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10 Women Who Ruled the Renaissance
The 16th century was a time of immense change across the globe. For many historians, it marks a massive shift in the way the world operated; it is often considered the beginning of modernity. We may regard the 16th century as the time of Shakespeare and the conquistadors, but women also played a powerful role in many of the major events around the world.
In 10 Women Who Ruled the Renaissance, you will explore the lives of 10 extraordinary women who exemplified the spirit of the 1500s - an era dominated by adventure, discovery, and cross-cultural exchange. As you learn their stories, you will witness the landing of the Spanish in Mexico, travel across the steppes of Asia, sail on ships off the coast of Africa, and visit the courts of European power. From patrons and pirates to witches and wanderers, you will meet the women who helped to shape the modern world in their own unique ways. Some of these women, like Malinche of the Aztecs, have complicated legacies that demonstrate how the basic drive for survival shaped so much of human history. Although you may be familiar with larger-than-life figures like Queen Elizabeth I, many of these extraordinary women may be new to you.
Throughout this course, you will meet the individuals who broke with tradition to seek fame, wield power, and foster emerging artistic movements reflecting bold new ideas. At the same time, you will learn how a global commercial revolution brought unimagined wealth, changing rigid social structures that had been in place for hundreds of years. As you learn about women like Agnes Waterhouse, Ma Shouzen, Abbakka, and others, you will see a side of Renaissance life that textbooks often ignore, and you will come away with new respect for the trail-blazing women who have made their mark upon the world.
Length: 4 hrs and 59 mins
In 10 Women Who Ruled the Renaissance, you will explore the lives of 10 extraordinary women who exemplified the spirit of the 1500s - an era dominated by adventure, discovery, and cross-cultural exchange. As you learn their stories, you will witness the landing of the Spanish in Mexico, travel across the steppes of Asia, sail on ships off the coast of Africa, and visit the courts of European power. From patrons and pirates to witches and wanderers, you will meet the women who helped to shape the modern world in their own unique ways. Some of these women, like Malinche of the Aztecs, have complicated legacies that demonstrate how the basic drive for survival shaped so much of human history. Although you may be familiar with larger-than-life figures like Queen Elizabeth I, many of these extraordinary women may be new to you.
Throughout this course, you will meet the individuals who broke with tradition to seek fame, wield power, and foster emerging artistic movements reflecting bold new ideas. At the same time, you will learn how a global commercial revolution brought unimagined wealth, changing rigid social structures that had been in place for hundreds of years. As you learn about women like Agnes Waterhouse, Ma Shouzen, Abbakka, and others, you will see a side of Renaissance life that textbooks often ignore, and you will come away with new respect for the trail-blazing women who have made their mark upon the world.
Length: 4 hrs and 59 mins
Audible Audio
Published June 16, 2020
9 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Joyce E. Salisbury
41 books14 followersProfessor Emerita of Humanistic Studies (History)University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 31, 2022
Enslaved people (women), orphans, from Mexico conquest all around the world and the sixteenth century from the beginning of it till the end women's contribution to the rise of individualism is undoubtedly proved.
10 Women Who Ruled the Renaissance by Joyce Salisbury, The Great Courses, Audible original narrated by Joyce Salisbury, is important and particular historical information. Some of the ten women I have never heard of in my life before, such as Malinche. However, some are known famously, the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth. Unfortunately, not all women were Royalty, which was carefully discussed by the author, who happens to be a retired professor of history.
10 Women Who Ruled the Renaissance by Joyce Salisbury, The Great Courses, Audible original narrated by Joyce Salisbury, is important and particular historical information. Some of the ten women I have never heard of in my life before, such as Malinche. However, some are known famously, the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth. Unfortunately, not all women were Royalty, which was carefully discussed by the author, who happens to be a retired professor of history.
July 3, 2021
The author's handling of Hernan Cortes & his situationship with Malinche.
I have no issue with Malinche nor how she is presented because I'm only passingly familiar with her.
The presentation of Cortes is historically inaccurate and racist. The author uses Spanish sources which are well known to be both inaccurate and racist. She only mentions Primary Native American sources as far as a painting. However history of this period from the point of view of the Indigenous folks does exist and MUST be referenced when this period is discussed.
