The Archive
Every life we've recovered so far — from antiquity to the present day
Antiquity · c. 4th–1st century BC
Byzantine era · 5th–12th century
Medieval Balkan kingdoms · 12th–15th century
Jefimija
Nun and poet; first known woman writer in Serbian literature.
Helen of Anjou
Queen consort and patron of schools, churches, and charity.
Princess Milica
Regent of Serbia after the Battle of Kosovo; later a nun and writer.
Mara Branković
Serbian princess and Ottoman stepmother who became an influential diplomat.
Helena Dragaš
The last great empress-mother of Byzantium.
Anica Bošković
Poet of the Republic of Ragusa and woman of letters.
19th & 20th century
Laskarina Bouboulina
Naval commander of the Greek War of Independence; one of the first women admirals.
Milunka Savić
The most decorated woman soldier in the history of warfare.
Musine Kokalari
Albania's first major woman writer and political dissident.
Queen Marie of Romania
Wartime nurse and writer who championed Romania on the world stage.
Maria Tănase
The "voice of Romania" who carried folk song to the world.
Nadia Comăneci
First perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics, at age fourteen.