Intelligence Squared The Powerful Women Who Made History
Jan 6, 2023
Simon Sebag Montefiore, a prize-winning historian, and Kate Mosse, an award-winning novelist, dive into the overlooked tales of powerful women throughout history. They discuss how figures like Cleopatra and Boudica have shaped narratives while often being overshadowed by men. The conversation highlights the importance of re-evaluating history to include women's contributions and challenges traditional power dynamics. With humor and insight, they inspire a deeper appreciation for the impact of female warriors and leaders in shaping our world.
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Women's Erasure from History
- Women's historical erasure stems from limited access to writing and learning.
- Continued exclusion results from a lack of legacy curation after death.
Family History as a Lens
- Simon Sebag Montefiore uses family history to provide an intimate perspective on world history.
- He treats all families, from the Incas to the Habsburgs, with equal importance.
Theodora's Shifting Image
- Procopius wrote three contrasting biographies of Theodora.
- These portrayals ranged from prostitute to savior, highlighting how historical narratives can be subjective.
