, Norway
After the death of her husband, Daniel Bild til Morland. She was the official
local representative of King Frederik III of Denmark-Norway.
1651-52 Dowager County Sheriff Margrete Hvitfeldt of Dragsmark Kloster Len,
Norway
After her husband, Thomas Dyre til Sundsby, had died.
1652-1697 Sultan Fatimah of North Zanzibar (Tanzania)
Succeeded Sultan Bakiri, her brother, who had been sultan of the whole island.
In 1652 Sultan ibn Seif of Oman drove her off the island, but for the next forty
years, the Portuguese continued to maintain the upper hand and she was soon able
to return to Zanzibar. In 1697 the Arabs captured Zanzibar and took her
prisoner, deporting to her Muscat. After 10 years she was allowed to return, but
her island remained under Arab control.
1652 Regent Dowager Countess Sophie von der Pfalz-Zweibrücken und Birkenfeld of
Hohenlohe-Neuenstein (Germany)
She was widow of Kraft VII zu Hohenlohe-Neuenstein (1582-1615-41) and in charge
of the government in the name of Count Johann Friedrich I von Hohenlohe in
Öhringen etc., the oldest son of her 14 children. She was daughter of Karl I,
Pfalzgraf und Herzog von der Pfalz-Zweibrücken-Birkenfeld and Dorothea zu
Braunschweig-Lüneburg-Celle, and lived (1593-1676).
1652-76 Chiefess Wetamoo of the Wampanoag Tribe (USA)
The daughter of the Sachem of Pocasset, Chief Corbitant. The Pocasset were
located in and around present day Rhode Island. When Chief Corbitant died,
Wetamoo became the Squaw Sachem. When her brother-in-law died mysteriously, she
became convinced that he had been poisoned by the English. This belief led to a
hatred of the whites that dominated her life. During the great war of the
northeast against the Pilgrims/Puritans/English, Wetamoo joined forces with the
great Wampanoag Sachem, Chief Philip. Since the whites could not understand the
concept of tribal living, or the role of the chief, Philip became "King Philip"
to them, and the resulting war lives in history as "King Philip's War". She was
known for her great beauty and for diplomatic skills as well as her skills as a
warrior. She was ever the fighter for her people against the unfairness of white
rule. She was a powerful and regal Sachem and, at the height of her tenure, she
commanded some 300 warriors. Wetamoo and her warriors were hunted continually by
the Plymouth colonists during King Philip's War, but they always were successful
in evading the enemy. However, during one escape down the Fall River, Wetamoo
lost her footing and drowned. The Pilgrims promptly cut off her head, and
displayed it on a pike in the town of Taunton.
1652-64 Princess-Abbess Maria Cecilia von Greuth of Schänis (Switzerland)
Her family were lords in Alsace in North of France.
1652-75 Princess-Abbess Maria Margarethe von Sigertshofen of Niedermünster in
Regensburg (Germany)
Member of a family of Lords of a territory in Schwaben in Germany.
1652-54 Dowager County Sheriff Anna Margrethe von Gøtzen of Abrahamstrup Len
with Hornsherred, Denmark
After the death of her husband, Jørgen Schult til Finstrup, she was in charge of
the fief.
1652-58 Dowager County Sheriff Karen Lange of Søbygaard Len, Denmark
Acted after the death of her husband, Kristoffer Gø til Assendrup.
1652-... County Sheriff Elsbet of Kullegaard Len, Denmark (Now Sweden)
It is not known how long she was in charge of the fief. She was widow of Thomas
Jakobsen.
1653 Regent Dowager Duchess Anna zu Oldenburg-Delmenhorst of
Schleswig-Holstein-Sønderborg-Franzhagen (Germany)
The widow of Johan Christian (1607-53), she was regent for Christian Adolf
(1641-1702), and lived (1605-88).
1653-96 Sovereign Duchess Marie Françoise de Valois of Angoulême (France)
Succeeded father, Louis Emmanuel, because all her brother died before her,
except Antoine Charles, who was illegitimate. Her great-grandfather was
illegitimate son of Charles IX. Her husband, Louis de Lorraine, Duke de Joyeuse
was joint ruler until his death in 1654 and since she did not have any chldren,
the Duchy was inherited by her step-grandmother Françoise de Nargonne. Marie
Françoise lived (1632-96).
1653-80 De facto Regent Princess Augusta Sophie von der Pfalz-Sulzbach of
Sternstein and Neustadt an der Waldnaab (Germany)
Her father, August von der Pfalz-Sulzbach, died in 1632, and her mother Hedwig
sent her to Sweden to live with her great-aunt, Queen Hedwig-Eleonore zu
Holstein-Gottrop. Augusta Sophie married Prince Wenzel Eusebus Lobkowitz of
Neustadt, who as Chancellor of the Emperor was away most of the time and left
the administration of the semi-independent principality to her and in 1673 he
officially appointed her regent. A few years after his death in 1677 moved to
Nürnberg. Mother of four children, and lived (1624-82).
1653-55 Dowager County Sheriff Margrethe Skeel of Stege Len, Denmark
After the death of her husband, Henrik Rammel.
1653-55 Dowager County Sheriff Hilleborg Krafse of Hald Len, Denmark
She became acting administrator of the fief after her husband, Frans Pogvisk til
Ranvholt had died.
1653-72 Princess-Abbess Maria-Scholastica Klocker of Baindt (Germany)
As Fürstäbtissin she was a member of the Bench of Prelates of the Swabian Circle
Estate (Reichskreisstandschaft), the regional assembly of the Schwäbischer Kreis,
and as Imperial Prelate she held a vote in the College of the Prelates of Swabia,
whose 22 members (Abbesses and Abbots) had a joint vote in the Council of the
Princes of the Imperial Diet, where the representative of the Prelates sat on
the Ecclesiastical Bench. The Diet of Regensburg in 1663 prolonged itself
indefinitely into permanent session and thereafter was called the Regensburg
Diet, or the Everlasting Diet (Immerwährender Reichstag).
1653-56 Reigning Abbess-General Antonia Jacinta de Navarra y de la Cueva of the
Monastery of Santa Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
Daughter of Duke Philip of Navarre, she became a nun at Las Huelgas and was
later elected abbess. When she pronounced her vows, she asked Jesus as a wedding
gift that he lead her through sorrows and adversity. She found both in
abundance, suffering from illness and spiritual anxieties. She is said to have
received the stigmata. Later beautified and lived (1602-56).
1654-68 Princess-Abbess Elisabeth IV d'Oyenbrugge of Nivelles, Dame Temporaire
and Spirituelle of Nivelles (Belgium)
Her surname was also spelled d'Oyenbrughe.
1655-59 Princess-Abbess Johannetta Stephana von der Hees of Keppel (Germany)
According to the Westphalian Peace, which followed the Thirty Years War, the
ecclesiastical territories, chapters and convents should revert to the situation
prior to 1624. And at that time the convent was protestant but two years later
Prince Johann of Nassau reintroduced Catholism, and therefore it was decided
that Keppel should be a double-denomination chapter (stift), and the post of
Abbess should alternate between Protestants and Catholics. Johanetta therefore
succeeded the Protestant Maria von Effern. She resigned from the convent in
order to marry, and was succeeded by another protestant.
1655-92 Regent Dower Landgravine Eleonora Katharina bei Rhein of Hessen-Eschwege,
the Principality of Hersfeld and the Counties of Catzenelnbogen, Dietz,
Ziegenhayn, Nidda und Schaumburg etc (Germany)
Her husband, Friedrich von Hessen-Eschwege, Landgraf zu Hessen, Fürst zu
Hersfeld, Graf zu Katzenelnbogen, Dietz, Ziegenhayn, Nidda und Schaumburg etc.
(1617-55) fell during the first year of the war between Sweden and Poland, and
after his death, she administered the lands given to him by the Swedes. She was
born as Pfalzgräfin bei Rhein, and her brother became King Karl X Gustaf of
Sweden, after the abdication of Queen Kristina.
1655-74 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Countess Palatine Maria Eleonores von
Brandenburg of the Wadgasserhof in Kaiserslautern in Pfalz-Lautern (Germany)
After the death of her husband Count Palatine Ludwig-Philipp zu
Pfalz-Simmern-Kaiserslautern, she took over the government in her dowry, her 4
oldest sons died as infants, the 5th, Ludwig Heinrich Moritz, survived to
succeed his father and also her oldest daughter, Elisabeth Marie Charlotte
(1638-64), survived and married Georg III of Liegnitz (1611-64), and she lived
(1607-75).
1655-67 Hereditary Vice-Reine Geronima of Aragona, Princess of the Holy Roman
Empire, 5th Duchess of Monteleone, Countess of Borrello (Italy)
She was daughter of Ettore III, IV Duca di Monteleone (1572–1622 ) , Viceroy of
Catalogna and Caterina Caracciolo Countess of S. Angelo dei Lombardi and married
to Fabrizio V Marchese di Cerchiara e III Principe di Noja.
1655-63 Sovereign Duchess Marie de Rohan-Montbazon of Chevreuse (France)
Marie-Aimée was first married to Charles d'Albert, Duke de Luynes, the favourite
of King Louis XIII and the most influential man in France. After his death she
married Claude de Lorraine, Duke de Chevereuse (1578-1657) and bought the Duchy
from him. In 1625 she pawed the way for a liaison between Queen Anne and the
English Duke of Buckingham. The following year she was involved in a plot to
kill Cardinal Richelieu together with her lover the Marquis de Chalais. When the
plot was discovered Chalais executed and she send in exile in Poitou. She
withdrew to Lorraine and won over Duke Charlesl IV for the anti-French coalition
of Buckingham. 1628 she was allowed to return to France but in 1633 she was
banned again after her lover Marquis de Châteauneuf betrayed state secrets to
Spain, as it was discovered that the Queen corresponded with her Spanish
relatives, Marie had to flee to Spain in 1637 and was only able to return after
the death of the king and the Cardinal. Her relationship with the Queen did not
survive her friendship with Cardinal Mazarin. She was again exiled after her
involvement in the plot to kill but returned at the beginning of the Fronde and
joined the party of the Prince de Condé. 1652 she was reconciled with the Queen
and finally left the political stage. She left the Duchy to her grandson by her
fist marriage, Charles Honoré d'Albert de Luynes, and lived (1600-79).
Around 1655 Princess-Abbess Agnes von Limburg-Stirum of Elten (Germany)
Also Abbess to Vreden. Daughter of Count Herman Georg von Limburg und
Bronckhorst and Countess Maria von Hoya.
1655-56 Dowager County Sheriff Dorte Abilgaard of Antvorskov Len, Denmark
After the death of her husband, Wentzel Rotkirk
1655-56 Dowager County Sheriff Dorothea Daa of Akershus Len, Norway
After the death of her husband, Gregers Krabbe til Torstedlund, she continued to
act as official local representative of the King of Denmark-Norway.
1656-59 County Sheriff Dorothea Sehested of Halsnø Kloster and Hardanger Len,
Norway
She was given control over the fief for two years following the death of her
husband, Lensmand Peder Juel, and thereby she acted as the local representative
of the King of Denmark-Norway.
1656-... County Sheriff Anne Blomme of Koldinghus Len, Denmark
In charge of the fief for life after the death after the death of her husband,
Hans Schack, but it is not known when she died.
1656-58 Regent Dowager Maharani Gangadhara Lakshimi of Cochin (India)
After the death of Rama Varma, The Velliama Thampuran (the Senior Female member
of the royal family) took over the regency as there was no successor. The
Portuguese then commanded her to adopt five Thampurans from Aroor and Vettath.
She resigned in favour of Rama Varma (1658-61) who was killed when Dutch
attacked Cochin and the Rani was sent to prison. Gangadharalakshmi was an
honorary name and her original name is still unknown.
