Kara Cooney Books

Kara Cooney is a professor of Egyptology at UCLA. Her studies focus on afterlife beliefs, preparations for death and gender dynamics in ancient Egypt. Her previous book, The Woman Who Would Be King, is about the life and death of Egypt’s female king Hatshepsut.

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 Books: When Women Ruled the World by Kara Cooney

When Women Ruled the World

Kara Cooney
Six Queens of Egypt
4.1 (209 ratings)
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What's When Women Ruled the World about?

Ancient Egypt is a historical anomaly: the Egyptians called upon women to lead their country more frequently than any other culture. Tracing their rise to power within the authoritarian system of divine kingship, When Women Ruled the World (2018) tells the stories of Egypt’s six most important female leaders – Merneith, Neferusobek, Hatshepsut, Nefertiti, Tawosret and Cleopatra – and explores what lessons they hold about female leadership for us today.

Who should read When Women Ruled the World?

  • Folks who are interested in the history of female leadership
  • Women who want to be inspired by female trailblazers of the past
  • History buffs who want to learn more about life and death in ancient Egypt

What's The Woman Who Would Be King about?

The Woman Who Would Be King by Kara Cooney is a captivating account of the remarkable female pharaoh, Hatshepsut. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Cooney brings to life the political intrigue, cultural complexities, and personal triumphs of this ancient ruler. It offers a fresh perspective on gender and power in ancient Egypt, challenging traditional narratives and shedding light on a truly extraordinary woman.

Who should read The Woman Who Would Be King?

  • History enthusiasts interested in the ancient world and powerful female figures

  • Readers curious about the complexities of gender and leadership in different cultures

  • Those who enjoy biographies that bring lesser-known historical figures to life