Hatshepsut (Egypt): One of the most successful pharaohs, ruling for over two decades. Though originally a queen, she declared herself Pharaoh (c. 1473–1458 BCE), wearing traditional male regalia, commissioning massive building projects, and expanding trade networks.

Kubaba (Sumer): The only woman listed on the ancient Sumerian King List, ruling the city of Kish around 2500 BCE. Originally a tavern keeper, she laid the foundation for a dynasty.

Cleopatra VII (Egypt): The last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom (69–30 BCE). She navigated complex civil wars, used unparalleled political savvy, and formed strategic alliances with Rome's most powerful men.

Boudica (Britain): The warrior queen of the Celtic Iceni tribe (d. 61 CE) who led a massive, bloody uprising against occupying Roman forces

There are also those what wielded tremendous authority like

Nefertiti (Egypt): The Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten (c. 1353–1336 BCE). She wielded unprecedented levels of religious and political authority during the Amarna Period.

Enheduanna (Sumer): An Akkadian princess and High Priestess of the moon god Nanna at Ur. Living in the 23rd century BCE, she is recorded as the earliest known named author in world history.

Gorgo (Sparta): Queen of Sparta (c. 500 BCE) known for her intelligence and political outspokenness. She acted as a key advisor to King Leonidas I and helped Sparta navigate the Persian Wars

Tomoe GozenPerhaps the most famous onna-musha in Japanese history is Tomoe Gozen, who lived during the late 12th-century Genpei War. Chronicled in the epic Tale of the Heike, she was celebrated for her legendary horsemanship, incredible archery, and fearlessness. She served the warlord Minamoto no Yoshinaka as a commander, described as a match for a thousand ordinary men, and was a terrifying presence on the battlefield