1656-70/71 Regent Khunza Humayun Sultana of Ahmadnagar (India)
Today Ahmadnagar is a city in the State of Maharashtra in Western India.
1656-62 Regent Dowager Queen Luisa Perez de Guzmão e Gómez de Sandovial of
Portugal
Following the death of her husband, João IV, she became regent for son, Afonso
VI (1643-56-67-75), who was mentally deficient. In 1658 the Dutch conquered
Portugal's last colony in Sri Lanka, in 1661 Portugal gave up of Bombay and
Tangier to England as dowry her daughter, Catherine of Braganza who had married
King Charles II of England and the same year English mediation saw The
Netherlands acknowledge Portuguese rule of Brazil in return for uncontested
control of Sri Lanka. Afonso was deposed by his brother, Pedro II in 1667. She
was daughter of the Duke of Medina Sedona and lived (1613-66).
1656-75 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Princess Eleonore Sofie von Holstein-Sonderburg
of Ballenstedt in Anhalt (Germany)
Her son 6th and first surviving son, Viktor Amadeus, was almost 20 when he took
as Reigning Prince over from her husband, Christian II von Anhalt-Bernburg
(1630-56) and she took over her dowry. The 23rd child of Duke Johann of
Schleswig-Holstein-Sønderborg-Plön (1564-1622), by his second wife, Agnes Hedwig
von Anhalt, she was mother of a total of 15 children. She lived (1603-75).
1656-59 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Electress Magdalena Sibylla von Preussen
of and Administrative Unit of Colditz, The Estate of Krakau in and
Administrative Unit of Grossenhain, and Administrative Unit of Lichtenwalde and
the foreworks of Frankenberg, Sachsenburg, Neusorge, Zadel and Baselitz in
Sachsen (Germany)
After the death of her husband Johann Georg I. von Sachsen (1585-1656) she took
over her dorwy of Colditz - the other possessions she already aquired during
their marriage, but she resided in Dresden. She was mother of 10 children and
lived (1586-1659).
1656-77 Reiging Dowager Lady Juliana Sophia von Barby-Mühlingen of the
Administrative Office of Pewsum in Ostfriesland (Germany)
Her husband, Enno Ludwig I, Graf and Fürst von Ostfriesland transferred the
Office to her as her dowry. She was daughter of Count Albrecht Friedrich and
Sophia Ursula of Oldenburg in Delmenhorst, and mother of 2 daughters. (1636-77).
1656-58 Dowager County Sheriff Sidsel Friis of Nyborg Len, Denmark
Acted as administrator of the fief after her husband, Mogens Kaas til Støvring,
had died.
Ca. 1657-ca. 1715 Queen Anne Totopotomoi of the Pamunkey Tribe, Virginia (USA)
She succeeded her aunt, Queen Cockacoeske. Anne's husband, the chief Totopotomoi
was killed during the battle in which he supported the English against other
Indian warriors. In 1675 she was called upon to furnish warriors to fight with
the Whites during Bacon's Rebellion; this was her first appearance in colonial
history. Her appearance at the colonial Council, in which she scornfully
rejected the request to furnish warriors for the Whites on the grounds that her
people had been neglected for the past 20 years, in spite of their friendship to
the Whites, was a dramatic confrontation between Indian and White. 1677 she
signed "on behalfe of herselfe, & the severall Indians under her Subjection" a
treaty between the Indians and the Virginia colonisers.It was only after strong
promises of better treatment by the colonists that Queen Anne agreed to provide
the needed assistance. Following the end of the Rebellion, a silver headband, or
coronet, inscribed Queen of Pamunkey was presented to her by King Charles II.
Little more is heard about her following this period, beyond an appearance in
1715, when she visited the colonial authorities to request fair treatment for
her people. She lived (ca. 1650-ca. 1725).
1657 Regent Dowager Marchioness Anna Maria Carafo of Sant Emiliano, Botrugno and
Melpignano (Italy)
After the death of her husband, Carlo Castriota Acquaviva d'Aragona, she became
administrator of the feudal marchionate for her son Francesco, who was succeeded
by his daughter, Beatrice in 1679.
1657-87 Princess-Abbess Ursula Scherlin of Rottenmünster (Germany)
The territory had been virtually abandoned during the Thirty Years War and the
convent was severely damaged by the many passing troops that had made camp in
the city of Rottweiler, the convent was put on fire, looted etc. Ursula started
the rebuilding in 1662 and managed to bring the territory back in working
condition.
1657-60 Princesse-Abbesse Marie-Anne of Lorraine of Remiremont, Dame of Saint
Pierre and Metz etc. (France)
Elected Abbess at the age of 11, she was daughter of Nicolas François, who
resigned as Cardinal in 1634 to become Duke of Lorraine (1634-61), and Claude de
Lorraine (1612-1648). She lived (1648-61).
1657-58 Dowager County Sheriff Edel Rosenkrantz, Landskrona Len in Skåne,
Denmark (Now Sweden)
She acted after the death of her husband, Kristen Bernekov, during the war
between Denmark and Sweden, which ment that Skåne became part of Sweden in 1658.
1658/1661-65 (†) Joint Regent and Guardian Dowager Duchess Maria Catharina von
Braunschweig-Danneberg of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (Germany)
When her husband, Adolf-Friederich I von Mecklenburg-Schwerin (1588-92-1628-58)
died, she became regent for her newborn son, Adolf-Friederick II, who became
Duke of Strelitz (1658-1708). On 14.02.1661 she and her stepsons got imperial
confirmation of the regency (reichshofrätliche Bestätigung). Her oldest stepson
was Christian Ludwig I von Mecklenburg-Schwerin (1623-92) the other Karl von
Mecklenburg-Mirow. Her oldest son was Friederick von Mecklenburg-Grabow
(1638-58-88). Of her 11 children, her daughters Christine (1639-93) and Marie
Elisabeth (1646-1713) were Princess-Abbesss of Gandersheim Maria Catharina lived
(1616-65).
1658 Dowager County Sheriff Anne Vind of Kronborg Len, Denmark
Acted after the death of her husband, Arent von der Kuhla.
1658-59 Governor Marie Bonnard du Parquet of Martinique (French External
Territory)
After the death of her husband, governor Jacques Dyel du Parquet (1635-46 and
1647-58), she took action to secure the island for her sons, Jean-Jacques Dyel
d'Esnambuc (8 years old) and Louis Dyel du Parquet (5 years). She called an
Island Council and got the support of the church. Father Feuillent then embarked
on a journey to Paris to secure the succession by the king. At his departure,
she was appointed regent for her son, and on 22 July 1658 she presided over a
session of the Conseil de la Martinique, during which Gourselas was confirmed as
Acting Governor. In August another Council, presided over by Gourselas, deposed
her, and she was imprisoned and interrogated by one of the leaders of the
revolt, de Plainville. In September the French king named her brother-in-law
Adrien Dyel de Vaudroques, joint governor with her until the majority of the
boys. In October she was again recognised as the head of the Island Council
after a contra-revolution. Leaving the government to Gourselas, she departed for
France, but she died on the way.
1658-72 Princess-Abbess Francisca von Schauenburg of Säckingen (Germany)
Her reign marked a period of rebuilding after the devestations of the Thirty
Year War. She was member of the old noble family of Counts of Shauenburg.
1658-76 Sachem and Chiefess Quaiapen of the Narragansett Tribe (USA)
The word sachem, of Algonquian origin, was used among some northeastern tribes
to refer to their leaders. In contrast to chiefs, who were chosen for their
skill in battle or oratory, sachems held hereditary, civil positions and ruled
by consensus. Their responsibilities included the distribution of land, the
dispensation of justice, the collection of tribute, the reception of guests, and
sometimes the direction of war or the sponsoring of rituals. Among the
Narragansetts, sachems held sway over villages, which formed the basic
political, territorial unit of the society. Most sachems were men, but many
women are known to have been sachems as well. The most famous of the female
sachems was Quaiapen, also known as Magnus or Matantuck. In addition to
establishing her own sachemdom after she was widowed in 1658, she was the
sister, wife, and mother of several other Narragansett sachems. Rumors among
white colonists of her marriage in 1649 to the sachem Mixanno aroused fear of an
Indian conspiracy. That fear took on a new form in 1675, when the Massachusetts
Bay Colony went to war against the Wampanoag sachem Metacom, whom white called
King Philip. I. She was killed in battle.
1658-76 Politcally Influential Electress Henriette Adelheid de Savoie
of Bavaria (Germany)
She had a strong influence over her husband Ferdinand Maria (1636-79), which
lead to the alliance between Bavaria and France against the Habsburgs. She was
mother of 7 children, and lived (1636-76).
1659-63 Princess-Abbess Eleonora Theodora Vogtin von Elspe of Keppel (Germany)
She was a Protestant and like her Catholic predecessor, she resigned in order to
enter into a marriage.
1659-60 Possible Guardian Dowager Duchess Marie Elisabeth von Sachsen of
Holstein Gottorp
1660-84 Reigning Dowager Lady of the Castle and Administrative Unit of Husum in
Holstein-Gottorp (Germany)
At the time of the death of her husband, Friedrich III of
Schleswig-Holstein-Sønderborg-Gottorp, her fifth and oldest surviving son
Christian Albrecht of Holstein-Gottorp was just 18 and she might have been his
guardian for the first year. At least she did not move to her dorwy, the Schoss
vor Husum (The Castle outside Husum) until 1660. She expanded her residence and
promoted arts and culture, music and gardening. Mother of a total of 16
children, and lived (1610-84).
1659 Dowager County Sheriff Elisabeth Avgusta Christiansdatter of Kalundborg
Len, Denmark
Elisabeth Augusta was daughter of King Christian 4. of Denmark and Kirstine Munk.
According to contemporary sources she gambled a lot and was not a good
"housewife", and therefore she had to sell the estates of Boller and Rosenvold
which she inherited from her mother in 1658 in order to pay off her debts. She
administered the fief for the remaining part of the year after the death of her
husband, Councillor of the Realm (Rigsråd) Hans Lindenov, til Fovslet,
Allingkloster, Hundslund, Gavnø, Oregaard and Borgeby. Like her sisters, she was
sometimes known as Christansdatter and held the title of Countess of Holsten.
She lived (1623-77).
Before 1659-6... Dowager County Sheriff Anne Skeel of Ørum Len, Denmark
Acted as local administrator after the death of her husband, Kristoffer Hvas til
Herregaard.
1660-61 and 1668 De Facto Ruler Princess Nestan-Darejan of Imerati (Georgia)
After the death of her second husband, King Aleksandri III (1639-60), she
engineered the deposition of her step-son, King Bagrat IV, who reigned 1660-61,
1664-68 and 1679-81, whom she had ordered to be seized and blinded when he
refused to marry her. She then married an insignificant nobleman Vakhtang
Jujuniashvili, and had him proclaimed as king in 1660. They were deposed and
exiled to Akhaltsikhe the following year. In 1668 they were restored by the
Turkish Pasha of Akhaltsikhe but soon they were both killed. She was first
married to Duke Zurab Sidamoni of Aragvi. She was daughter of King Taimuraz I,
King of Kartli and Kakheti (Also known as Taimurazi Khan) and Princess
Khwarashan of Kartli.
Ca. 1660-17.. Queen Regnant Nana .... of Nsuta (Ghana)
Succeeded aunt, Queen Nana Yita.
1660-72 and 1697-98 President of the Guardian Government Dowager Queen of the
Realm Hedvig-Eleonora von Holstein-Gottorp of Sweden
In 1654 she married king Karl X Gustav (1622-54-60), and the following year she
gave birth to her only child, the later Karl XI. After her husband's death, she
became Reigning Dowager Queen of the Realm (Riksänkedrottning) with two votes in
the guardian-government for her son. Even after her son married Ulrika Eleonora
the older of Denmark (1656-93), she kept the position as the leading Lady in the
realm. After her son's death she was again Regent grandson Karl XII. After her
retirement she put all her energy in her dowries, and became very rich, build
elaborate castles and promoted arts and culture. She lived (1636-1715).
