Women's History

Timeline, 4000 B.C. – 30 A.D.

4000 B.C.-30 A.D. | 1000-1200 | 1300-1718 | 1762-1896 | 1902-1999 | 2000+

Ancient Era

4000 - 3500 B.C.

According to Sumerian legend, the goddess Tiamet created the universe.

2700 B.C.

Merit Ptah was the earliest recorded female doctor.

2640 B.C.

Si Ling-shi, empress of China, is credited with developing the process for removing thread from the cocoon of the silk worm.

2500 B.C.

Pyramid construction begins in Egypt.

1570 B.C.

Queen Nefertari, known as "God's wife," helped rule Egypt with her husband, King Ahmose. She participated in temple rituals along with male priests and advised her husband on various building projects. After her husband's death, evidence indicates that she ruled with her son.

1490 B.C.

Queen Hatsheput rules in Egypt, claiming rights of pharaoh.

1360 B.C.

Queen Nefertiti rules in Egypt.

1200 B.C.

Fu Hao, woman warrior in China, leads military expeditions.

1180 B.C.

Spartan Queen Helen kidnapped by Paris.

1150 B.C.

Deborah leads Israel in victory over the invading Canaanites.

c.625 B.C.

Spartan women are the most independent of all in the ancient world; Sappho, Greek poetess, flourishes on the island of Lesbos.

51 B.C.

Cleopatra VII is queen of Egypt.

c.30 A.D.

Crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth; Christian faith established.

Sources:
Chronology of Women Worldwide, Gale.
Women's Firsts, Gale.
Women's Chronology, Gale.