Women of History

• Melisende of Jerusalem

• Joan of Arc

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• Victoria Woodhull

• Emmeline Pankhurst

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• Jane Digby 

• Indira Ghandi

• Sirimavo Bandaranaike

• Fanny Pearson

• Lilian Ngoyi

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QUEEN MELISENDE OF JERUSALEM    Born 1111

Melisende ran the Kingdom of Jerusalem from 1131 to 1152 -­ the last nine of those years as a widow. She was a patron of the arts and visitors were often astounded by her elegant and luxurious home.  She was known for her lavish parties and ambitious building projects.  Crusaders were always welcomed.  She was a reformer and very controversial figure in her day. After feuding with her son Baldwin for years, she finally retreated to the grand abbey she'd constructed, but she still emerged to advise him from time to time.

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