1660-82 Sovereign Duchess Anne-Marie-Louise d'Orléans of Montpensier, Countess
d'Eu, Mortain etc. (France)
As a French Princess she was also called La Grande Mademoiselle. She was
daughter of Gaston d’Orlèans, the brother of Louis XIII. She took an active part
on the rebel side in the Fronde of the Princes. In 1652 she relived the city of
Orlèans at the head of her troops and opened the gates of Paris to Louis II de
Bourbon, prince de Condé, and his army. Exiled with her father in 1652, she
returned to court in 1657. She fell in love with the duc de Lauzun and got the
king’s permission for their marriage - but it was later revoked (1670). Shortly
thereafter, Lauzun was imprisoned She bought his release in 1681 and apparently
married him, but they soon separated. She spent the rest of her life in pious
works and the composition of her memoirs. She lived (1627-93).
1660-71 Politically Influential Duchess Barbara Villiers of Cleveland in England
She became mistress of Charles II at Breda in 1660 and returned with him to
England at the Restoration. The king made her husband, Roger Palmer, Earl of
Castlemaine. She was the arch-enemy of the Earl of Clarendon, the lord
chancellor, and her glee at his downfall in 1667. She was made Duchess in 1670,
but by 1671 had been supplanted in Charles’s affections by Louise de Kéroualle
(the future Duchess of Portsmouth). She bore the king several children, and
lived (1641–1709).
1660 Guardian Dowager Princess Amalia zu Solms-Braunfels of Oranje-Nassau (The
Netherlands)
Widow of Frederik Hendrik of Oranje and Nassau, she became guardian for
grandson, Williem III, after the death of his mother, Mary Stuart of England. He
was restored as Stadtholder of the Netherlands in 1672 due to the French
invasion and he later became king of England due to his marriage to Queen Mary
II. Amalia lived (1599-1672).
1660-1702 Princesse-Abbesse Dorothée-Marie de Salm of Remiremont, Dame de
Saint-Pierre, Metz etc. (France)
She was elected Coadjutrice with the right of succession as a child, and when
Marie-Anne died, she was elected Abbess. 1677 she moved to the chateau of some
relatives, Neuviller-sur-Moselle, 3 days of travelling from Remiremont, where
she took up the fight for her position against the Administratrice, Bernarde de
Cléron de Saffre, The territory was hit by an earthquake in 1688. 1691 she
travelled to Paris to plead her case before the king and the ladies of the
chapter send Madame de Bourdonné as their envoy. 1693 the king confirmed the
seigneurial rights over the town of Remiremont and continued to share the rights
of high, middle and low court with the town. Orignally named Dorothea Maria zu
Salm, she was was daughter of Prince Leopold Philipp Karl zu Salm and Countess
Maria Anna von Bronckhorst-Batenburg, Heiress of Anholt, who died in Remiremont
in 1661, and lived (1651-1702)
1660-66 Administratrice Hélène d'Anglure of Remiremont, Dame de Saint-Pierre,
Metz etc. (France)
As Doyenne she was Second-in-Command. She protested against the election of
Dorothée de Salm as Abbess, since she was below the required age of 25 at the
age of her election, but the Pope dispended for the rule, and she became Acting
Princess-Abbess of the Chapter, but remained in dispute with Dorothée after she
came of age until her own death. (d. 1666).
1660-61 Dowager County Sheriff Kristense Lykke of København Len with Smørrum,
Sokkelund and Ølstykke Herred, Denmark
Acted after the death of her husband. The English version of København is
Copenhagen, the Capital of Denmark.
1661-62 Dowager County Sheriff Katherine Sehested of Dragsholm Len, Denmark
Acted after the death of her husband, Siverd Urne til Raarup.
1661-62 Dowager County Sheriff Margrethe Redtz of Århusgård Len, Denmark
After her husband, Malte Sehested til Ryhave, had died.
1661-67 Ret Abudok nya Bwoc of Shilluk (Sudan)
The Shilluks have a divine king who symbolizes the whole realm, and they created
life sized representations of their first king, Nyikang. They also made clay
pipe bowls, hyena figurines, and masks. The Shilluk are agriculturalists and
herdsmen. They raise cattle, sheep, and goats. The men hunt, herd the animals,
and milk the livestock. Both sexes take part in the agricultural work.
Historically they were unified under one King or Reth chosen from the sons of
previous kings. Abudok was the only female ruler of the people.
1661-1701 Sovereign Duchess Madeleine Charlotte de Clermont-Tonnerre of Piney-Luxembourg,
Princesse de Tigny, Countess de Piney and Baroness de Dangu (France)
Her mother, Marguerite Charlotte de Luxembourg, had been Duchess since 1616 and
in 1661 she resigned in favour of her son by the first marriage, Henri León
d'Albert de Luxembourg. Later the same year, he resigned in Madeleine's favour
in order to become a deacon (known as L'Abbe de Luxembourg). She was born in her
mother's second marriage with Charles Henri de Clermont-Tonnerre, and when she
married Francois-Henri de Montmorency, who became known as the Duc de Piney-Luxembourg.
Luxembourg. Madeleine-Charlotte-Bonne-Thérèse de Clermont "called de Luxembourg"
lived (1635-1701).
1661 Claimant to the Duchy of Piney Marie Charlotte de Luxembourg (France)
She claimed the duchy, upon the resignation of her relative, Henri León d'Albert
de Luxembourg, and simultaneously resigned it to her Madeleine and her
son-in-law, François-Henri de Montmorency, comte de Luxe (1628-95), whose family
used the title of duke of Montmorency-Luxembourg, after a prolonged legal
battle, but this peerage was never considered to have been created.
1661-63 Sovereign Duchess Marie Catherine de La Rochefouchauld-Randan of Randan
(France)
Heiress of the County of Randan and was created Duchess, with a remainder to her
daughter, Marie Claire de Bauffremont-Sennecey and her male children with Jean-Baptiste
Gaston de Foix de Candale, Comte de Fleix. They both resigned in 1663 in favour
of Marie Claire's son, who was known as duc de Foix. Marie Catherine (d. 1677).
1661-70 Politically Influential Princess Henriette-Anne Stuart of England in
France
The wife of Duke Philippe d'Orléans, who was gay, she became involved in a love
affair with her brother-in-law King Louis XIV. She played an important political
role, and acted as an envoy to the signing of the Treaty of Douvres in 1670
between England and France. She was daughter of King Charles I Stuart of England
and Henriette-Marie of France, mother of five children, and lived (1644-70).
1662-74 Regent Dowager Duchess Laura Martinozzi of Modena e Reggio (Italy)
After the death of her husband, Alfonso IV d'Este, she acted as regent for their
son two year old son Francesco II. Her daughter Maria Beatrice d'Este became
Queen of England. Laura was the nice of Cardinal Mazarin, regent of France, and
lived (1639-87).
1662-67 Regent Dowager Fatima Sultan Saiyia Burhan of Kasimov/ Borjegin-Sibil
(The Golden Horde) (Russia)
1677-81 Sultan Regnant
Also known as Sultana Sayyidovna , she was first regent or Saiyia Burhan, before
becoming ruler of the Ilkhan Kingdom of Qasim in Central Asia in her own right
and had the Khutba (sovereign's prayer) proclaimed in her name in the mosques,
the ultimate sign of legitimate rule. She was a descendant of the Tatars golden
horde and said to be the last Mongol sovereign. The state was annexed by the
Russian 1681 and she died the same year.
1662 De-facto Ruler Imperial Princess Raushanara Begum of the Indian Mongul
Empire
Seized the power during the illness of her brother, Emperor Aurangzeb
(1658-1707). Like her infuential sister, Jahanara Begum Sahib, she was
unmarried, and lived (1617-71).
1662-65 and 1677-80 Reigning Abbess-General Inés de Mendoza y Miño of the
Monastery of Santa Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
She exercised an unlimited secular authority over more than fifty villages, held
her own courts, granted letters dismissorial for ordination, and issued licenses
authorizing priests, within the limits of her abbatial jurisdiction, to hear
confessions, to preach, and to engage in the cure of souls.
1662-88 Politically Influential Grand Empress Dowager Xiao Zhuang of China
Widow of Hong Tajii, and never interfered her son's decisions but after he died
at the age of 24 and was succeeded by his 8 years old son, Kang Xi, she was
summoned back into the politics of the Qing dynasty. She asked the four
appointed regents, Oboi, Sonim, Suksaha and Ebilun to assist her grandson and
advised her grandson to learn from his ministers since they were most
experienced and had been assisting the late emperor during his reign. She took
charge of Kang Xi's upbringing after the death of his mother. When Oboi was
posing a threat to Kang Xi's rule, she helped the young emperor to get rid of
Oboi. Born as Bumbutai., she was a daughter of a prince of Borjigit, the
Khorchin Mongols, prince Jaisang, thus was a descendant of Chinggis Khan, known
as Hiyoošungga Ambalinggū Genggiyenšu Hūwanghu in Manchu (d. 1688).
1663-77 Regent Dowager Landgravine Hedwig Sophie von Brandenburg of
Hessen-Kassel (Germany)
1677-83 Reigning Dowager Lady of Schmalkalden etc.
After the death of her husband, Landgrave Wilhelm VI von Hessen-Kassel
(1629-63), she first became regent for their firstborn son, Wilhelm VII
(1663-70) and after his death shortly before he was about to come age, she
automatically continued as regent for the second son; Karl (1670-1730). She saw
herself as the sole Head of Government Affairs (alleinige Leiterin der
Regierungsgeschäfte) even though she ruled together with a Regency College,
whose meetings she chaired almost daily. During her time in office she also
called and chaired 6 Meetings of the Estates (Landrat). She managed to remain
more or less neutral during the disputes between Protestants and Catholics in
the aftermath of the Thirty Years War. She did not abdicate the regency until
her son was 23, even though decrees, laws and coins were issued in his name from
the time he turned 18, but he seems to have been happy with the arrangement and
even after she took over the government in her dowry, she remained influential
in the Landgravate. Her third surviving son, Philipp, became Landgrave of
Hessen-Philippsthal. Mother of another son who died as an infant and three
daughters, and lived (1623-83)
1663-66 Dowager Reigning Duchess Anna Sophie von Mecklenburg-Güstrow of
Parchwitz in Slesia (Germany/Poland)
Widow of Ludwig IV. in Liegnitz and daughter of Duke Johann Albert II. zu
Mecklenburg-Güstrow. (d. 1666).
1663-70 Princess-Abbess Maria Appolonia Schweizer of Heggbach (Germany)
She continued the building activities and at the same time payed back
substantial parts of the chapter's depts. Born in Ulm, she lived (1604-70).
1663-96 Princess-Abbess Franziska von Freyberg of Gutenzell (Germany)
As a Swabian Fiefholder, she exercised the High Court-right of the Marshalate of
Swabia from 1685.
1663-85 Princess-Abbess Johanna Maria von Holdinghausen of Keppel (Germany)
She joined the Chapter in 1655, and 11 years later she became Catholic.
1664-69 Regent Dowager Duchess Isabella Clara von Habsburg of Mantova and
Monferrato (Italy)
Widow of Carlo II Gonzaga and regent for their only child, Carlo III. Also known
as Isabella Clara d'Asburgo, she was daughter of Leopold of Tirol, she lived
(1629-85).
1664-79 Regent Dowager Princess Albertina Agnes van Oranje-Nassau of Nassau in
Diez and Friesland, Groningen and Drente (Germany and the Netherlands)
1679-96 Reigning Dowager Lady of Oranienburg (Germany)
Her husband, Prince Willem Frederik von Nassau-Dietz, Stadtholder of Drente and
Groningen, died from the wounds he got when he shot himself by cleaning his gun.