Worse yet the author doesn't even acknowledge that her views on Cortes are controversial and that other views exist.
Its shockingly outrageous and offensive for the time in which this is published.
Worse yet this gawd awful Historian does The Great Courses talk on The History of Spain. So I already know I'll be correcting her as I go.
Sigh fucking sigh
I have no issue with Malinche nor how she is presented because I'm only passingly familiar with her.
The presentation of Cortes is historically inaccurate and racist. The author uses Spanish sources which are well known to be both inaccurate and racist. She only mentions Primary Native American sources as far as a painting. However history of this period from the point of view of the Indigenous folks does exist and MUST be referenced when this period is discussed.
Worse yet the author doesn't even acknowledge that her views on Cortes are controversial and that other views exist.
Its shockingly outrageous and offensive for the time in which this is published.
Worse yet this gawd awful Historian does The Great Courses talk on The History of Spain. So I already know I'll be correcting her as I go.
Sigh fucking sigh
September 14, 2021
A decent overview of 11 very interesting women -- although it is fair to say that I found other stories more interesting than others. Of course, I was here for the discussion on Malinche. Did the author include decent information about Indigenous viewpoints on this topic: no. She skimmed over a lot of complex issues that surround Malinche as a traitor, as perhaps a woman being used against her will, etc. There's just a lot that was glossed over here. (Perhaps a more-in-depth discussion could be had)
That being said, there were other lectures that for me just were not as well put together. While I appreciate Elizabeth I, I also found that for some reason her inclusion in this list was 'meh'. When looking at 11 different women, of course, you'll be getting a bunch of variables that make them similar (they're badass women) but different enough that sometimes all of the pieces do not fit together well. It was, simply put, hit-or-miss for me with this series of lectures.
Still definitely worth a listen!
The Lectures
1. Malinche: Aztec Advisor to Conquistadores
2. Mandukhai the Wise: Mongolian Ruler
3. Elizabeth I: Queen of England
4. Grace O'Malley and Sayyida al-Hurra: Two Pirate Queens
5. Agnes Waterhouse: English Witch
6. Isabella d'Este: Patron of the Arts
7. Ma Shouzhen: Ming Dynasty Painter
8. Gracia Mendes Nasi: a Jewish Woman in Search of a Homeland
9. Abbakka Chowta: Queen in India
10. Catalina de Erauso: The Lieutenant Nun
That being said, there were other lectures that for me just were not as well put together. While I appreciate Elizabeth I, I also found that for some reason her inclusion in this list was 'meh'. When looking at 11 different women, of course, you'll be getting a bunch of variables that make them similar (they're badass women) but different enough that sometimes all of the pieces do not fit together well. It was, simply put, hit-or-miss for me with this series of lectures.
Still definitely worth a listen!
The Lectures
1. Malinche: Aztec Advisor to Conquistadores
2. Mandukhai the Wise: Mongolian Ruler
3. Elizabeth I: Queen of England
4. Grace O'Malley and Sayyida al-Hurra: Two Pirate Queens
5. Agnes Waterhouse: English Witch
6. Isabella d'Este: Patron of the Arts
7. Ma Shouzhen: Ming Dynasty Painter
8. Gracia Mendes Nasi: a Jewish Woman in Search of a Homeland
9. Abbakka Chowta: Queen in India
10. Catalina de Erauso: The Lieutenant Nun
May 13, 2021
Salisbury chose a range of fascinating historical figures for her series of lectures about remarkable women of the Renaissance era, and while due to time constraints their portraits could not go into too much depth, there was plenty of interesting information to be found here. Regarding the final part about Catalina de Erauso, however, the author would benefit from learning a little more about the subject of gender identity.
February 8, 2025
Joyce Salisbury’s 10 Women Who Ruled the Renaissance (Audible’s Great Courses) is a fascinating dive into the lives of extraordinary women who shaped the 16th century. While the Renaissance is often framed around famous men - Shakespeare, Michelangelo, and the conquistadors - this course highlights the women who navigated, influenced, and sometimes defied their world’s expectations.
