Himiko
Himiko was a 3rd century Japanese shaman-queen known as Yamatai in Wa. Some debate to her identity, but she may have been Empress Consort Jingu who was in power around the same time.
Some believe that Himiko was the ruler of all Japan, but others argue that her power was limited to Wa.
Himiko came to power after 70-80 years of turbulence plagued by uprisings and warfare with China. She was recognized as ruler of all Japan by both Chinese and Japanese people alike, and she held control over diplomatic embassies across the country.
Himiko’s influence extended beyond Wa into several other kingdoms within Wa; however, it is most likely that hers was the most powerful—and may have been the head of a loose federation among about 30 states.
Known for being unmarried and living in a fortress where she was served by 1,000 women and guarded by 100 men (and possibly slaves?), Himiko ruled peacefully for about 50-60 years before dying in 248 AD. According to legend, 100 people volunteered to sacrifice themselves (or they were slaves who were voluntold?) so they could be with her in her tomb—a testament to how important & powerful Himiko was during her reign.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himiko
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/movies/a19481857/tomb-raider-himiko-real/
- https://www.worldhistory.org/Queen_Himiko/
Boudica
Boudica was a 1st century queen of the Iceni tribe in modern day Britain. She led an uprising against Roman conquerors, cementing her status as a British folk hero.
At this time, Britain was under Roman occupation from 43 AD to 410 AD.
After her husband’s death, the Romans ignored the will of Boudica’s husband & seized his property and annexed his kingdom into under Roman control.
Boudica led a unified Revolt of the Iceni and other British tribes, which destroyed major cities, including parts of modern-day London.
All in all, Boudica’s forces massacred between 70 to 80000 Romans and pro-Roman Britons in the three cities they burned, apparently mainly by torture.
Boudica was ultimately defeated, but not before her forces massacred between 70,000 to 80000 Romans and pro-Roman Britons in the three cities they burned, apparently mainly by torture.