She then took over the government in in Friesland, Groningen and Drente for son
Hendrik Casimir II of Nassau-Diez. In 1665 England and the Bishop of Münster
declared war on The Netherlands. As the main provinces of The Netherlands,
Holland, Zeeland and Utrecht had been without a Stadtholder since 1650, their
armies had been neglected as the fleet was favoured. Count Johann Moritz of
Nassau-Siegen was put in charge of the army but still the Bishop's army could
not be stopped. Even the strongly defended city of Groningen was threatened and
to give moral support, Albertine Agnes hurried to the besieged city. Pressure by
King Louis XIV of France, then an ally, forced the Bishop of Münster to
withdraw. Six years later, Louis XIV changed his mind and attacked the south of
The Netherlands himself, while the Bishop of Münster together with the Bishop of
Köln attacked the North. Albertine Agnes arranged the defence and suggested
opening the dykes to flood the lands. Her moral support kept Johann Moritz of
Nassau-Siegen going; and at last her nephew, Prince Willem III of Orange became
Stadtholder. She was born as Countess van Nassau-Katzenelnbogen and lived
(1634-96).
1664-86 Princess Regnant Nyai Cili Muda of Solor (Indonesia)
Succeeded mother, Nyai Cili, and was followed by son of her sister, Sengaji Cili.
1664-77 Princess-Abbess Maria Franzisca zu Rhein of Schänis (Switzerland)
One of her relatives, Johann Jakob zu Rhein von Morschwiller (1643-90), was
Domherr and Scholasticus of the Prince Bishop of Basel, where her family had
been influential since the 12th century. She belonged to the Mülhausen-line of
the zu Rhein family. The next of her family to reign the territory took office
in 1701.
1665-75 Regent Dowager Queen Maria Ana de Austria y Austria of Spain and The
Indies
Widow of Felipe IV and regent for son Carlos V (b. 1661). Her reign was hampered
by her dependence upon her Jesuit advisors and her preference for her Austrian
advisors. She was preoccupied with combating Louis XIV of France's attacks on
the Spanish possessions in the Netherlands. Court nobles, lead by Don Juan José
de Austria gained the upper hand, and eventually forced her to resign. After his
death in 1679 she again gained political influence. She lived (1635-96).
1665-90 Regent Dowager Princess Christine Charlotte von Württemberg-Stuttgart of
Ostfriesland (Germany)
1690-99 Reigning Dowager Lady of the Adminsitrative Office of Pewsum in
Ostfriesland
She reigned in the name of Christian Eberhard, who was born after his father,
Georg Christian's death. She lived (1645-1699).
1665-76 Sovereign Archduchess Clara Filicitas von Habsburg of Tirol and
Vorlaberg (Austria)
Daughter of Karl von Habsburg and Anna de' Medici. Married to Emperor Leopold I
of Austria, and mother of two daughters; Anna Maria Sophia (Born and dead 1674)
and Maria Josefa Klementina (1675-76). The territory was incorporated into the
Austrian-Hungarian Realm after her death. Claudia-Felicitas lived (1653-76).
1665-ca. 67 Captain-Donatary Joana de Meneses of Santa Maria in the Azores
(Portugal)
She was daughter of Branca da Gama Freire and married to Jorge Mascarenhas. She
was mother of 2 children. Luís de Vasconcelos e Sousa, Conde de Castelho Melhor
was Captain-Donatary from 23rd of May 1667 until 1720.
1665-72 Reigning Princess Gryzelda Wiśniowiecka of Zamość (Poland)
After her brother's death in 1665 she became the owner of the great hereditary
property of ordynacja zamoyska (Zamość). In 1669 she managed to secure the
Polish throne for her only son, Michał Korybut. She was the daughter of Tomasz
Zamoyski, voivode of Kiev and Katarzyna. 1638-1651 she was married to Duke
Jeremi Wiśniowiecki of Wiśniowiec and Łubnie, and lived (1623-72).
After 1665-88 Lady Anna-Elisabetha von Sachsen-Lauenburg of Philippseck bei
Butzbach in Hessen-Homburg (Germany)
After Wilhelm Christoph von Hessen-Homburg's first wife Sophia Eleonora von
Hessen-Darmstadt died giving birth to their 12th child, they got married, but
their marriage soon failed. Her husband tried unsuccessfully to divorce her, but
she was "exiled" to the Castle of Philippseck bei Butzbach, where she became a
loved "mother of the realm" (Landsesmutter) who cared for the young and the poor
and among others founded several schools. She lived (1624-88).
1665-68 Reigning Dowager Lady Dorothea von Holstein-Glücksburg of Castle and
Administrative Unit of Herzberg am Harz in Braunschweig-Lüneburg-Celle (Germany)
1668-88 Political Advisor in Brandenburg
1688-89 Reigning Dowager Lady of the Administrative Unit of Potsdam
Her first husband Duke Christian Ludwig von Lüneburg Celle died after 12 years
of not very happy and child-less marriage and she lived at her dowry until her
marriage to Elector Friedrich Wilhelm von Brandenburg 3 years later. She took
over the care of his 3 minor sons and had 7 children from 1669 to 1677, and all
but one reached adulthood. She also became his close political advisor. She was
given the Amt Potsdam and the Castle of Potsdam became her favourite residence
and later her dowry. From 1671 she also owned Caputh and she later bought the
Lordship of Schwedt, which became the basis for the Margravate of her son
Philipp Wilhelm, who founded the line of Brandenburg-Schwedt. She was daughter
of Duke Philip von Schleswig-Holstein-Sønderborg-Glücksburg and Sophie Hedwig
von Sachsen-Lauenburg, and lived (1636-89).
1665-69 and 1672-77 Reigning Abbess-General Isabel María de Navarra y Cueva of
the Monastery of Santa Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
Held both temporal and secular power over vast territories in northern Spain.
1665-78 Princess-Abbess Dorothea Hedwig zu Slesvig-Holsten-Norburg of
Gandersheim (Germany)
When she converted to Catholisism she had to resign her position. She then
married Count Christof von Rantzau-Hohenfeld (1625-96), she was daughter of
Friedrich of Norborg and his second wife Eleonore von Anhalt-Zerbst, and lived
(1636-92).
1666-89 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Countess Marie-Magdalene zu
Pfalz-Birkenfeld of Auleben in Schwarzburg-Sondershausen (Germany)
Widow of Count Anton Günther I von Schwarzburg-Sondershausen (1620-42-66). The
Pfalzgräfin was mother of 11 children and lived (1622-89).
1666-77 Administratrice Bernarde de Cléron de Saffre of Remiremont (France)
1666-84-1704-? Doyenne
Elected Doyenne in succession Hélène d'Anglure and was Adminsitrator of the
Chapter for the under-age Princess-Abbess Dorothée de Salm, and continued the
powerstruggle with her, and had her sister, Christine named as
"Second-in-Command" in 1700 and it was she who acted as Regent for the minor
Elisabeth Charlotte Gabrielle Lorraine from 1700 and 11 years onwards, not
Bernarde.
1666 Titular Head of the Moctezuma Dynasty of the Kingdom of Tecnochtitlan, the
II Condesa de Moctezuma (Mexico)
This person might have been a man.
1667-74 Regent Dowager Duchess Sophie Auguste von Holstein-Gottorp of
Anhalt-Zerbst (Germany)
1778-80 Reigning Dowager Lady of the Castle and Administrative Unit of Coswig
She and her daughter, Sophia Augusta, survied the smallpox but her husband,
Johann, died. She was named regent for their son, Carl Wilhelm, who was Duke of
Anhalt-Zerbst, Duke of Sachsen, Angaria and Westphalia, Count of Ascania, Lord
of Bernburg, Zerbst, Jever and Knyphausen. After her son came of age, she
withdrew to her dorwy, but the following year she suffered a number of strokes
and fevers and had to endure months of suffering before she died. The mother of
14 children of whom 5 survied into adulthod, she lived (1630-80).
1667-75 Sovereign Duchess Louise-Françoise de La Baume Le Blanc of Vallière
(France)
She was given the duchy in 1667, but eight years later she resigned in favour of
her daughter, whose father was King Louis XIV, Marie-Anne de Bourbon, upon
entering the Carmelite order as Louise de la Miséricode. She lived (1644-1710).
1667-85 Joint Ruler Princess Francesca Maria Cristina di Simiana of Masserano
and Crevacuore (Italy)
Reigned together with her second husband, Sovereign Prince Francesco Ludovico
Ferrero Fieschi of Masserano, Sovereign Marchese of Crevacuore, Principe del
Sacro Romano Impero sulla Contea di Lavagna, Conte Palatino del Sacro Romano
Impero, etc, etc. (1638-1685). The state involved several small territories in
northwestern Italy near the Pennine Alps. She was first married to Francesco
Valperga Conte di Masino. Her second son, Carlo Besso (1662-1720) succeeded his
father. Her niece, Maria Irene Delfina di Simiana succeeded her brother as
Princess di Montafia etc. in 1706. Francesca lived (1640-1716) .
1667-80 Princess-Abbess Elisabeth III von der Pfalz of Herford (Germany)
The Pfalzgräfin was daughter of Elector Freiderich V von der Pfalz and King of
Bohemia (The Winter-king) and Elizabeth Stuart. She was in close contact with
many of the philosophers and scientists of the day. In 1661 was she elected
Coadjutorin of the Abbess of the "reichsunmittelbaren" chapter for Noble ladies
and in 1667 she was elected as Princess-Abbess. She gave freedom of faith and
shelter to a number of protestant churches, who were not allowed elsewhere -
among others the Quaker. Her sister, Sophia von Hanover, was named Heiress to
the British throne in 1701. Elizabeth lived (1618-80).
1667-96 In charge of parts of the County Dowager Countess Sophia Katharina von
Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg of Oldenburg (Germany)
After her husband, Anton Gunther von Oldenburg (1583-1667) died, his inheritance
was split up because they had no children and his natural son, Reichsgraf Anton
I zu Aldenburg did not have any rights of inheritance. The county was inherited
by the King of Denmark, she remained in charge of parts of it as her dowry and
resided at the Castle of Neuenburg. She was daughter of Duke Alexander of
Slesvig-Holsten-Sønderborg and Dorothea von Schwarzburg-Sondershausen and lived
(1617-96).
1668... Regent Vicereine Ana de Borja y Aragón of the Vice-Kingdom of Peru
Her Spainsh title was "Virreina Gobernadora" and she was appointed regent by her
husband, Pedro Fernandez De Castro Andrade y Portugal, Count of Lemos, Marquis
of Sarria and Duke of Taurisano, who was Viceroy of Peru 1666-72, when he went
on a military campaign. She was daughter of the Duke of Gandia.
1668-1705 Princess-Abbess Madeleine-Thérèse de Noyelle of Nivelles, Dame
Temporaire and Spirituelle of Nivelles (Belgium)
She was the second of the de Noyelle-family to rule the territory. The first,
Marguerite V was in office 1561-69.
Until 1669 Princess-Abbess Freiherrin Raitz von Frentz of Burtscheid (Germany)
The last of four members of the family who reigned the territory from 1618. And
like the case with her predecessor, her first name is not known.
1669-92 Princess-Abbess Maria Theresia I von Sulz of Buchau (Germany)
She was daughter of Ludwig Ernst, Count von Sulz and Landgrave im Klettgau and
Countess Maria Elisabeth von Hohenzollern, and lived (1634-92).
1669-72 and 1680-83 Reigning Abbess-General Magdalena de Mendoza y Miño of the
Monastery of Santa Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
Since 1189 the Abbess of the Order had been Abbess General of the Order for the
Kingdom of Leon and Castilla, with the privilege of convoking annually a general
chapter at Burgos.