Salisbury brings these figures to life, showing how they wielded power, whether through politics, piracy, or cultural influence. But power didn’t always mean virtue - many of these women were products of their time, using whatever means necessary to survive and thrive.
Malinche - Translator and advisor to Hernán Cortés, she played a crucial role in the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs. A controversial figure, she was both a bridge between cultures and a symbol of betrayal.
Mandukhai the Wise - A Mongolian ruler who held her own against male-dominated leadership and warring factions, proving that strategic brilliance was not limited to men.
Elizabeth I – The “Virgin Queen” ruled with a mix of diplomacy and ruthlessness, balancing power with a masterful political image, but was quite “piratey” and determinedly unmarried.
Grace O’Malley & Sayyida al-Hurra – Two fierce female pirates from Ireland and North Africa, respectively. These women commanded ships and defied expectations, showing that piracy wasn’t just a man’s game.
Agnes Waterhouse – The first woman executed for witchcraft in England, a grim reminder of how persecution disproportionately targeted women.
Isabella d’Este – A major patron of the arts, she shaped Renaissance culture by collecting masterpieces - and sometimes people - showing that humanist education could be a tool for both enlightenment and control.
Ma Shouzhen – A Ming dynasty courtesan who was not just an entertainer but also an accomplished poet and painter, defying the limits placed on women of her status.
Gracia Mendes Nasi – A wealthy Jewish businesswoman who used her fortune to protect persecuted Jews across Europe and the Ottoman Empire - proving that power could be wielded through commerce and faith.
Abbakka Chowta – A queen of coastal India who resisted Portuguese colonial rule. Her story reminds us that history is shaped by memory, not just facts.
Catalina de Erauso – Perhaps the most astonishing of them all - she fled a convent, lived as a man, became a soldier, and carved out a life of adventure. Her story challenges gender roles centuries before modern conversations on identity.
Salisbury’s storytelling makes these women feel vivid and real, highlighting their complexities rather than reducing them to heroes or villains. And, as always with The Great Courses, there are fun historical asides—like the surprising antibacterial properties of cow poo (off to Google that now)!
A must-listen for history lovers who want a fresh perspective on the Renaissance.
Salisbury brings these figures to life, showing how they wielded power, whether through politics, piracy, or cultural influence. But power didn’t always mean virtue - many of these women were products of their time, using whatever means necessary to survive and thrive.
Malinche - Translator and advisor to Hernán Cortés, she played a crucial role in the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs. A controversial figure, she was both a bridge between cultures and a symbol of betrayal.
Mandukhai the Wise - A Mongolian ruler who held her own against male-dominated leadership and warring factions, proving that strategic brilliance was not limited to men.
Elizabeth I – The “Virgin Queen” ruled with a mix of diplomacy and ruthlessness, balancing power with a masterful political image, but was quite “piratey” and determinedly unmarried.
Grace O’Malley & Sayyida al-Hurra – Two fierce female pirates from Ireland and North Africa, respectively. These women commanded ships and defied expectations, showing that piracy wasn’t just a man’s game.
Agnes Waterhouse – The first woman executed for witchcraft in England, a grim reminder of how persecution disproportionately targeted women.
Isabella d’Este – A major patron of the arts, she shaped Renaissance culture by collecting masterpieces - and sometimes people - showing that humanist education could be a tool for both enlightenment and control.
Ma Shouzhen – A Ming dynasty courtesan who was not just an entertainer but also an accomplished poet and painter, defying the limits placed on women of her status.
Gracia Mendes Nasi – A wealthy Jewish businesswoman who used her fortune to protect persecuted Jews across Europe and the Ottoman Empire - proving that power could be wielded through commerce and faith.
Abbakka Chowta – A queen of coastal India who resisted Portuguese colonial rule. Her story reminds us that history is shaped by memory, not just facts.
Catalina de Erauso – Perhaps the most astonishing of them all - she fled a convent, lived as a man, became a soldier, and carved out a life of adventure. Her story challenges gender roles centuries before modern conversations on identity.
