The Dark Queens by Shelley Puhak (Head of Zeus)

A great reading treat, because history is usually written from a masculine perspective. Finally, female knowledge, wisdom, courage, and the way of ruling or leading the kingdom are highlighted.

The author brings back to life two very complex individuals, creating a vividly detailed portrayal of an unknown era and challenging some of the most entrenched assumptions about female dominance in our society. The Dark Queens provides evidence that female connections have the power to change the world.

Both ruled for longer than practically every previous king and Roman emperor. Fredegund reigned for twenty-nine years and was regent for twelve of them, while Brunhild reigned for forty-six years and was regent for seventeen of them. And these queens accomplished far more than simply keeping their thrones. They worked with foreign monarchs, participated in public works projects, and enlarged their kingdoms' territory.

This was a rare period of dual-female rule that neither has an equivalent in the early medieval world nor any true equivalent today.

The Merovingians, the dynasty to whom the queens belonged, have long been associated with conspiracies, whether they involve a secret Messianic bloodline made famous by The Da Vinci Code or an exiled computer program shown in The Matrix films.

The book's depiction of the times is astounding. Along with pomp, theology, and poetry from the sixth century, you learn about violence, deadly deceit, and unexpected death.

If you enjoy history, I strongly suggest this book.

4/5