1670-91 Regent Dowager Princess Anna Eleonore von Stolberg-Wernigerode of
Anhalt-Köthen (Germany)
Her husband, Emanuel (1631-50-70), died shortly after their marriage, and she
became joint regent with Johan Georg II von Anhalt-Dessau, for her posthumously
born son, Emmanuel Albrecht (1671-1704), and got Imperial Confirmation as regent
in 1671. She lived (1651-91).
1670-85 Royal County Sheriff Queen Dowager Sophie Amalie zu
Braunschweig-Lüneburg of Denmark of Lolland-Falster Len and Hørsholm Len,
Denmark
She already got the fief as security for loans to her husband, Frederik 3, in
1660, and she also administered the estates of Ibsholm and Dronninggaard. She
was quite influential during the reign of her husband from 1648. She was mother
of among others, Prince Jørgen (George) the husband of Queen Anne of England and
Scotland. Sophie Amalie lived (1628-85).
1670-75 Princess-Abbess Maria Bernarda Östringer of Heggbach (Germany)
She continued the building and renovation works of her predecessor, but marked
by illness during the whole of her short reign. She lived (1650-75).
1670-1704 Reigning Abbess Gabrielle de Rochechouart de Mortemart of the Royal
Abbey of Fontevraud (France)
Marie-Madeleine-Gabrielle was was the sister of the Marquise de Montespan, she
is said to have translated all the works of Plato from the Latin version of
Ficino. The abbey school was frequented by the children of the highest nobility,
and her successors were entrusted with the education of the daughters of Louis
XV.
1670-73 Politically Active Queen Eleonora Maria Josefa von Habsburg of Poland
1690-97 Politically Active Dowager Duchess of Lorraine (France)
Politically active during reign of her first husband, king Michał Korybut
Wiśniowieckiof Poland, and in 1673 she prevented the civil war in Poland. After
the death of her second husband, Karl IV Leopold, she tried to fulfill the last
wishes of her husband by putting all her energy into the return of Lorraine to
her children. At the German Reichstag in Regensburg she presented an offer for
the restoration of Lorraine and established the rights of her eldest son,
Leopold Joseph. In 1697 at the Treaty of Rijswijk she achieved her aims, but
died only a few weeks after. Mother of 5 children with second husband, and lived
(1653-97).
1671-96 Rani Regnant Chennamma of Keladi (or Bednur) (India)
Also known as Chennammaji, she succeeded her husband Somashekara Nayak I at a
very young age, but managed to take over the throne in spite of scheming
councillors and external dangers. Apparently she was skilled with the sword as
well. Several ministers and the commander-in-chief plotted to take away power
from her but she successfully circumvented them. A member of the royal family
who felt he should have succeeded to the crown made alliance with the Wodeyer
ruler of Mysore, but the she defeated him in battle and forced a treaty on
Mysore. Taking advantage of the situation the chieftains of Sodi, Sirsi and
Vanavasi declared war but they too were crushed. Other leaders in the kingdom
also revolted but she banished them. Rajaram, son of Chatrapati Shivaji came to
Chennamna while fleeing from Aurangazeb. She granted him safe passage. This led
to a war between Keladi and the Mughal empire. Though the resources of the
Mughals were gigantic compared with the small state of Keladi, the latter's
strategy was superior. They destroyed a major part of the Mughal army led by
Aurangazeb's son, captured several Mughal captains, and booty. Ultimately a
treaty was signed. She was succeeded by adopted son, Asavappa Nayakka I.
1671-ca. 73 In Charge of the Government Dowager Duchess Dorothea Auguste von
Holstein-Gottorp of Schleswig-Holstein-Sønderborg-Plön (Germany)
Her son, Johann Adolf (1634-71-1704) participated in various wars in the service
of the German Emperor, and left the government in her hand and then in the hand
of her daughter-in-law, Dorothea Sophia von Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel. Dorothea
Auguste was widow of Joachim Ernst of Plön, the areas of Kenfeld and Ahrensbök,
during whose reign the armies of Wallenstein went through the Duchy in 1627, the
Sweeds looted in 1643 and the Danish-Swedish war 1657-60 devestated the state.
She lived (1602-82).
1671-98 Sovereign Marchioness Henriëtte Francisca zu Hohenzollern-Hechingen of
Bergen op Zoom, Countess of Walhain (The Netherlands)
One year after the death of her mother, Maria Elisabeth II van der Bergh s'-Heerenberg,
she was given the Marchionate as a fief, but was not inaugurated until 1781. She
married Frédéric Maurice de La Tour, Comte d'Auvergne et d'Oliergues, and had
nine children. During the war between the United Republic of the Netherlands and
France, Bergen op Zoom was given two times to the King-Stadholder Willem IIII
(1672-78 and 1788-97). She was succeeded son, Francois Egon. Also known as
Franziska Henriette, she lived (1642-98).
Ca. 1671-76 Squaw Sachem Awashonks of Sakonnet in Rhode Island (United States of
America)
Also known as Awashunckes, she was a Sachem or Suncksqua of very high standing
and a major player in events leading up to the native King Philip's (Metacomet's)
War (1675-76). Repeatedly, we hear of her negotiating war and peace at the
council fire, backed by her war leaders, most of whom were her sons and she was
among those signing the "submission" after the Native American army was
defeated. She was contemporary with three other women sachems of the period
Weetamoo and Potok Magnus and an unnamed woman leader from Concord in
Massachusetts.
1671-85 Politically Influential Duchess Louise Renée de Kéroualle of Portsmouth
in England (United Kingdom)
French mistress of Charles II of England. She exerted a powerful influence over
the king in favour of France until his death in 1685. She was made Duchess of
Portsmouth and d'Aubigny in 1673 and was the mother by the king, of Charles
Lennox, duke of Richmond. She was hated by many English as a French-Catholic
menace, she stayed mostly in France after 1685, and lived (1649–1734).
1672-75 Regent Dowager Duchess Louise von Anhalt-Dessau of Liegnitz and Brieg in
Slesia (Poland)
1672-80 Reigning Dowager Duchess in Ohlau and Wołów (Oława) (Poland)
Also known as Ludwika Anhalcka. After the death of her husband, Christian of
Wołów (1664-72), who inherited Legnica and Brzeg from his older brothers, she
became regent for their son, Jerzy Wilhelm von Schlesien-Brieg-Liegnitz and
Wohlau (1660-75), who was declared of age by the emperor against her protests,
but he died soon after, and with him the Piast line of the Dukes of Legnica,
Brzeg and Wołów died out. In his will he asked Emperor Leopold I to allow the
inhabitants of his lands the freedom of confession. She built the grave chapel
of the line of the Princely family in the Choir of the Church of St. Johannes.
She was daughter of Duke Johan Kasimir von Anhalt-Dessau and Agnethe von
Hessen-Kassell, and lived (1631-80).
1672-74, 1679-82 and 1699-1707 Sovereign Princess Marie de Orléans-Longueville
of Neuchâtel and Valangin (Switzerland)
The daughter of Henri II d'Orléans, Duke de Longueville, and his first wife,
Louise de Bourbon-Soissons, Marie lost her mother at age 12, and in 1642 came
under the authority of her stepmother, the celebrated intriguer of the Fronde,
Anne-Geneviève de Bourbon-Condé. Raised in a strict, studious atmosphere, Marie
came to have little in common with her scandalous stepmother and eventually fled
to Dieppe and then to Flanders in 1651 upon the renewed outbreak of the wars of
the Fronde. For a time she was considered a possible bride for the Duke of York
and even for Charles II of England, who had asked her hand. In 1657 she married
Henri II, Duke de Nemours, a near-invalid, who died two years later, leaving her
childless. The rest of her life was spent in a cruel, arduous legal battle with
her stepmother's relatives, trying to establish her own inheritance. In 1698 she
lost her case as far as the French property was concerned, but she did establish
her right to the sovereign principality of Neufchatel the following year. In her
Mémoires she dealt with the Fronde, writing with sympathy toward her father and
with particular hatred for her stepmother and other Condés. She lived
(1625-1707).
1672-88 Princess-Abbess Barbara II Sauther of Baindt (Germany)
As Princess of The Empire (Fürstäbtissin or Reichsäbtissin), she sat on the
Ecclesiastical Bank in the Diet of the Holy Roman Empire. From 1663 the Diet sat
indefinitely and became known as the Everlasting Diet (Immerwährender
Reichstag). From now on emperor was represented by a prince of the empire as his
commissioner; a jurist was appointed as subcommissioner; and the elector of
Mainz, archchancellor of the empire, had charge of the business of the meetings
of the Diet. This assembly of representatives without legislative power
disappeared when the realm collapsed under Napoleon's attack in 1806.
1672-75 Hereditary Duchess Elisabeth Sofie of Sachsen-Altenburg (Germany)
In 1672 her unmarried cousin Duke Friedrich Wilhelm III, died, and she inherited
Altenburg - and her husband, Duke Ernst I of Sachsen-Gotha added Altenburg to
his title. He was already in charge of Tenneberg, Waltershausen, Wachsenburg,
Ichtershausen, Königsberg, Tonndorf, Heldburg, Eisfeld, Salzungen,
Frauenbreitungen, Wasungen, Kranichfeld, and from 1672 also of Leuchtenburg,
Orlamünde, Krainburg, Eisenberg, Stadtroda, Ronneburg, Saalfeld, Grafenthal,
Probstzella, Coburg, Sonneberg, Haldburghausen, Themar, Untermassfeld, Meiningen,
Behringen and Römhild. When he died in 1675, their oldest son Friedrich I became
Duke of Sachsen-Gotha-Altenburg etc. Elisabeth Sofie had already inherited the
Saxon claim to Jerusalem when her father, Johann Philipp, died in 1629. She was
mother of 18 children, and lived (1619-80).
1672-93 Princess-Abbess Maria Cleopha Schenkin von Castell of Säckingen
(Germany)
During the Dutch war in 1678 Säckingen was looted by French troops and a large
part of the city burned down, including the church. Ten years later the
territory was again attacked during the War of the Pfalz (Pfälzischen Krieg).
Various male members of her family, the Schenk von Castells, were Prince-Bishops
of Eichstätt.
1673-83 Sovereign Countess Catharina Agathe of Rappoltstein and Hohenach, Lady zu
Geroldseck am Wasichin (Germany)
The oldest daughter of Johann Jacob (1598-1673) and through an old Imperial
privillege it was possible for women to inherit the title. She was married to
Christian II, Pfalzgraf bei Rhein, Duke von der Pfalz-Birkenfeld und Bischweiler
and was succeeded by their oldest son, Christian III. The decendants of her
aunt, Anna Elisabeth von Rappoltstein, the Princess of Waldeck-Pyrmont later
assumed the title of Count of Rappoltstein, but never persued their claim.
Catharina Agathe lived (1648-83).
1673-1702 In Charge of the Government Duchess Dorothea Sophia zu
Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel of Schleswig-Holstein-Sønderborg-Plön
1704-22 Titular Duchess of Reinfeld and Reigning Dowager Lady of the Castle and
Administrative Office (Germany)
After her marriage to Hans Adolf, Of the Grace of God, Heir of Norway, Duke to
Schleswig-Holstein (1634-71-1704), who participated in various wars in the
service of the German Emperor and spend very little time in Plön, she took over
the government from her mother-in-law Dorothea Auguste von Holstein-Gottorp.
After his death she was given the title of titular duchess and Castle of
Reinfeld as her dowry. She lived (1653-1722).
1674-79 Sovereign Princess Anne Genevière de Bourbon-Condé of Neuchâtel (Switzerland)
She was born in the prison of Vincennes, into which her father Henri de Bourbon,
Prince de Conde, and mother Charlotte Marguerite de Montmorency, had been thrown
for opposition to Marshal D'Ancre, the favorite of the Regent, Marie de' Medici.