Salisbury’s storytelling makes these women feel vivid and real, highlighting their complexities rather than reducing them to heroes or villains. And, as always with The Great Courses, there are fun historical asides—like the surprising antibacterial properties of cow poo (off to Google that now)!
A must-listen for history lovers who want a fresh perspective on the Renaissance.
November 7, 2021
This wasn’t my favorite in the series I’ve read but it was still very interesting and she did a great job of representing women from all over. Whereas many other books only mention Europe or the west in general.
Again this is a primer not a deep dive. I plan to go back and learn more about these women.
I agree that I found the handling of Cortez to be problematic and perhaps some as others. I would have loved to see more Indigenous sources than western ones there.
To be honest, throughout I found her treatment of race and Indigenous people and slavery to be lacking in general.
Again this is a primer not a deep dive. I plan to go back and learn more about these women.
I agree that I found the handling of Cortez to be problematic and perhaps some as others. I would have loved to see more Indigenous sources than western ones there.
To be honest, throughout I found her treatment of race and Indigenous people and slavery to be lacking in general.
January 22, 2021
The narration of this audiobook is wonderful. When picking up this book, do so with the understanding that the women within it are flawed. These women are colonists, slaveholders, and one even had multiple accounts of murder. Don’t use this book to look for role models, but rather to see the gaps in history where women are so often left out.
December 22, 2025
I went into this book expecting a fairly narrow focus, assuming it would mainly centre on English women of the Renaissance, but I was so pleasantly surprised by how wide-ranging and expansive it turned out to be. Rather than staying within one country, Salisbury takes the reader across Europe and beyond, showing just how global and interconnected power, influence, and leadership were during this period.
One of the biggest strengths of this book is how many women it introduces who are rarely discussed, if at all. I learned about women I had never heard of before, each portrayed as complex, politically astute, and deeply influential in shaping the world around them. Salisbury makes a compelling case for why these women mattered, without overstating or romanticising their power.
The writing is clear, engaging, and accessible, making what could have been a dense historical topic genuinely enjoyable to read. This is a fascinating, eye-opening account that challenges narrow views of Renaissance history and highlights how many women have been overlooked. An excellent and enlightening read that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in history, power, and women’s lives.
One of the biggest strengths of this book is how many women it introduces who are rarely discussed, if at all. I learned about women I had never heard of before, each portrayed as complex, politically astute, and deeply influential in shaping the world around them. Salisbury makes a compelling case for why these women mattered, without overstating or romanticising their power.
The writing is clear, engaging, and accessible, making what could have been a dense historical topic genuinely enjoyable to read. This is a fascinating, eye-opening account that challenges narrow views of Renaissance history and highlights how many women have been overlooked. An excellent and enlightening read that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in history, power, and women’s lives.
June 9, 2024
If I have notions of Ancient and Medieval History, I have next to none about the Renaissance. I know about art movements and some European rulers, but I don't know much about anything else. So, this course taught me more that the other two I listened to,
Powerful Women Who Ruled the Ancient World
by Kara Cooney and
Powerful Women of the Medieval World
by Dorsey Armstrong, because I was mostly ignorant of this period.
My favorite parts were about Mandukhai, one of the Mongol Queens whom I hope to learn about in The Secret History of the Mongol Queens: How the Daughters of Genghis Khan Rescued His Empire by Jack Weatherford; Elizabeth I because she is an English Queen I know without really knowing her; the pirate queens Grace O'Malley and Sayyida al-Hurra, because it's still great to know that pirate women existed and could be queens too!; Agnes Waterhouse because she was one of the first "witches" to be executed and Ma Shouzhen, a Chinese painter I definitely want to learn more about. Of course, the other women were just as interesting, but I still had favorite courses.
I, once more, loved that the author tried to be diverse and to lecture about other parts of the world other than Europe and North America.
I really can't get enough of this series of lectures and I hope there'll be more by these authors!
