If you exclude women from the historical record, it’s easy to lose sight of the significant contributions women have made. From the earliest military warriors who helped take down empires to previously snubbed scientists who were instrumental in critical discoveries, National Geographic’s November issue celebrates the rising power of women’s voices on the centenary of women’s suffrage in the United States.

In her recent book, Women Warriors: An Unexpected History, Pamela Toler highlights Cynane, Alexander the Great’s half sister, who commanded Macedonian armies before she was 20 years old, and the Arab queen Mawiyya, who led a 4th century A.D. revolt against the Romans. These warriors are among an important list of historical