In 1642 she was married to the Duc de Longueville, governor of Normandy, a
widower twice her age. After Richelieu's death her father became chief of the
council of regency during the minority of Louis XIV. She became of political
importance in 1646 when her husband was the chief envoy during the drafting of
the Treaty of Westphalia, where she waas addressed as the " goddess of peace and
concord." She maintained a long liaison with the duc de La Rochefoucauld and
joined him as a leader of the Fronde. A determined enemy of Cardinal Mazarin,
she obtained the assistance of her brother Armand de Bourbon, prince de Conti,
during the first Fronde, and that of the Vicomte de Turenne and her brother, the
Great Condé, The king pardoned her and she became the great protectress of the
Jansenists. As her health failed'she hardly ever left the convent of the
Carmelites in which she had been educated. On her death in 1679 she was buried
with great splendour by her brother Conde, and her heart, as she had directed,
was sent to the nuns of the Port Royal des Champs. She lived (1619-79).
1674-89 Acting Patroon Maria van Cortland van Rensselaer of the Patroonship of
Rensselaerswijk in New Amsterdam (USA)
After the death of her husband, Jeremias van Rensselaer, who was the Third
Director, Fourth Patroon, and Second Lord of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck, she
acted stand-in for son. The Dutch colonized the area which later became New York
after it was sold to the British. She was daughter of Oloff Stevensen Van
Cortlandt, a wealthy Manhatten merciant, and Anna Lookerman, mother of 6
children, and lived (1645-89).
1674-96 Politically Influential Queen Maria Kazimiera d'Arquien of Poland
Also known as Marysieńka, she was very political influential during the reign of
her husband, king Jan III Sobieski (1629-74-96). Since 1699 she lived in Rome
and from 1714 in France. She lived (1641–1716).
1675-77 H.H. Paduka Sri Sultana Naqiat ud-din Nur ul-'Alam Shah, Sultana of Aceh
Dar us-Salam (Indonesia)
Granddaughter of Sultan 'Ali Mughayat II Ri'ayat Shah, who ruled 1604-07, and
married Laksamana 'Abdu'r Rahman bin Zainal Abidin, Orang Kaya Kaya Maharaja
Lela Melayu, son of Zainal Abidin bin Daim Mansur, Tengku of Ribee. Perhaps
mother of Sultan 'Ala ud-din Ahmad Shah Johan Badr Berdaulat, but she was
succeeded by Sultana Zaqiyat. Her Throne-name Naqiat ud-din Nur ul-'Alam Shah
means Light of the world, Purity of the Faith. (d. 1677).
1675-84 Regent Dowager Duchess Maria-Giovanna-Babtista de Savoie-Nemours of
Savoy and Piemont (Italy)
1652 her father, Charles-Amédé, Duke of Nemour, Aumale and Genevois was killed
in duel with his brother-in-law and her mother, Elisabeth de Bourbon-Vendome
secured the income of the Lands of Nemour for her two daughters, but the titles
were inherited by other members of the family. She was first married to Charles
de Lorraine, but it was never consummated and declared void. She became engaged
in politics soon after her marriage to Carlo-Emmanuelle II of Savoia, who named
her "reggente con il potere assoluto" on his deathbed. As regent she manoeuvred
between the super-powers at the time and remained in close contact to her only
sister, Queen Isabel Luisa Josefa of Portugal. When his son Victor-Amedée
reached his majority at the age of 14, he asked her to continue as regent. She
had several young lovers, but neither they nor their relatives gained long-term
political influence. She said no to becoming temporary regent when her son
became king of Sicily in 1713, but she was probably played an important role in
the government, as her grandson, Vittorio-Amedeo was only 14. She became an
important promoter of art and architecture in her later years as a widow.
Originally named Marie Jeanne, she lived (1644-1724).
1675-96 Sovereign Duchess Elisabeth d'Orléans of Alençon and d'Angoulême
(France)
Daughter of Gaston, Duc d'Orléans, and lived (1646-1696).
1675-88 Sovereign Duchess Marie de Lorraine of Guise et de Joyeuse, Princess de
Joinville (France)
Daughter of Henriette-Catherine de Joyeuse, she succeeded a grand-nephew. In
1686 she left Guise and Joinville to Charles de Stainville, Comte de Couvonges,
with a remainder to the younger sons of the duke of Lorraine's younger sons and
their heirs male. She also left Joyeuse by an act of 1688 to Charles Francois de
Lorraine, prince de Commercy. The donation of 1686 was voided by the Parlement
de Paris in 1689, and Anna Henrietta Julia of Bavaria, second daughter of the
prince Palatine, distant cousin of the deceased, inherited Guise and Joinville.
Marie de Lorraine lived (1615-1688).
1675-1704 Sovereign Duchess Marie Madeleine Thérèse de Vignerot of Aiguillon,
Demoiselle d'Agénois et Baronne de Saujon (France)
She succeeded aunt, Marie-Madeleine Vignerot. She became a nun, and at her death
the title was inherited by her nephew Louis-Armand, marquis de Richelieu. Marie-Thérèse
lived (1635-1705).
1675-98 Sovereign Duchess Marie-Anne de Bourbon of Vallière (France)
Her mother, Louise-Françoise de La Baume Le Blanc, resigned in her favour. In
1698 she gave the duchy to her cousin, Charles-François de La Baume Le Blanc.
She had no children in her marriage with Prince Louis-Armand I de Bourbon-Conti,
prince de la Roche-sur-Yon (1661-85). Also known as Marie-Anne de Blois, she was
daughter of King Louis XIV, and lived (1666-1739).
1675-87 Regent and Guardian Dowager Countess Maria Anna Theresia von Haslang of
Breitenegg (Germany)
She was in charge of the government in the Tillyschen Reichsgrafschaft
Breitenegg during the minority of her son, Ferdinand Lorenz Franz Xaver,
Reichsgraf von Tilly und Breitenegg (d. 1724), who was succeeded by his
daughter, Maria Anna Katharina Theresia Reichsgräfin von Tilly. The County of
the Realm had recieved a seat and vote in the Imperial Diet in 1654.
1675-87 Princess-Abbess Maria Cäcilia I Vöhlerin of Heggbach (Germany)
In 1686 she changed the common sleeping hall for the ladies of the chapter with
cells for each one of them. During her reign the bad harvests returned (in 1682
and 1685), but she ininitiated a number of commercial activities and opned a
mill and a saw. Another version of her surname was Vöhlin, and she was born
Freifrau von Frickenhausen, Illertiseen und Neuburg.
1675-93 Princess-Abbess Maria Theresia von Muggenthal of Niedermünster in
Regensburg (Germany)
She was member of the noble family of Counts of the Realm (Reichsgrafen) von
Muggenthal in Bavaria.
Until 1675 Princess-Abbess Maria Sophie zu Salm-Reifferscheid of Elten
(Germany)
Daughter of Count Ernst Friedrich zu Salm-Reifferscheid in Bedburg and Countess
Maria Ursula zu Leiningen Her sister, Anna Salome, was sovereign of Essen. Maria
Sophie lived (1620-74).
1675-1708 Princess-Abbess Maria Franziska von Manderscheid of Elten (Germany)
Also Abbess in Vreden.
Ca. 1676-ca. 1711 Sultan Alimah II of Nzwani, Comoro Islands
Arabic-style sultanates developed in Nzwani as early as the sixteenth century
with different areas of the island first ruled by chiefs known as Fani. Later,
the chiefs were involved in conflicts and appealed to Europeans to intercede on
their behalf. Eventually, in 1886, the island became a French protectorate and
was formally annexed by France to its possessions in 1909.
1676-1715 Sovereign Countess Magdalena Christina von Manderscheid of
Sayn-Hachenburg (Germany)
Succeeded brother, who had succeeded their mother, Countess Ernestine von Sayn,
who was co-ruler of the county. She was married to a Burgrave von Kirchberg and
in 1799 the counties were inherited by Burgravine Luise of Kirchenberg, Countess
of Sayn-Hardenburg and Lady of Farnrode and trough her, by the Dukes of Nassau-Weilburg
- the present ruling family of Luxembourg.
1676-88 Regent Dowager Duchess Ilona Zrinyi of Munkacs (Hungary)
After the death of her first husband, Francis I Rakoczy (Rákóczi Ferenc), and
mother-in law, Sophia Báthory, she inherited the immense property of the family.
She married Imre Tököly and helped her husband with organising the "kuruc"
uprising. After her husband had been defeated she defended fortress Munkach
against the Habsburgs. In 1688 she was forced to give up. She was kept
imprisoned in a cloister in Vienna. Later her husband changed her for Habsburg
emperor's officers. She followed her husband to his political exile. Her first
husband had been designated as successor of his father, George I of Transylvania
in 1652 by the Diet, but he was never recognized. The city of Munkacs is
situated in Transcarpathian Ruthenia (Zakarpatskaya Oblast) and its population
was a mixture of Hungarian-, Slovak-, Ukrainian-, Ruthenian-, and
German-speaking elements; it also boasted one of the most culturally significant
Jewish communities in Eastern Europe. She died in Nikodemia, and lived
(1645-1703)
1676-89 Princess-Abbess Maria Rosina Brümsi von Herblingen of Lindau (Germany)
The Abbess of Lindau became Princess of the Empire with the title of
Princess-Abbess (Reichsäbtissin to Lindau) in the 15th Century.
1677-84 Regent Sri Rani Aswathi Thriunal Ummayamma Rani of Travancore (India)
As the senior Princess of the Royal House, she was already Rani of Attingal,
which was given to her as her personal appanage, when she succeeded on the death
of Raja Aditya Varma after defeating a rival contender to the throne,
Nedumangattu Kerala Varma in battle. Around this time, the British first came to
Kerala. In 1684, she facilitated the construction of godowns for the British
near Attingal. She adopted Kottayam Kerala Varma, who went onto become a famous
personality. Unfortunately, his popularity came at the cost of making powerful
enemies, who had him assassinated on his return from an audience with the Queen.
She was mother of six sons, five of them drowned at Manakad while bathing. After
the death of her last son, Raja Ravi Vama, Raja, she adopted an entire family
from the House of Kolatbunad, the Koil Tampurans of Kilimanur - three men and
three women. Ummayamma Rani (d. 1684/90).
1677-93 Co-Regent Dowager Duchess Magdalene Sibylle von Hessen-Darmstadt of
Württemberg (Germany)
1677-1712 Reigning Dowager Lady of Leonberg
Following the death of her husband, Duke Wilhelm Ludwig, she reigned in the name
of their son Eberhard Ludwig (1676-77-1733) together with some co-regents, among
other her brother-in-law, Friedrich-Karl. She formed a form of alternative
government against the administrator, she initiated intrigues and changed side
as she saw her own advantages. When Friederich-Karl was captured by the french,
Emperor Leopold outmanoeuvred her by declaring her son of prematurely of age.
She held the Castle and Landscape of Leonberg as her dowry. The daughter of the
Landgrave of Hessen-Darmstadt, she grew up in Sweden, and lived (1652-1712).
Around 1677 Queen of Wayonaoake in Virginia (USA)
She is mentioned as one of the signateurs of the treaty between the Indian
tribes and the British colonisers.
1677-81 Regent Dowager Duchess Eleonore Clara von Hohenlohe-Gleichen of Nassau-Saarbrücken
(Germany)
After her husband, Gustav Adolf von Nassau-Saarbrücken, fell in battle at
Kochersberg, she was regent for son, Ludwig Kraft von Nassau-Saarbrücken
(1663-77-1713). During her reign, she abolished the serfdom in the county in a
proclamation with the titulature: "Wir Eleonore Clara, Verwittibte Gräfin und
Vormünderin zu Nassau Saarbrücken und Saarwehrden, Frau zu Lahr und Wiesbaden
und Jdstein, geb. Gräfin von Hohenlohe u. Gleichen, Frau zu Laneenburg u.