My favorite parts were about Mandukhai, one of the Mongol Queens whom I hope to learn about in The Secret History of the Mongol Queens: How the Daughters of Genghis Khan Rescued His Empire by Jack Weatherford; Elizabeth I because she is an English Queen I know without really knowing her; the pirate queens Grace O'Malley and Sayyida al-Hurra, because it's still great to know that pirate women existed and could be queens too!; Agnes Waterhouse because she was one of the first "witches" to be executed and Ma Shouzhen, a Chinese painter I definitely want to learn more about. Of course, the other women were just as interesting, but I still had favorite courses.
I, once more, loved that the author tried to be diverse and to lecture about other parts of the world other than Europe and North America.
I really can't get enough of this series of lectures and I hope there'll be more by these authors!
January 20, 2022
Informative, but the title is a little misleading. The author didn’t focus on the women, but on the politics of the day.
March 2, 2022
I have listened to many of the lectures in The Great Courses and have enjoyed all of them immensely. I have found the lecturers to be well versed in their topics and provided in-depth and often entertaining talks. In comparison, this lecture series was simply ok. Perhaps a 2 1/2.
Although there was much that was new to me, I found myself frustrated by a lack of depth in many of the stories; the lecturers often flippant approach to language she used in describing people and situations; and ultimately even her use of what came out as an American south accent when she was quoting Chinese or Indian went from being comical to feeling like she was just being glib. The inclusion of Agnes Waterhouse seemed to not belong. Much of this story didn't really involve Agnes directly and it's a stretch to state that she is one 'who ruled the Renaissance'?
Ultimately, I was introduced to some fascinating women and learned a few things along the way, but in the end I feel too much was missed or was erroneous (as others have pointed out).
Although there was much that was new to me, I found myself frustrated by a lack of depth in many of the stories; the lecturers often flippant approach to language she used in describing people and situations; and ultimately even her use of what came out as an American south accent when she was quoting Chinese or Indian went from being comical to feeling like she was just being glib. The inclusion of Agnes Waterhouse seemed to not belong. Much of this story didn't really involve Agnes directly and it's a stretch to state that she is one 'who ruled the Renaissance'?
Ultimately, I was introduced to some fascinating women and learned a few things along the way, but in the end I feel too much was missed or was erroneous (as others have pointed out).
June 7, 2024
Joyce Salisbury delivers 10 entertaining lectures on women of the Renaissance and it is a tour de force.Some are well known like Elizabeth 1 of England but most are not, at least to a Western audience ,as Salisbury picks women from Mongolia, China and Mexico to highlight as well as Europeans.Some are rulers like Elizabeth 1 and Mandukhai of Mongolia , others patrons of the arts like Isabella D'este of Italy, lovers of powerful men like Malinche of Mexico with Cortes or Ma Shouzhen of Ming China, and some are simply rogues like the pirate Queens Grace O' Malley from Ireland and Sayyida al- Hurte from North Africa.But all made their way in a man's world and Salisbury recounts their stories with verve. From the title I expected another account of kings , queens and their courts( and there is some of that) but Salisbury chooses her characters from diverse countries and classes and rare will be the reader who does not learn something new from the series,
March 12, 2021
While this lecture series doesn’t provide a very comprehensive view of the world itself during the early Renaissance, it does provide 10 fantastic examples of the lives and achievements of remarkable people who lived during that time in many different places. Salisbury doesn’t limit her exploration of impressive personalities to one part of the world either, but her examples range from Mexico to India, from Europe to China. In this way, she captures perfectly what she describes as the dominant idea that rose during the Renaissance; that being the remarkable capacity for greatness in individuals no matter what hand fate has dealt them.
February 2, 2022
4-
This free short audiobook is part of the Great Courses produced by audible. The presenter, Joyce Salisbury, engagingly presents brief sketches of 10 women from diverse cultures who had significant impacts on their societies during the Renaissance. I had heard of only a few of them so I found the information interesting.
This audiobook does not attempt to give anything other than an introduction to these women so the listener shouldn't expect a deep analysis of them or their of their influence. For that, it would be necessary to seek more comprehensive sources on each of them.
This free short audiobook is part of the Great Courses produced by audible. The presenter, Joyce Salisbury, engagingly presents brief sketches of 10 women from diverse cultures who had significant impacts on their societies during the Renaissance. I had heard of only a few of them so I found the information interesting.
