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When Women Ruled the World

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When Women Ruled the World

By: Kara Cooney
Narrated by: Kara Cooney
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This riveting narrative explores the lives of six remarkable female pharaohs, from Hatshepsut to Cleopatra - women who ruled with real power - and shines a piercing light on our own perceptions of women in power today.

Female rulers are a rare phenomenon - but thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt, women reigned supreme. Regularly, repeatedly, and with impunity, queens like Hatshepsut, Nefertiti, and Cleopatra controlled the totalitarian state as power brokers and rulers. But throughout human history, women in positions of power were more often used as political pawns in a male-dominated society.

What was so special about ancient Egypt that provided women this kind of access to the highest political office? What was it about these women that allowed them to transcend patriarchal obstacles? What did Egypt gain from its liberal reliance on female leadership, and could today's world learn from its example?

Celebrated Egyptologist Kara Cooney delivers a fascinating tale of female power, exploring the reasons why it has seldom been allowed through the ages and why we should care.

©2018 Kara Cooney (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ancient Egypt Gender Studies Royalty Historical Women Pharaoh Ancient Egypt Biographies & Memoirs Middle East Social Sciences Inspiring Africa World History

Editorial Review

A feminist take on ancient Egypt

I won't lie, there was a point in my life where I dreamed about becoming an Egyptologist. And with so much history to explore, there's still a part of me with an insatiable appetite for more. For another layer of interest, Kara Cooney adds a touch of women's history as she discusses some of the female pharaohs who led this powerful and legendary civilization. From Hatshepsut to Nefertiti and Cleopatra, Cooney manages to synthesize modern perceptions of womanhood and femininity with those of ancient Egypt—and what feels like our eternal struggle to put women in positions of power—combining two of my favorite histories. —Michael C., Audible Editor

Fascinating Historical Insights • Compelling Female Narratives • Informative Egyptian History • Thought-provoking Perspectives

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Both are good independently and together they aren’t necessarily terrible, but it doesn’t quite work.

The Egyptology in this is great. Interesting look at ho women wielded power in ancient Egypt.

The thesis that women deserve to have power because they approach problems in different and sometimes better ways then men, OK doesn’t seem unreasonable.

But, the connection of the 2016 election to 2nd Millenia rulers was convoluted at best. Kind of felt like the publisher said hey your a feminist and an Egyptologist right? Respond to a Trump presidency. It didn’t really work.

Author does a great job with history and narration. I agree with her in principle. But, the book kinda feels like a NYT #metoo editorial got blended with a book on Egypt.

Like mixing milk chocolate and steak

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A captivating and compelling story! It was super interesting and well written, and not at all dry or dense (which I find nonfiction/history books can sometimes be). I loved the reading of it by the author. I was entertained and I learned a lot - all I could ask for from a book.

fascinating and well written!

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Dr. Cooney does it again. Fantastic addition to the reading list of anyone interested in the history of the near east, of power and decision making, and especially for those interested in better understanding the gender imbalance (and its impact) in both legacy and contemporary political systems.

Another outstanding work (and performance)

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I knew nothing about ancient Egypt before listening to this book. It was quite the experience.

This definitely isn't some kind of feminist agenda book. I do recommend it wholeheartedly.

Very interesting

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I loved this book. A deep dive into women that history tried to forget. The narration was exceptional and the unique struggles were inspiring. 10/10 Would recommend.

Inspirational as well as educational.

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