Granichfeld. She lived (1632-1709).
1677-1700 Burgravine Amalia von Dohna-Vianen, Sovereign Lady and Heiress of
Vianen and Ameiden, Hereditary Burgravine of Utrecht (The Netherlands)
The Suveräne Frau und Erbin von Vianden and Erbburggräfin von Uetrecht was
daughter of Christian Albrecht (1621-77) and Sophie Theodore von Brederode, all
of her five brothers and two sisters predeceased her. She was married to Count
Simon Heinrich zur Lippe-Detmold (1649-99), mother of 16 chidlren and lived
(1644-1700).
1677-1723 Territorial Princess Giovanna II Aragona Pignatelli Cortes of
Castelvetrano, Princess of the Holy Roman Empire, Machioness of Avola, Duchess
of Terranova and Countess of Borghetto, etc. (Italy)
Daughter of Andrea Fabrizio (?-1677) Duke of Monteleone. Married to Ettore
Pignatelli, Marquis del Vaglio. Succeeded by son Prince Diego, Marquis of Valle
Oaxaca later Duke of Terranova and Monteleone. She and her husband acquired
extensive feudal properties in Southern Italy, in central and western Sicily, in
Spain and Mexico. She lived (1666-1723).
1677-99 Fiefcountess Sophie Amalie Moth of the County of Samsøe (Denmark)
Official Maitresse of King Christian V, and appointed Lensgrevinde til Samsø til
Gevskabet Samsøe, and her children with the king were given the surname of
Gyldenløve and they became the ancestors of the Danneskiold-Samsøe counts. She
lived (1754-99).
1677-1701 Princess-Abbess Maria Eva Schenkin von Castell of Schänis
(Switzerland)
Her sister, Maria Cleopha, was Princess-Abbess of Säckingen (1672-93).
1678-88 H.H. Paduka Sri Sultana Zaqiyat ud-din 'Inayat Shah binti al-Marhum Raja
Mahmud Shah, Sultana of Aceh Dar us-Salam (Indonesia)
She was elected as successor to sultana Naqiat - the second female ruler of the
state - by the mercantile oligarchs. The rule of women was not simply a weak
version of male monarchy; it also partook of some of the attributes that women
were expected to show in Southeast Asian societies. Women were entrusted with
the handling of money, the buying and selling of goods, the promotion of the
family as a business and the making of deals. Sultan Zaqiyat was daughter of
Raja Mahmud Shah bin Raja Sulaiman Shahand and married to a great-grandson of
Sultan Mukmin, who reigned 1579. Succeeded by her sister-in-law, Sultana Zinat.
(d. 1688).
1678 Sovereign Margravine Isabella I Gonzaga of Gaustalla (Italy)
Succeeded her father, Ferdinando III briefly before she was deposed by cousin,
Vincenzo I Gonzaga, who married her younger sister Maria-Vittoria (1659-1707) in
1679. Anna Isabella was married to Fedinando Carlo IV Gonzaga, Duke of Manova,
she had no children, and lived (1655-1703).
1678-88 Regent Dowager Landgravine Elisabeth Dorothea von
Sachsen-Gotha-Altenburg of Hessen-Darmstadt (Germany)
1688-1709 Reigning Dowager Lady of the Castle and Administrative Unit of
Butzback
Took over as regent for son, Ernst Ludwig (1667-78-1739) after the death of her
stepson Ludwig V, who died 18 weeks and 4 days after succeeding her husband,
Ludwig IV (1630-61-78). The Imperial Court (Reichskammergericht) demanded that
she should reign jointly with a College of Councillors, but she prevented that
they could take their oath and they therefore remained subordinate "advisors" to
her. During her term in office she only called the Estates (Landtag) 2 times.
She worked hard on consolidating the economic and industrial situation of the
Landgrave and after she took over the government in her dowry, she advised her
son to do the same, but he refused her interference. She also promoted music and
culture, and lived (1640-1709).
1678-93 Regent Countess Dowager Ernestine Barbara Dorothea Sibylle zu
Löwenstein-Wertheim-Rochefort of Salm-Reifferscheid (Germany)
In charge of the government in the name of her son Altgraf Franz Wilhelm I von
Salm Reifferscheid zu Bedbur (1672-78-1734). She lived (1654-98).
1678-98 Guardian Dowager Countess Anna Dorothea von Ruppa of Reuss zu
Untergreiss (Germany)
After the death of her husband, Heinrich IV, she was guardian for son, Heinrich
XIII (1672-1733), who was under the regency of a male relative. She lived
(1651-98).
1678-81 Princess-Abbess Christine Sofie zu Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel of
Gandersheim (Germany)
She resigned in order to marry Duke August Wilhelm of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel
(1662-1731). She was daughter of Duke Rudolf August of Christiane Elisabeth,
Gräfin von Barby, and lived (1654-95).
1680-83 Queen of Lai Kha (Myanmar-Burma)
Succeeded her husband, King Saw ne Ya, who reigned the Shan Kingdom (1650-80).
Ca. 1680-ca. 85 Sultan Nur al-Azam of Sulu (Philippines)
Also known as Pangian Ampay II, she was originally named Siti Cabil or Sittie
Kabira, and chosen as the successor by her maternal grandfather, Sultan Muawil
Wasit. Not much is known about her reign, Kabira’s name remains in an extended
prayer for the Prophets and their descendants and followers in a traditional
mosque in Maimbung. Her name is included in the Dalrymple's list of sultans but
is not inclueded in the Sulu genealogy, probably because she was a woman.
1680-1701 Regent Dowager Countess Charlotte Amélie de la Trémoïlle of Aldenburg
and the Barony of Kniphausen (Germany)
1680-1732 Lady of Doorwerth (The Netherlands)
After her father, Henri Charles, Duke de La Tremoille, demanded that they
converted to Catholism, she fled together with her mother, Emilie von
Hessen-Kassel. She ended up in Denmark, where her cousin, Charlotte-Amalie, was
married to King Christian V. Here she married Count Anton I von Aldenburg und
Kniphausen, the ilegitimate son of Count Anton Günther von Oldenburg-Delmenhorst
and Elisabeth von Ungnad, who had been created Reichsgraf. He had six daughters
by his first wife, Auguste Johanna von Sayn-Wittgenstein-Hohenstein (1638-66).
When he died after five months of marriage, she became regent for her unborn
child. Her son, Anton II, was born at 26th of June 1681, and was Baron of the
semi-independent Reichsfreie Herrlichkeit Kniphausen until his death in 1738,
when he was succeeded by his daughter, Charlotte-Sophie von Aldenburg. After he
came of age, she spend the rest of her life in the castle of Doorwerth in the
Netherlands, and lived (1652-1732).
1680 Governor Elizabeth de Carteret of Alderney (A Dependency of the English
Crown)
She was a member of the Andros family from Guernsey and second wife of Sir
George de Carteret (1660-79). She sold the patent to another Guernsey Andros,
Sir Edmund Le Breton, whom Charles II later appointed Governor of New York. He
delegated his authority in Alderney to another Guernseyman, Thomas Le Mesurier,
also connected by marriage to the Andros family and, after Andros died, through
various changes, the Le Mesuriers continued as hereditary governors until 1824,
when John Le Mesurier sold the Patent back to the Crown in return for a pension.
She lived (Ca. 1602-?).
1680-86 Princess-Abbess Elisabeth IV Albertina von Anhalt-Dessau of Herford
(Germany)
In 1686 she resigned in order to marry Heinrich von Sachsen-Wissenfels. Her
sister Johanna Charlotta was Princess-Abbess from 1729. Elisabeth Albertina
lived (1665-1706).
1680-83 Princess-Abbess Anna-Sophia II von Hessen-Darmstadt of Quedlinburg
(Germany)
She had been second in command of the Abbey-State since 1656 with the title of
Pröpstin and Coadjutorin from 1678. Her sister, Elisabeth Amalie Magdalene, was
married to the Catholic Count Philipp Wilhelm von der Pfalz-Neuburg and after
she converted to this faith, she tried to persuade Anna-Sophia to do the same,
but she remained a staunch protestant. Well-known author of religious literature
and poems, she was daughter of Landgrave Georg III von Hessen-Darmstadt, and
lived (1638-83).
1680-87 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Electress Magdalena Sibylle II. von
Brandenburg-Ansbach of the and Administrative Unit ofmFreiberg-Colditz and the
Vorwerk zu Fischersdorf in Sachsen (Germany)
Widow of the Elector Johann Georg II as his second wife, daughter of Christian
zu Brandenburg-Kulmbach (1581-1655) Ermuth Sophie von Brandenburg-Bayreuth,
mother of 3 children, and lived (1612-87).
1681-17? Queen Doña Veronica Guterres of Kongo (N'Dongo and Matamba or Ngola and
Mbundu) (Angola and Congo)
Suceeded her brother N'Gola Kanini II and was succeeded by her son Don Alfonso
Alvares, who was succeeded by a woman, who was killed 1768.
1681-93 Princess-Abbess Christine zu Mecklenburg-Schwerin of Gandersheim
(Germany)
She was the 16th child of Duke Adolf Friedrich I and the second daughter of his
second wife, Marie Katharina von Braunschweig-Dannenberg. After her death, her,
Marie Elisabeth, was elected as Fürstäbtissin and ruler of the Ecclesiastical
territorial. Christine lived (1639-93).
1682 and 1689-94 Regent Dowager Empress Natalya Kirillovna Naryshkina of Russia
After the death of her husband, Alexis, she became regent for her stepson,
Fyodor III, and held power from 27th of April to the 26th of May, but soon his
mother Mariya Ilinichna Miloslavskaya pushed Peter and the Naryshkin circle
aside. When Fyodor died childless in 1682, a fierce struggle for power ensued
between the Miloslavskys and the Naryshkins: the former wanted to put Fyodor's
brother, the delicate and feebleminded Ivan V, on the throne; the Naryshkins
stood for the healthy and intelligent Peter. Representatives of the various
orders of society, assembled in the Kremlin, declared themselves for Peter, who
was then proclaimed tsar, and Natalya became regent again 29th of May until the
29th of June; but the Miloslavsky faction exploited a revolt of the Moscow
streltsy, or musketeers of the sovereign's bodyguard, who killed some of Peter's
adherents, including Matveyev. Ivan and Peter were then proclaimed joint tsars
with Ivan's 25-year-old sister Sophia as regent. After Sophia was deposed,
Natalya became regent agin. Her name is also transcribed Natal'ya Kirillovna
Naryškina, and she lived (1651-94).
1682-86 Tzarevna Regnant Sofiya Aleksyevna Romanova of Russia
1686-89 Autocrat
Grand Duchess Sophia (Царевна Софья Алексеевна Романова) was the daughter of
Tsar Alexis and his first wife, Maria Iliyanova Miroslavkaya. She was well
educated and noted for her intelligence, energy and ambition. After the death of
her brother, Feodor III, she led a group of Miloslavskii boyars in a struggle
for power with her step-mother, Natalia Naryshkaina. She was extremely active in
internal and foreign policy. Russia concluded "The Eternal Peace" with Poland in
1686, and the Nerchinskii Treaty with China in 1689. There were also two
military expeditions to the Crimea. In 1687, the first educational establishment
opened in Russia: the Academy of Slavic, Greek and Latin Studies. In 1689 she
attempted to seize the Russian throne for herself was repulsed by Peter, and
exiled to the Novodevichii Monastery. After an uprising in her name by the
guards regiments in 1698 she was forced to become a nun under the name of
Susanna and she was put under heavy guard. She lived (1657-1704).
1682-1717 Queen Regnant Nony Sonbait of Sonbai (Besar) (Indonesia)
She reigned under a number of regents, in the period 1699-1708 the regent of the
kingdom in Eastern Timor was Ama Baki. Nony Sonbait lived (ca. 1666-1717).