This audiobook does not attempt to give anything other than an introduction to these women so the listener shouldn't expect a deep analysis of them or their of their influence. For that, it would be necessary to seek more comprehensive sources on each of them.
February 20, 2024
This is a good history book. It is clearly and engagingly written, with a good pace and just enough but not too much context. I particularly loved the breadth and diversity of the choice of book’s subjects, that it wasn’t all Europe centred. One of my favorite stories was about an Indian queen. Then I also loved that it wasn’t all about royals and aristocracy as such books often are. There was a Sephardi Jewish merchant there, for example, and two women pirates. I learned a lot from this deceptively brief work.
August 14, 2025
I wanted more, this book was too short. My favorite chapter was Chapter 2: Mandukhai the Wise: Mongolian Ruler. In part because it closely followed, and reinforced my reading of “Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World” by Jack Weatherford back in April 2023. In fact, she mentioned his book. BTW, his book still remains one of my favorite books, it’s an amazing history.
But every chapter was good and filled with value. She chose some really incredible women to write about, like I said at the beginning the book was too short.
But every chapter was good and filled with value. She chose some really incredible women to write about, like I said at the beginning the book was too short.
March 18, 2021
I really enjoyed these ten lectures on women who ruled the Renaissance from all over the globe. The narration was alright and I could tell she was passionate and knowledgeable about the subject. I didn't really like the final lecture as I wasn't sure the author had a modern grasp on gender identity. Some of the language used to describe Catalina de Erauso wasn't how I would interpret her story.
May 25, 2023
These were interesting stories and I was pleased that I wasn’t familiar with most of these women. I could tell from the ones I did recognise that the treatment was rather superficial, but this was probably inevitable, considering the limited time allowed for each lecture.
I was also glad that the stories covered a number of continents, and weren’t limited to Europe.
I was also glad that the stories covered a number of continents, and weren’t limited to Europe.
January 22, 2024
This was such a great book! As a historian, I love learning all that I can about the eras I love the most. It always fascinates me to learn about women who were so influential that history actually remembers. Joyce E. Salisbury did a great job teaching about 10 amazing women, some of whom I had never heard of!
October 6, 2025
I liked looking at a fixed time period and compare/contrast what was happening with powerful women in different parts of the world -- Mongolia to Great Britain and beyond. Too often power is denied to women unless they are acting as regents for an heir. Elizabeth 1st was an interesting exception and maybe she resisted marrying to keep ahold of the reins.
March 11, 2021
It's quite entertaining - I guess it is not easy to piece the fragmentary information about the lifes of these women together. But the author succeeds quite easy to keep your attention and look with sympathy to those -mostly- very strong personalities!
April 27, 2021
Too many instances of facts stated that aren't true. Like listening to my father tell me history when he hasn't read any new information in 20 years. If you don't know anything about history it's a fine primer, but if you know anything about any of these topics you'll find errors.
July 20, 2021
Excellent narration and a plethora of good material on ALL women during the time period considered the "renaissance" not just European women. What will we discover in future years as more material is revealed?!! Highly recommend.
November 9, 2021
This audiobook/Great Courses series of lectures probably deserves 3 1/2 stars.
The focus is upon women who contributed greatly to the Renaissance. I think the professor made a good case. I'll probably listen to this course again.
The focus is upon women who contributed greatly to the Renaissance. I think the professor made a good case. I'll probably listen to this course again.
September 10, 2022
I enjoyed this lecture, although I am uninformed about some of the criticisms listed in other reviews below- so I cannot weigh on them. What I can say is that I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of the range of women featured in this story.
June 27, 2023
Fun, not always sure how accurate. I know more about Elizabeth I that most of the other figures and that chapter seemed odd. Made me a bit suspicious of the rest - I think the lecturer prefers a good story to a careful history - but enjoyable.
March 30, 2021
A really excellent lecture on Renaissance women covering non-european as t. Just fantastic.
June 8, 2021
Really informative lecture series - I didn't know of most of these women before, especially those from the Middle and Far East. Really cool to learn about them all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews