Ancient Queens

Exploding the traditional myth that view queens as simply an appendage to the king, these essays explore the social and cultural constructions of female power. This volume does more than merely identify and describe queens, but rather, offers its readers an understanding of the roles of these 'dominant women', situated within archaeological discourse that change our assumptions about female-ruled societies. Examining the ancient societies in Asia, North and South America, Europe and Africa, the authors explore the powerful positions held by queens, as well as the role that gender played in their kingdoms. Spearheading the notion that 'women's work' is not the same in all cultures, the contributions in this volume compel readers to rethink gender relationships and ideology in our cultures.

Sarah Milledge Nelson is John Evans Professor of Archaeology at the University of Denver, where she is faculty in the Anthropology Department and Director of Asian Studies. Some recent books include The Archaeology of Korea (1993), The Archaeology of Northeast China (ed.)(1995), and Gender in Archaeology (1997) which won the Choice Outstanding Academic Book Award.