Women rulers
The 1500's were notable for the remarkable number of strong women rulers in Europe. Among them were Isabella I of Spain, Catherine de Medici of France, Mary I of England, Elizabeth I of England as well as Mary Stuart of Scotland and her mother, Mary of Guise. In large part, the abundance of dominant queens was a matter of chance. But these women also benefited from the relative peace Europe enjoyed during this period. In earlier, more warlike times, women rulers were likely to be overthrown or subordinated by their husband because rulers were expected to fight in military campaigns.