Spanish novelist, poet, and playwright. His most famous work, Don Quixote (1605-15), a picaresque tale of chivalric literary influences gone wrong, is one of the great landmarks in the history of fiction.

English poet, playwright, and actress, born Susanna Freeman and also known professionally as Susanna Carroll. Centlivre was considered among the most influential female playwrights of her time, alongside Aphra Behn, with some of her plays being performed for over two centuries. Centlivre was married thrice—her first husband, supposedly Sir Stephen Fox, died less than a year after the couple wed. Centlivre's early biographers claim that she then married an army officer by the name of Carroll who died in a duel a year and a half into their marriage.

Daughter of Count Francesco Cenci, who abused his wife and raped Beatrice numerous times. After unsuccessfully reporting him to authorities, Beatrice, her stepmother, and her brothers murdered the Count. They were tortured and executed, becoming a legend of resistance to tyranny.

Living in the third century C.E., the legendary St. Cecilia was among the most revered of the Roman virgin martyrs and the patron saint of music and musicians. Her feast day is celebrated on November 22nd.

See Newcastle, Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of.

Roman poet and contemporary of Julius Caesar, whose love poetry was particularly influential on subsequent poets.

Roman statesman, orator, and follower of the Stoic philosophy.

Often known as "Catherine the Great," Catherine II presided over a period of prosperity in which Russia, after which the country emerged as a world power. Born Sophie von Anhalt-Zerbst, she came to power in consequence of a coup overthrowing her husband, Peter III. She saw herself as an enlightened ruler, writing on education and patronizing the arts.

Though born a Polish peasant, Catherine became the mistress and then the second wife of Peter the Great of Russia. Catherine had a short two-year reign as empress following her husband's death.

Daughter of Charles VI of France, wife of Henry V, mother of Henry VI, and grandmother of Henry VII. Catherine's marriage with Henry V aimed to eventually make Henry the King of France and end the Hundred Years' War, but Henry died before the plan could be executed. Catherine remarried Owen Tudor, making it possible for her grandson to ascend to the English throne.