17. Queen Christina of Sweden (1626-1689)
Christina�s father wanted to make sure his daughter was tough enough to rule, and so gave
her a �masculine� upbringing: her favorite childhood hobby was bear-hunting. Christina assumed the throne at age 18, but abdicated
only ten years later under increasing pressure to marry and produce an heir. Instead, she left Sweden dressed as a man, a practice
she continued on and off for the rest of her life. She converted to Catholicism and moved to Rome, where she received special permission
to dress in men�s clothing. She is one of only two women ever buried in St Peter�s Church in Rome.
