The Sultanate of Women: A Harem Like Never Before!

What comes to mind when you picture a Harem in the Ottoman Empire? Gyration? Debauchery? Grapes? We're here to tell you that the reality was a lot more complicated, a lot less sexy, and a lot more interesting. And things really got cool in the Harem during the 16th and 17th centuries when the women of the court had more power and influence than ever before, and played the political game with panache. It was the Sultanate of Women, and they were kicking ass and building infrastructure! 

Further Reading:

• Sultanate of Women: Various Dimensions of Ottoman Harem (The Independent)
• The Sultanate of Women (Saints, Sisters, and Sluts)
• Feminine Power in the Ottoman Harem (Phillip Emeritz)
• The woman who oversaw 3 generations of the Ottoman Empire (Daily Sabah)

Madame de Pompadour: A Mistress to Top Them All!!

Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, better known as Madame de Pompadour, was probably the most successful and influential "official mistress" in western history. She captured Louis XV's attention, along with everybody else's, with her wit, style, charm, and boundless energy. From theatre to architecture, gardening to philosophy, encyclopedias to politics, this busy lady had her fingers in just about everything at Versailles and beyond. You'll just swoon for this fascinating seductress! 

Further Reading: 

• Madame de Pompadour (biography.com)
• Madame de Pompadour (Chateau de Versailles)
• Portrait of the Marquise de Pompadour (Louvre)
• Jeanne Antoinette Marquise de Pompadour - Woman of Influence (The Culture Concept)