In the annals of history, queens have often been celebrated for their grace, wisdom, and leadership. Yet, amidst the pages of royal chronicles, there also lie tales of queens whose reigns were marked by tyranny, cruelty, and infamy. Join me as we unveil the stories of ten of the most notorious queens in history.

1. Queen Mary I of England: The   bl__dy Mary

Queen Mary I, infamous for her fervent persecution of Protestants, earned the moniker "bl__dy Mary." Her ruthless crusade to restore Catholicism to England resulted in hundreds of executions, staining her reign with bl__dshed and fear.

2. Empress Dowager Cixi of China: The Puppet Master

Behind the opulent facade of the Qing Dynasty lay the manipulative reign of Empress Dowager Cixi. Though officially a regent for her son and nephew, Cixi ruthlessly wielded power, suppressing reform efforts and leading China into decline.

3. Queen Ranavalona I of Madagascar: The Mad Monarch

Known for her brutal methods of governance, Queen Ranavalona I of Madagascar ruled with an iron fist, executing dissenters and instilling fear among her subjects. Her reign was marked by isolationism and resistance to European influence.

4. Queen Isabella I of Castile: The Architect of Inquisition

While revered for funding Christopher Columbus's voyage to the New World, Queen Isabella I of Castile also initiated the Spanish Inquisition, leading to the persecution and expulsion of thousands of Jews and Muslims from Spain.

5. Empress Matilda of England: The Unyielding Usurper

Engaged in a bitter struggle for the English throne known as "The Anarchy," Empress Matilda's ruthless pursuit of power left a trail of destruction across England. Despite her tenacity, she failed to secure her claim, leaving a legacy of turmoil.

6. Queen Athaliah of Judah: The Bloodthirsty Usurper

Ascending to the throne through treachery and murder, Queen Athaliah of Judah sought to eradicate the royal line of David. Her reign was characterized by violence and idolatry, earning her a place among history's most despised rulers.

7. Queen Joanna of Naples: The Black Queen

Queen Joanna of Naples's reign was marred by scandal and cruelty, as she conspired in the murder of her own husband, King Andrew. Her subsequent rule was marked by corruption and nepotism, earning her the epithet "The Black Queen."

8. Queen Regnant Maria I of Portugal: The Fanatical Follower

Queen Maria I of Portugal's devout Catholicism drove her to persecute those deemed heretics, leading to widespread oppression and censorship. Her uncompromising zeal earned her the nickname "Maria the Pious" but left a legacy of intolerance.

9. Empress Wu Zetian of China: The Ruthless Ruler

The only female emperor in Chinese history, Empress Wu Zetian's reign was characterized by Machiavellian intrigue and ruthless suppression of dissent. Though she wielded power with cunning and guile, her legacy is tarnished by accusations of tyranny.

10. Queen Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba: The Warrior Queen

While celebrated for her resistance against Portuguese colonization, Queen Nzinga's reign was also marked by brutality and deception. Her pursuit of power led to betrayal and bloodshed, cementing her place among history's most feared queens.

In the annals of history, these ten queens stand as stark reminders of the darker side of royal power. Their reigns, marked by cruelty, oppression, and tyranny, serve as cautionary tales for generations to come.