When it comes to women in power, we’ve come a long way … right? Join Dr. Kara Cooney, professor of Egyptology, for a look at a time in ancient history when women ruled the world. 

Kara Cooney is a professor of Egyptian Art and Architecture at UCLA who specializes in the study of craft production, coffins, and ancient world economics. Cooney earned her PhD in Egyptology from Johns Hopkins University in 2002 and has studied nearly 300 coffins in collections around the world. In 2014 she released a biography titled The Woman Who Would Be King: Hatshepsut’s Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt on one of Egypt’s poorly known leaders.

Often neglected in the history books, women of ancient history were considered exceptions to the rule, political pawns in a patriarchal society. But their power and influence is undeniable. Cleopatra used her sexuality—and her money—to build alliances with warlords of the Roman empire. Neferusobek was the first woman to definitively take the title of King. Nefertiti is known more for her beauty than for bringing a fractured Egypt together. What can we learn from how these women ruled? Dr. Cooney shares some illuminating answers. February 13 at First Interstate Center (previously INB Performing Arts Center). 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.