Historian Elizabeth Norton joins me to talk about her new book Women Who Ruled the World: 5000 Years of Female Monarchy—from ancient queens to early modern powerhouses. We cover how she chose her rulers, the thorny language of “queen” vs “female king,” why so many societies accepted women only in crises, and the single pattern she kept seeing across five millennia. We also chat process: research vs writing, routines, and beating writer’s block.

What we discuss:

• Who made the cut (and who nearly did), and why
• “Queen” (consort/regnant) vs “female king” - does wording shape power?
• Forward-thinking cultures and serial roadblocks for ruling women
• Most transformative ruler vs most disastrous
• Empress Matilda & Lady Jane Grey: why are their reigns still “denied”?
• Why modern states stil ...