1682-1705 Regent Dowager Rani Mangammal of Madura (Trichinapali) (India)
Regent for King Mutti Vriappa III (1682/5-89 and Chokkanatha II (1689-1731).
1683-1719 Princess-Abbess Maria Theresia von Sandizell of Obermünster in
Regensburg (Germany)
In 1704 she started the modernization and rebuilding of the Church and the
Abbey-buildings - so that it followed the Barock style.
1683-84 Princess-Abbess Anna Sophia II von Sachsen-Weimar of Quedlinburg
(Germany)
Daughter of Duke Johan Ernst and Duchess Christine Elisabeth von Holstein-Sønderborg.
She lived (1657-1704).
1683-86 Reigning Abbess-General Felipa B. Ramírez de Arellano of the Monastery
of Santa Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
The abbess was privileged also to confirm Abbesses of convents within her
jurisdiction , to impose censures, and to convoke synods.
1684/90-85/91 Titular Senior Rani of Attingal in Travancore (India)
The family follows matrilineal inheritance, according to male primogeniture. The
two senior Princesses of the Royal House, the mother of the Maharaja and her
sister, received the principality of Attingal in appanage, and were styled the
Senior and Junior Rani of Attingal.
Around 1684/90-after 1718 Titular Junior Rani Kartika Tirunal of Attingal in
Travancore (India)
Sister of the Senior Rani.
1684-1704 Princess-Abbess Anna Dorothea von Sachsen-Weimar of Quedlinburg
(Germany)
1698 the city was occuied by troops from Brandenburg, and the Dukes of Sachsen
sold the guardianship for 300.000 Taler to the Electorate of Brandenburg. The
territory had to give up both possessions and privileges. Anna Dorothea was
daughter of Duke Johann Ernst of Sachsen-Weimar and Elisabeth zu Holstein-Sønderborg
(1657-1704).
1684-1706 Religious Leader and Prophet Dona Beatriz Kimpa Vita in Congo
Portuguese forces had defeated the Kongo, the Christianity of Afonso I had
fallen into syncretism, a mix of Christian and African traditional religions,
and three ruling families contended for power. Into this political and cultural
vacuum a number of messianic prophets arose to proclaim their socioreligious
visions. The most important of these was Kimpa Vita, a young girl who believed
herself possessed by the spirit of St. Anthony of Padua, a popular Catholic
saint and miracle worker. She began preaching in the Kongolese city of San
Salvador, which she said God wished restored as the capital. Her call to unity
drew strong support among the peasants, who flocked to the city, which Kimpa
identified as the biblical Bethlehem. She told her followers that Jesus, Mary
and other Christian saints were really Kongolese. Kimpa conspired with the
general of Pedro IV, one of the contenders for the throne, but she was captured.
Both Kimpa and her baby - conceived by her "guardian angel" - were burned at the
stake for heresy, at the instigation of Capuchin missionaries. The Antonian
movement, which Kimpa began, outlasted her. The Kongo king Pedro IV used it to
unify and renew his kingdom. She was burned at the stake in 1706.
1684-1700 Politically Active Electress Sophie Charlotte von Hannover in
Brandenburg (Germany)
During most of her marriage she sought to influence her husband, Electoral
Prince Friedrich III (King of Preußen in 1701), even though the couple grew
apart over the years. She was a vivacious woman, who loved the court life,
entertaining, parties, music, acting, philosophical and cultural salons where as
her husband was strongly pietistic and did not enjoy the court life. She is
thought to have been instrumental in the downfall of the Oberpräsident (Head
President) Eberhard von Danckelmann in 1697. After her husband became King of
Preussen and she was crowned as Queen in 1701 she did not seek political
influence any more but continued her splendid life at court until her death. The
daughter of Ernst August von Braunschweig-Lüneburg, who later became Elector of
Hannover and Sophie von der Pfalz, who was named heir to the British throne in
1701, she was mother of two sons, and lived (1668-1705).
Until 1685 Sovereign Wild- und Rheingräfin Anna Sibylla Florentina von Salm zu
Daun (Germany)
Daughter of Johan Ludwig, Wild- und Rheingraf zu Daun and Elisabeth, Rheingräfin
zu Salm-Neufville. Married to Philipp Gootreide, Graf und Herr zu
Castell-Rudenhausen. The title means "Wild- and Count of the Rhine". She lived
(1648-85).
1685-97 Regent the Bendahara Paduka Raja of Johor (Malaysia)
Widow of H.H. Paduka Sri Sultan Ibrahim Shah ibni al-Marhum Yam Tuan Muda Raja
Bajau, Sultan of Johor, Pahang and Lingga and regent for son H.H. Paduka Sri
Sultan Mahmud Shah II ibni al-Marhum Sultan Ibrahim Shah, Sultan of Johor,
Pahang and Lingga (1685-99) until her own death in 1697.
1685-91 Princess-Abbess Agathe Juliane von Steprodt of Keppel (Germany)
Since it had been re-opned in 1650 as double-domniation chapter, it had been
ruled by a succession of Protestant and Catholic Abbesses. She therefore
succeeded the Catholic Johanna Maria von Holdinghausen.
1686-1709 Sovereign Duchess Anne de Rohan-Chabot of Rohan-Porhoët and León (France)
Daughter of Marguerite de Rohan-Frontenay, sovereign Duchess of Rohan from 1638,
and Henri Chabot, who was created Duke of Rohan in 1648. Married to François de
Soubise.
1686-98 Regent Dowager Duchess Anna Dorothea von Schwarzburg-Sondershausen of
Reuss zu Gera (Germany)
The widow of Heinrich IV, she was joint regent with another relative, Heinrich I
of Reuss zu Schleiz, during the minority of Heinrich XVIII. She was mother of 8
sons, all named Heinrich as all males in the Reuss-family: Heinrich XIII,
(1673-74), Heinrich XIV (1674) Heinrich XVI (1676-77), Heinrich XVIII, Graf
Reuss von Gera (1686-1735) (167-1735), Heinrich XX (1678-89), Heinrich
(1680-1731) (whose son, Heinrich XXIV succeeded Heinrich XVIII in 1735) and of
Heinrich XXVII (1683-1706), and she lived (1645-1716).
1686-89 and 1695-96 Reigning Abbess-General Melchora Bravo de Hoyos of the
Monastery of Santa Maria la Real de las Huelgas in Burgos (Spain)
A relative of hers (possibly her brother), Gabriel Rodríguez Bravo de Hoyos, was
Governor of Nicaragua 1689-93.
1686-88 Princess-Abbess Elisabeth V zu Hessen-Kassel of Herford (Germany)
She was the 11th child of Wilhelm of Hessen-Kassel and Amalie Elisabeth von
Hanau-Münsterberg, and lived (1634-88).
1686-1715 Princess-Abbess Anne Leonore d'Aspremont-Lynden of Munsterbilzen,
Dame of Wellen, Haccourt, Hallembaye and Kleine-Spouwen (Belgium)
Elected as successor of her aunt, Isabella Hendrika d'Aspremont-Lynden, she was
an ambitious and despotic woman, and used royal symbols in her seal and engaged
in disputes with the Prince-Bishop of Liège, who forbade her to use the title of
Princess and forbade the inhabitants in her territory to accept her as sovereign
Lady. As a result she forbade them to pay taxes to the bishop and in 1713 she
denied Austrian troops the right to collect supplies, and she also refused to
accept the emperor's demand that she acknowledge the bishop as her overlord. She
was daughter of Count Ferdinand d'Aspremont-Lynden and Elisabeth von
Fürstenberg-Heiligenberg. (d. 1715).
1686-1715 Politically influential Marchioness Françoise de Maintenon in France
In 1652 Françoise d'Aubigne married Scarron and entered the Literary Salons of
Paris. In 1669 she became governess to the children of Louis XIV by Madame de
Montespan, much to the dissatisfaction of the king, who did not like the extreme
gravity and reserve of the young widow. Françoise's talents and wisdom soon
attracted Louis' attention, and she became his confidant and adviser, and was
made a marchioness. She refused to become his mistress, and in 1686 she married
Louis to the "left hand", and exercised a disastrous influence on him,
encouraging a reactionary politics. She lived (1635-1719).
1686-1728 Politically influential Duchess Elżbieta Sieniawska in Poland
Daughter of Stanisław Lubomirski and Zofia Opalińska. Since 1686 she was married
to Voivode Adam Hieronim Sieniawski of Belz. After the death of king Jan III
Sobieski in 1696 she was the leader of the pro-France party in Poland. She also
fought for her the Hungarian Throne for her lover prince Franiszek II Rakocsy.
She was sometimes called "The First Lady of the Republic of Poland". She lived
(1667-1728).
1687-89 Regent Dowager Duchess Christine von Hessen-Eschwege of
Braunschweig-Bevern (Germany)
Following the death of her husband, Ferdinand Albrecht I (1636-87), she was in
charge of the regency in the name of her son Ferdinand Albrecht II (1680-1735),
who married Antoniette Amalia, the daughter of his cousin, Ludwig Rudolph
Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (1671-1735), and succeeded him shortly before his own
death. She lived (1648-1702).
1687-91 Regent Dowager Sultana Mariyam Kaba'afa'anu Rani Kilege of the Maldive
Islands
After the having poisoned her husband, Iskander Ibrahim, she became regent for
their infant son, Sultan Muhammad I. She was killed off Dunidu Island when a
spark from a victory salute blew up a powder magazine, destroying the royal
vessel in which she was sailing. Her son died shortly after of the wounds he
received in the explosion that killed his mother.
1687-1707 Sovereign Princess Marguerite de Créquy of Poix (France)
Only daughter of Charles de Créquy, who had Poix raised to a duchy under the
name of Créquy in 1652, but the title died with him in 1687. Poix became a
principality again and passed through to Charles-Belgique-Hollande de La
Trémoïlle, duc de Thouars, who sold sold Poix in 1718 to the widow of
Jean-François, marquis de Noailles.
1687-89 Saliha Dilaşub Valide Sultan of The Ottoman Empire (Covering Turkey,
Greece, The Balcans, parts of the Middle East and Northern Africa)
Her full title as mother of the sultan was Daulatlu Ismatlu Mahfiruzl Validi
Sultan 'Ahiyat us-Shan Hazratlari, and in some aspects she was considered as a
joint-ruler with theoretical jurisdiction over the women in the empire. Mother
of Süleiman II (1687-91), she lived (1627-89).
1687-1700 Princess-Abbess Maria Barbara IV Hager of Heggbach (Germany)
In 1689 the marjor part of the chapter fled for the passing French troops led by
General Mélac. But she managed to reneovate church of the chapter in baroque
style, even though it lead to an economical crisis in the territory. During a
number of years Prioress Maria Antonia Motz lead an internal opposition against
her and she was forced to resign. (d. 1715).
1687-1725 Princess-Abbess Maria Williburg Frey of Rottenmünster (Germany)
She rebuild the main building of the chapter.
1688-99 H.H. Paduka Sri Sultana Zinat ud-din Kamalat Shah binti al-Marhum Raja
Umar of Aceh Dar us-Salam (Indonesia)
The last of four consecutive female rulers, she succeeded her sister-in-law,
sultana Zaqiyat. At the time of her election, Islamic opposition increasingly
made common cause with dynastic and anti-commercial factors, and in the 1690s a
mission was sent to Mecca to obtain a fatwa against female rule. The opposition
to the established system became politically stronger as the trade wealth of the
merchant-aristocrats diminished with Aceh's gradually less central role as
entrepot. The eventual beneficiaries from the upheavals of 1699, however, were
not the Panglima Polem family but a Hadramaut Arab dynasty. Its advent
inaugurated a time of grave instability for Aceh, which never recovered the
orderly reputation the queens had given it. She was born as Putri Raja Setia and
was great-granddaughter of Sultan Mukmin, who ruled 1579.